The Republican journal., 1869-10-14
A DYING PROPHECY FULFILLED--AN IN.
NOCENT MAN EXECUTED.
From the Dublin University Magazine

FROM the Dublin University Magazine
In the year 1919. there was, in the nei OH
horhood Of Montgomery an ancient manor
house called Oakfield, which like many of
hose old structures losing its original impor-
lance from the increased size and convenience
Of modern buildings, had been converted in
10 a fam house. The late occupant, one
James Morris, had been an indolent and
rather dissipated man the farm consequent
ly fell into neglect and became improbable,
md he died in debt, leaving his wife and on
ly daughter in possession Of the place.
Shortly after his death the widow took into
her employment a young man from Stafford
shire, Of the name Of John New ton the hero
Of this little story, who had been strongly rec
commended to her by her brother; and well
md faithfully did he discharge his duties as
bailih, fully iustifying the praise and recon-
mendatons she had received with him. He
was an utter stranger in that part of the coun-
try, seemed studiously to shun all acquaint-
nice with his neighbors and TO devote HIM
self exclusively to his employer. He never
left home but to visit the neighboring fairs
md markets, and to attend the parish church
where his presence was regular and his con-
duct dcvout.
In short, though highly circumspcct in his
behavior on all occasions, he was melan-
rholy, reserved man, and even the clergy
man OF the parish, to whom he was ALWAYS
most respectful in his demeanor, entirely
failed in his cndeavor to cultivate an acquant-
ance with him. The farm, under his manage
ment, had become profitable, and the circuin-
stances of Mrs. Morris were, by his assiduitv
and skill, both prosperous and iourishino. In
Ibis manner more than two years had passed
and the widow began to regard him more as
friend and benetactor than servant, and
was not sorry to observe her daughters grow
ing affection for him, which appeared to be
rccprocated.
One evening in November, 1921, being de-
aimed longer than usual by business at Welsh
pool, Newton set out about O'Clock to walk
nome to Oaltield. 1t was an exceedingly
dark night, and he never reached home again
His family became very anxious, and upon
mquiring early the following morning al
Welshpool, they ascertained that he had beer
brought back to thattown not long after his
departure from it, by two men named Parker
md Pearce, who charged him with highway
robbery, accompanied with violence; an OF:
fence then punishable with death.
At the trial at the next assze he was bro.
bounced guilty, on the testimony of these two
persons, which was clear, positive and con-
SlStent throughout, was sentenced to be hano.
ed, and left for execution. He employed nc
counsel ana called no witnesses in his de.
fence; but upon being asked by the ,Judof
in the usual form, ''if he had anything to say
why sentence of death should not be passed
upon him." he made in substance, the follow
ing extraordinary speech:
My Lord, it is evident all | could saw r
opposition to such testimony would be yair
and hopeless. The witnesses are men o.
responsibility, and their evidence has appear
ed plain and conclusive, and my most solemn
protestatons of innocence could avail me
nothing. l have called no witnesses to char
acter, and upon such evidence the Jury coulG
pronounce no other verdict l blame then
not. From my soul, too, I forgive these
men upon whose false testimony have beer
convicted.
But, my Lord, 1 protest most solemnlv be.
lore this court, before your Lordship, and
above all, before that God in whose presence
l must shortly appear, l am certainly guilt
less OF the crime for which | am about to sui.
Ter. ! nave produced no one to speak in my
Dehall Two years have scarcely passed
since came to this country an utter strang.
or. l have made no acquaintances here he.
You'd the household in which | have been
employed, and where have endeavornd n
discharge my duties faithfully, honestly and
well.
Although l dare not hope and do not wish
that my life should be spared, vet It is nv
devout and earnest desire that the stain q,
this crime may not rest upon my name.
devoutly hope that my good mistress and he,
kind, excellent daughter may yet be convinc
cd that they have not nourished and befriend
ed highway robber. l have, therefore, il
humble devotion, offered a prayer to Heaven
and believe it has been heard and accepted