The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1854-12-13
LOUISIANA WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1854.

4.
"Gentlemen and friends! This world is all a
feeting show. The bell has rung and keep
you from your suppers. Briefly. found the
means to travel and test the ring Of my metal
among unprejudiced strangers wished to
achieve distinction, and return to my birthplace
but for what? Do me justice, gentlemen!
off Diaper with a triumphant elation! Not to
pounce on your aristocratic No 1, and link my
| destiny with the disdainful Diapers! No! But
| to choose where liked, eand have the credit Of
liking it! To have Slimford believe that if I
preferred their No. 9, it was because liked it
better than their No. 1. Gentlemen, am re-
publican! I may find my congenial spirit among
the wealthy may find it among the humble.
But want the liberty to choose. And l have
achieved it trust you will permit me to say.
Having been honored by the dignitaries of a
polis-haying eonsorted with candidate
for gubernatorial distncton-having been re-
corded in public journal as a companion Of
the vice president of this free and happy coun-
try-you will believe me when declare that
prefer Pepperidge street to Sassafras- will
credit my sincerity when, having been approved
by the Diapers sbetters, give them the go-by
for Dimitys! Gentlemen, have done.'
The reader will not be surprised to learn that
Mr.. Brown Crash is now prominent member
of the legislature, and an excessive aristocrat
| - Pepperldge street and very democratic
speeches to the contrary Notwithstanding.
Dr. GRAHAM's CAsE-The following mar
ration of an interview with doct. Graham, in
his prison, we copy from the New York Wall
his prison accommodations, treatment, ETC., are
strictly and literally true. He has been sub
ject to rigid prison discipline; no favors have
been shown him, and no discrimination made
between him and those convicted of the most
heinous and unmitigated offences. The reve-
lations made by the doctor of the animus, or
mental condition under which the act of killing
was committed, is deserving of credence, al
though not admissible technically, as legal ev-
idence, yet given under the circumstances,
| when not the least hope could be entertained
that the statement would have any effecti in mi
| tigatng his sentence or ameliorating his condi
ton, it is certainly entitled to belief. Perhaps
the worst enemy doct. Graham has will credit
his solemn observation, that he chad no malice
against COL Loring, and did not intend to kill
! him. We were intimately acquainted with
doct. Graham for many years, and always found
hima high-minded gentleman. We learn that
the exceptions taken in the doctor case came
up for argument in the superior court on the
18th ult., and the court, after an elaborate in
| vestigation, granted writ of error on the ex-
ceptions, returnable at the next quarter term
The Judgment of the court of oyer and termi-
ner is therefore suspended, and no further ac-
ton will be had until the point in error shall
have been disposed of.
A CONVERSATION WITH DR.. GRAHAM.-Many
persons suppose that station, wealth and friends,
have great influence in mitigating the punish
ment of criminals, but we have already shown
that doct. Graham, Notwithstanding all these
accessories, has been convicted Of a much high
er crime than many others tried about the same
time, although he was much less guilty; and
on recently visiting him at the tombs, we were
more fully impressed with the fact that such
is not the case.
We supposed that he mi ght possibly enjoy
larger liberty, and receive many favors denied
to others; but he is confined with the utmost
rigor, and has to endure all the indignities COM
mon to other prisoners.
No one is permitted to enter the CELL not
even his wife; and visitors are compelled to
converse with him through his grated door.
The doctor shook us warmly by the hand,
*I am very glad to see you, sir; the sun shines
so beautifully thatI almost envy you who have
perfect liberty.
We replied, doctor, public opinion is very
much against you, and it is generally thought
that you are suffering the penalty of your
crime.
I know it, replied he, but if my wife had
been permitted to testify, and the public knew
all the circumstances of the case they would
think differently. In my heart l feel perfectly
innocent of ever having premeditated any harm
to col. Loring.
We admitted that there were many mitiga-
ting circumstances in his case, but did not con-
sider him justifable in killing col. Loring.-
We were open to conviction, however, and
should like to hear narrative of all the cir
cumstances of the case.
The doctor willing complied, and made the
following statement, which, as near as recol
lection will permit, we give in his own words:
II arrived in New York on the first day of
August, 1854, at the st. Nicholas hotel, and
Immediately retired to the room assigned
me, and endeayored to set a servant by ringing
the bell in my room, but found that it was out
of order. I then went into the hall and rung
the hall bell for chaimbermaid; when she
came she brought me what l ordered. After
dressing for the day | went to the office and
told one of the clerks that my bell did not ring
he told me he would have it attended to imme-
diately; supposed it had. been put in order, as
l had no occasion to try it until the next morn
ing; upon failing to get an answer, as on the
morning previous, | asked my wife if the bell
had been fixed; she replied that it had not; I
was naturally somewhat annoyed, and went
into the hall to ring for a chambermaid, when
COL Loring came to his door, and in an angry
and excited manner said ''is it you ringing the
bell?'' told him it was; he replied "you had
a id sight better 60 to your room, and not
disturb me and my wife" He then violently
shut his door, and rang the bell again; upon