Daily Globe

A Verdict Against the Spy System.

On the evening after the acquittal of the star route defendants Col. R. G. Ingersoll was serenaded. In response he made the following remarks:

Well, my friends, if you must have it, I will say that to-day has proved that we have twelve honest men in the District of Columbia. [Cheers.] The verdict was right for two reasons:

First, because the jurors were honest, courageous men.

Second, because the defendants are innocent. The verdict will be of incalculable benefit to the District, and I will tell you why. It means the end of the spy, detective, and informer system here. The Department of Justice must now rely upon the evidence of honest men. It is glory enough for us to-night that we are not to be under the system of espionage that prevails in nearly every despotic country in the world. We want it so that every case can be tried on its merits. We want juries to find their verdicts on the facts and evidence. We want every clerk in every department to know that it has rights to decide honestly and without fear or favor; that he need not sacrifice his manhood in order to keep his place. We want to teach the administration that they cannot terrorize juries in this country. We want to teach presidents that they cannot force jurors to decide against their honest convictions. We have done something of this sort. We have shown the people that there is justice in the District. The verdict is a triumph for the whole American people. It is the end of the spy and informing system. It is not my victory, but the triumph of justice. [Cheers and shouts.]

Now, come in boys and see me. [Renewed cheers.]