Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 March 1885 — MUST “DO TIME.” [ARTICLE]

MUST “DO TIME.”

Judge Blodgett Imposes Sen* fence on Messrs. Mackin and Gallagher. They 6* to the Penitentiary for Two Tears and Pay a Fine of Each. [Chicago telegram.] Two yean’ imprisonment in the penitentiary and a fine of ss,<k)o was the sentence which Judge Blodgett imposed upon Mackin and Gallagher, convicted of conspiracy to tamper with the returns of an election in the Second Preciqct of the Eighteenth Ward. The case of Gleason, 'convicted of a like offense, was not considered, and the probabilities are that he will be let off with a nominal sentence. After listening to arguments by prisoners’ counsel urging a new trial, the Judge ordered the defendants to come forward, when Deputy Marshal Jones, who had taken a 6tand behind Mackin while the colloquy between the attorneys had been going on, gave the chief defendant a little push, at which Mr. Mackin looked very angry. His face assumed its usual expression of defiance, however, and he marched np to the judgment seat, followed by Gallagher, who was the calmer of the two. As they stood facing the Judge, a physiognomist of the keenness of a Lavater could not have told what passed in their thoughts, so perfectly had they themselves under self-control. The Judge never glanced at them, but read rapidly from a paper which he had prepared while the arguments were not yet finished; “The sentence and judgment of the court is that yon, Joseph C. Mackin, find you, William J. Gallagher, be nojv remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal, and that that officer of the court convey you to the penitentiary at Joliet, within the period of ten days, to remain there committed, each of you, for the term of two yeais, and that each of yon pay a fine of $5,000." There was a dead silence in the room when the Jfidge ceased speaking. The defendants never flinched. Mackin heaved a convulsive breath, but his face did not move. His eyes were almost completely hidden by his shaggy brows. Gallagher looked straight ahead, as if he saw Sear through the stem Judge, through the massive wall, and out into freedom, which had just been cut off from him for two years. “The punishment does not commence,” Judge Blodgett broke the silence, “until the defendents reach the penitentiary. There are ten days till then, during which the defendants are in the custody of the Marshal, and will be accessible for any legal steps immediately to be taken by the defense. With reference to Gleason the case stands as left by the jury. His attorney is prevented fey sickness from pressing any immediate motion, and the case will come up in its regular order. ”

Then Judge Blodgett quickly slid from his seat and hobbled into his private office. The defendants, now prisoners, were taken charge of by the Deputy Marshals and were rapidly marched off toward the Marshal’s office. Thevorowd followed, jostling each other, some silent, some triumphant, and some cursing until the air was streaked with blue —all were eager to catch a glimpse at the stolid faces of the prisoners, but they were thwarted in their efforts. People in the Marshal’s were ready for the emergency. The door of the apartment was open when the column appeared, and it was locked as soon as the prisoners and their escort were fairly within. No one was allowed to enter after them. There are some forms of legal procedure yet to be gone through, but none of the friends of the prisoners expect any favorable results from these formalities. Executive clemency now seems to be the last anchor of hope for the ex-Secretary and his friend.