The Evening Light

Now Tell Us, Was There Prejudice?

On Saturday afternoon Major Teel replied to Major Walton's address for the defence of Ben Thompson. Judge Noonan then delivered a long charge to the jury who retired at about 5 p. m. to decide upon a verdict. The majority were in favor of an acquittal but it was midnight before the jury intimated to the deputy sheriff that they had agreed. On Sunday morning the intimation was spoken of to Judge Noonan, who formally opened court, and the jury then declared that they found Ben Thompson not guilty. Mr. Thompson was immediately released, and after lunching with his counsel and a few friends at the Hotel Maverick, he left for Austin on the noon train.

The verdict gives general satisfaction and most people are saying "I told you so." It is understood, however, that Judge Noonan does not concur in it, and fears it will give an impetus to the use of the revolvers. In any case Ben Thompson has been severely punished by loss of his marshalship of Austin, prospective sheriffalty of Travis county, considerable money, and six months imprisonment in the county jail.