Wild Scene In a Law Court.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 76, 28 August 1885, Page 4

Wild Scene In a Law Court.

A wild scene was witnessed m a" New York State Circuit Court a short time aero. A desperate criminal named Johnson, stood indicted for twelve counts of burglary, robbery, and attempts to murder. In tho face of his 'doom, he became more desperate, and boldly announced his intention to do any thing: to escape from prison. He was tried upon antindictment for assault, with intent to kill. The court-room was packed with people, and tho gallnry was crowded with ladies, because of tho prisoner's noted career m crime. District Attorney Hoag was just concluding his address to the jury, and everyone was listening intently, when Johnson suddenly leaped from the prisoner's box and rushed towards Mr Hoag, yelling out that he would kill him. WiH excitement rose m the court-room. The judge ran into a sHe-room. The district attorney escaped behind the witness stand, and the jury and court omVrs scattered m all directions. The women 'm the gallery screamed excitedly, ex■pjpcting to see murder committed before their eyes. County Judge Collins aud : B'cveral others caught hold of tiie prisoner from the rear and restrained him. Johnson is a powerful fellow and m a moment hetlnew them out of tho way. At last the sheriff and guards wore .on him, and then a desperate fight followed, and excitement became moro intense. Men yelled, " Kill him !" " Knock his brains out !" "Let's lynch him here!" and on« woman fainted. Two of the guards were fulled to the floor by Johnson's blows. The guards, however, beat him over the head with handcuffs from the rear. Exhausted by Joss of blood and severe poundings, the furious criminal fell to the floor and was handcuffed. He was carried back to the prisoner's box swearing vengeance. His face was covered with blood, aud his cheeks were like jell}'. He presented a horrible sisht. After some time the excited audience calmed down, and the jury returned to their box. Tho district attorney sank into a ch-ur and did not resume his address. The judge charged the jury m a few words. The jury retired, hot returned almost immediately and gave a verdict of guilty. The prisoner was brought m ironed and bleeding profusely. He was given the full penalty of the law, which was ten years' m Auburn Prison. The judgo then said it would he a farce to try Johnson on another charge the next day because of the .intense public fooling ngainst him after the affair of that day, which was tho most disgraceful ho had ever witnessed. J