Scene in A Chicago Court.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 221, 24 September 1887, Page 2

Scene in A Chicago Court.

Assistant Distinct Attorney Walk°i made the opening speech for the proe«eeution, on August 3id, in the case of the boodlei^ (can't name for oflice-holdors who accept bribes.) In the course of his remaiks he alluded to each of the eleven accused, and when he came to Dan Wren, who, despite his name, weighs about three hundred, Mr Walker said, " He is the most contemptible swindler of the gang. He has neither soul nor heart ; he is all body, from foot to head, and, big as he is he is corrupt every pound of him and every drop of blood in him. Three hundred pounds of corruption ! — an astonishing; moment of tuipifcucle. l£c approached Robinson and got a bribe. He got flno payments as Chairman of the Charities Committee. He is tho greatest falsifier and denier-in-chief of tho whole gang of thieves. He has admitted nothing practically in his record ; he has denied everything. He has had more stealing on his side than any one of tho others '" j Walker continued in this strain for some I time, and finally accused Wren of having perjured him&elf on the stand, " You're a liar !" came thundering from tho defendant's corner, and the ponderous commissioner rose, steaming with pas-uon, from his chair. Instantly all was commotion, Walker's face turned crimson ; his eyes [sparkled like fire. ''Yes," ho cried, "I i repeat it. Dan Wren, you're a perjurer." You'ie a liar!" yelled Wren, as with ! clenched hands and teeth he made a step towards the State's advocate. It was a moment of suspense Then the men faced each other a moment, and again Wren shouted " You'ro a liar!" "Cease this,"' commanded the judge- ; " don't let me hear another word out of your head, Wren," and, in another moment, Wron was forced into his seat by a couple of bailiffs. His counsel took exception to Walker's remarks. Walker, continuing, said : " Everybody knows Dan Wren ; tho record shows him to be the meanest criminal of this mean lot." Wren, who had struggled to his feet in spite of tho bailiffs, and was glaring savagely at Walker, again exclaimed, "You'ro a liar, and you know it," and then rushed out of the court room. The eleven defendants were convicted of conspiracy on August sth, and received sentence — eight were sentenced to two years' imprisonment in Jolieb penetontiary and throe to pay $1,000 fine. Tho trial and its result created a profound sensation in Chicago, as it was thought tho commissioners on trial were, from their political affiliations outside tho reach ot law.