213 Slide – American State Trials 1918 Volume X Leo Frank Document

JOHN HODGES. 181

may be separated from your conduct, and guilt may be fas-
tened upon your actions, although the heart be innocent?

Gentlemen! so solemnly, so deeply, so religiously do I feel
impressed with this principle that I know not how to leave
the case with you, although at the present moment it strikes
my mind in so clear a light that I know not how to make it
more clear. '

If this damnable prosecution should prevail, it would be
the duty of the district attorney, instantly to arraign Gen-
eral Bowie, one of the witnesses in this case, than whom a
purer patriot never lived. Nay, half Prince George’s county
would come within its baleful influence.

Yet such is the law which the chief justice recommends to
you. His associate does not eoncur with him. In this con-
flict of opinions I ahould be entitled to your verdiet; but T
rest the case upon more exalted grounds. I call upon you, 98
you are honourable men, as you are just, as you value your
liberties, as you prize your constitution, te say—and to say
it promptly—that my client is not guilty.

THE VERDICT

The Jury, without hesitating a moment, rendered a verdict
of—Not Guilty,