The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1854-03-02
From The Wdynesburg Eagle.
David Jewell, the Murde rer.

Our Courts are constituted for the punish
ment OF the guilty and protection Of the in
oc en-: member of the human race. Vice is
corrected and virtue rewarded by them. We
depend upon them for the security OF oui
lives aud property. Danish or. destroy their
influence, we have nothing lettto shieldus
from rowdyism, arson or murder. Our
peaceful and quiet homes would become
slaughter houses, and The assassin would
march in broad day-ligh, and commit their
awfu deeds of brutality on the helpless VIC
tins of their rage or resentment. No one
would dare 10 molest or bring 10 punishment
the malignant, blood'hirsly wrelches who
now stalk abroad in the land.
The false sympathy that prevails in The
community at the present time, almost de-
bars conviction OF mnrderers. We are
constantly assailed with arguments that by
puni shing a murderer we connot bring 10
life the already dead. True we caunot
bring them back, but others are left, and
this filse sympathy only secures more spec
DIV departure OF their souls into eternity. Jn.
fors, through this .fttse sympathy or fear of the
assassin's knife, often refuse 10 perform theft
sworn duty, and pe1u'e their own souls
J Courts wayer in their firm and decided adj
\ mlnis,ration of public justice, and demean
their lofty and exalted station. Legislators
I lrembIe at the threats of the friends oil the
cuIprIt, and succumb to the He'll Of Vice and
J htiqnity 10 procure votes and voters 10 con.
/ iiuue them the rulers in our land. Th G NOR
al, upright and law abiding voters in The
community are disrega ded, their advice is
rejected, and their counsel overlooked, in
order that rowdy beasIly gang Of despera-
does may be satisfied. That such state Of
1 things exist al the present time, we shall al
tempt 10 satisfy every reasonable man.
Some time in July 1859, peaceable man
named Mitchell, lived in Piusburg, and was
in controversy on some iriAing subjec: with
connection of David Jewell The person
with whom he was conlending became irr-
taled, and hunted up Jewell, who lent his
! willing aid 10 assist his friend Three or
J four of them started after Mitchell who en-
deavored 10 escape with life in open day
! ligh, in the streets of the crowdsd city Of
Pit;sburg. Weare tutd by respectable Cit
izen of our Borough who was an eyewitness
to part OF The transaction that the motley
cretV first commenced assaulling Mitchell with
stones, and Jewell overlakng him thrust
knife into his heart. Jewell had no cause
of proYocalon against Mitchell. 1t is said
| he was not even acquainted with the man.
thus deliberatelY.h he committed wiliul and
unprovoked murder IN open daylight. Our
informant further stales that when the officer
arrested him he made an effort 10 lay his
hands on ayouh who had pointed him ou,
as tho assassin, and had he succeeded no
doubt the life Of the poor boy would have
also been sacrificed 10 the violent temper of
his murdetous heart This David Jewell
had fair and impartial trial by twelve ol
This counrymea. lie was convicted OF mur-
rder-in TIE first degree, and sentenoed lobe
hung. His case was further carried 10 the
Supreme Cour of the State, and in order to
give him lair hearing before that body.
| the Governor IN his mercy resplet. tho time
Of his sentence. The Supreme Court con-
lirmed the judgement OF the court below,
! and the Governor again fixed The time for
his execution on Friday the l0rh inst,
That fatal day arrived, the Sheriff was
prepared with the galIows, when the multi
tuds always anxious to witness such pro-
ceedings, are again informed that a further
respite from !he Cove nor is granted in de-
ierence 10 the legislative body who had the
subject before Them
This announcement has Produced conster-
nation amoug thinking men. The question
is asked by almost every one, "Have the
Courts OF Justice los their power? Have
they become mere resort lor sham or mock
cry Can their power be taken away or their
decisions 10 be rev oked by Legislature ?"