Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-01-08
Sentence Passed upon Stokes.
Appearance AMI Remarks Of the Pris.
OGer.

Appearance ami Remarks Of the Pris.
| oner.
NEW YoRY, JAM 6, 1878
, This being the day appointed for passing
sentence on Edward s. Stokes, the most ex-
traordinary anxiety was manifested by thou
sands to obtain admission to the Court OF
Oyer and Terminer, where the last solemn
scene following the verdict of Saturday night
was to be enacted. The audience was COM
posed respectable citizens, including many
ladles, who obtained passes from the court
officials and were seated in court nearly two
hours before the judge entered. In City Hall
park, around the court building, crowds OF
the working classes stood watching the more
fortunate persons who were allowed TO enter.
There was most unusual excitement through
out the building inside, the crowds pushing,
struggling ind shouting. In the court itself
there was scarcely standing room. At half.
past ten O'Clock many ladies were glad to OBJ
tuin standing room; such WIS the jam thar
nobody was able to offer them seat A
small space was reserved in front of the
bench for the prisoner, his friends and the
officers.
Mr..Trcmaiae made another appeal for the
prisoner
The judge, the clerk having intnatcd to
asked him in loud voice, edward S.
Stokes, what have you 10 say why sentence
of death should not be pronounced upon you
for the crime Of which you have been con-
victed!"
The prisoner, looking on vacantly, replied
after Il brief pause, in a low aud somewhat
complaining tone Of voice: | have only to
say am innocent of the crime for which l
now stand convicted. did not Intentionally
violate any laws of the land. / would also
like to say noticed in one of to-days papers
an interview with one of the jurors, VIM.
Bowes think it is, in which he states that
it would be better that should not have gone
upon the stand. The reason was, that tes-
titled that the pistol with which Mr.. Fisk met
his death had never fred Off, when the jury
all knew that | had repeatedly at Saratoga,
with Col. Fellows. have only to say if that
intervies il true, that never fired that pistol
| eff at Saratoga, and that il has never been
discharged By Inc but twice. l know that all
| the testimony for the defence was viewed
tightly by the jury. | feel convinced Of il;
| kn|y public clamor has been raised by the
frequent murders in New York city l know
that the evidence of Thomas Hart, on which
| was convicted, is false and manufactured
from first to last, ard l believe the prosecu.
ton knew it, for District Attorney .Garvin
never alluded Ia II when addressing the jury
on the last trial.
Judge Doardman, fixing his eyes on the
prisoner. then addressed him as follows
Edward s. Stokes, you have been defended
by most eminent counsel, with most extraor
binary skill and devotion. You have been
supported and sustained By the sympathy oil
loving relatives and ardent friends. All that
wealth. affection or industry could DO for you
has been well and faithfully done. A jury,
carefully selected of intelligent and upright
gentlemen, have listened patiently and kindly
! TO your account of the most terrible act, as
we'll as the other evidence that has been PIT
in on your behalf. They have found you
guilty of murder in the first degree
highest crime known to our laws, in having
caused the death Of James Fisk, Jr., one
wear ago to-day. Tic verdict was wrung
from their jundsnlent, not prompted by their
hearts. | am sure do each juror but justice
in saying so-assuring you their concurrence
on this verdict the most painful act OF
their lives. That result is not the fruit Of
unkindness to you, but Of respect of and
obedience to the laws The evidence in the
case, even your own testimony, am con-
strained 10 believe, sanctions their conclusion
and justify their verdict. | am not conscious
so far as / am personally concerned. that l
have erred in any respect against you. Dur
! ing the progress of the trial | have endeav-
cred IN all eases Of doubt 10 give you the
beneti, OF tho doubt. To me remains the
painful daty Of proEouncing the law, not
alone as punishment OF your crime. but
also that by your example others may take
warning from your sad, unhappy fate. So
young, attractive in person, with SO many
fountains of joy yet untasted still greater is
my sorrow to realize the unmerited anguish
you have brought upon your family and
friends. Your disgrace is reflected upon
them who are pure, and you. dishonor casts
an unjust but inevitable stain upon them. 1t
is n fearful legacy to leave your famly-a
spectre that death alone can make vanish. IL
were idle. If it were possible, for me TO trace
the path from innocence 10 crime, TO tell the
fate OF unrestrained passions. l cannot do
it. Let the time which the law gives you b.
devoted to reflection of the past and repent
ance of your sins, and in preparation for the
great change SO terribly near you. DO not
delude yourself with the undertain hopes OF
pardon or cemency. Edward 5. Stokes, IN
obedience TO requirements of law, this court
orders and DEGREES that you be taken hence.
in custody of the sheriff of the city and
county OF New York, to the prison whence
YOU came and that you there be confined in
close custody by such sheriff until the 2G,h
of February. 1878, and on that day, between
IL O'Clock in the morning and in the after
noon, you be haneeif by the neck until you
are dead, and may God have mercy on your
soul ~
The prisoner was then handed over 10 The
sheriff and removed.