Trial For Perjury.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 132, 11 May 1883, Page 2

Trial For Perjury.

A SCENE liV COURT.

There was rather a scene at the recent trial m England for blasphemy, Mr Justice North, addressing Foote, said — " You have been found guilty by the jury of publishing these blasphemous libels. The trial has been to me a very painful one, as I regard it as extremely sad to find a person to whom God has given such evident ability and intelligence should have chosen to prostitute his talents to the service of the devil m the way it has been done under your auspices. I consider this paper totally different from any of the works you have brought before me m every way whatever. The sentence I now pass upon you is that you be imprisoned for twelve calendar months." Immediately upon the passing of this sentence a scene of the greatest excitement and tumult ensued m the gallery, which was full of the prisoner's friend?. Kissing together, they burst forth into a storm of hissing, groaning, and derisive cries. Foote brought about a momentnry lull, as,looking towards the bench, be eried — "My lord, I thank you ; it is worthy of your creed/ but immediately afterwards the iiproar became worse than ever, several calling out.'f Christians, indeed V' and " Judge Jeffries." The judge ordered the gallery to be summarily cleat ed, which was done aftor gome trouble^by the T police.