The Miami Times

JOHN FREED BY JURY

John E. Taylor, former clerk of the Magistrate Court in Nassau, who waxed eloquent Monday afternoon before being acquitted on 13 counts of falsification of accounts and forgery of checks and signatures. For nearly an hour

the 31-year-old student of theology, addressed the jury headed by Charles Higgs of Alice street. He said that although he was considered a playwright he did not attempt to dramatize in appearing alone in this case. He appeared without counsel, because he was confident that "innocence would always triumph, no matter the odds," he told the jury.

With reference to his family, Mr. Taylor said he must go through a period of rehabilitation after the trial regardless of the outcome. He said the ordeal of the trial has been nothing but a nightmare of indignity for him and he wished to be relieved of that ordeal. With tear filled eyes, concluding his address, he said that if he be found guilty he would be taken away from my wife and children and 70-year-old mother who was anxiously awaiting his return to America. He would never be able to return to his studies for the ministry and would never be able to fulfill his intentions serving his people in the Bahamas. His Lordship the Chief Justice congratulated him on his able defense. The courtroom was silent while the jury delivered their verdict of not guilty. The court was crowded and clapped and cheered as the verdict was completed.