Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 May 1895 — A SHOWER OF MONEY. [ARTICLE]

A SHOWER OF MONEY.

Remarkable Scene at the Acquittal of Two Girls. One of the most remarkable scenes witnessed in a New York State court room was enacted at Ballston, Saratoga County, Saturday. During the week there had been on trial the case of Catherine and Elizabeth Nolan, two sisters, charged with poisoning their brother. The crime was alleged to have been committed at their humble home in Waterford last June and the motive assighed by the authorities was that the girls, who are 22 and 15 years of age, desired the insurance on his life. For ten months they had been confined in the jail at Ballston. The trial occupied all last, week, and the prosecution vainly endeavored to fix the crime upon them. It failed, however, to prove even that the young mah died of poisoning. The case was given to the jury at noon Saturday. They retired and took one ballot, which resulted in twelve votes for acquittal. When they re-enter-ed the crowded court room and announced their verdict, a wild scene ensued. Men and women shouted themselves hoarse to show their approval. All rushed forward to meet the girls. Bouquets which the prisoners held in their ( hands were rudely snatched from them and speared upon the floor for them to walk upon. As the grave judge descended from the bench to congratulate the girls, the foreman of the jury mounted to the seat vacated by him and, calling attention to the fact that the girls’ confinement had rendered them homeless and friendless, asked for contributions for their benefit. Spectators, counsel for both sides, the judge and the jury went down into their pockets and a shower of bank notes and coin rained into the juror’s hat. The girls left the court room amid cheering. Dr. H. C. Spencer, of St. Louis, Prof. L. McGuire, of Atlanta, Ga., and an unknown man attempted to cross Cbnch river to Clinton, Tenn., in a wagon. Dr. Spencer was saved by a ferryman, but Prof. McGuire and the unknown man were drowned.