The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-12-14
fConc1uaed from First Paae. |
,ases. 1t may not always be wise, and we
nay sometimes forgive and restore q roguc.

cases. 1t may not always be wise, and we
may sometimes forgive and restore rogue.
But 1t Is natural, and it 10 a curious illus
tration of the desire we have to give every
man the benefit of q doubt, most especially
after we have pronounced his condemna-
ton. But to my mind, in the case of MIR.
Thomas there was more than this. He had
the benefit of an unspottcd character He
had borne himself well here during long
life, and he was entitled TO the advantage
to be derived from long, faithful and hon
est public service, and private good deport-
ment. think moral character well es-
tablshed should be favorable evidence for
every man, and the most positive evidence
should alone destroy it.. Against all intri-
cacy Of testimony, against all conflicting
statements on the part OF the accused,
against all apparent inconsistency, this
should stand as unimpeached testimony un-
Ill all ENHANCING circumstances are weighed,
and the overwhelming and confusing state
ments which surround the accused are
thoroughly understood. The advantage of
all this l gave MIR. Thomas. And now
am happy to say to you all, that this spon-
taneous acquittal, this natural tribute to
the character of Mr.. Thomas, has been
confirmed by examinations made since our
last meeting. Those of us who from de-
sire that public morals should in no way be
outraged or offended, allowed the storm to
rage unheeded, are now satisfied; and l
have learned that there is higher guide to
Judgment than mere accumulation OF
charges and statements alone. The ac-
counts of the almshouse show that no irreg-
ularity whatever existed there during the
administration of John Thomas and the
record of the board of selectmen shows
that on all occasions he was the first man
to examine all doubtful matters, and to
provide q remedy for all wrong. Of this,
the present board are entirely satisfied, after
the most careful investigation. And in
Justice to Mr.. Thomas, l must say 1t APP
pears that on one occasion, an irregularity
on the part or the keeper of the almshouse
was exposed by him, against the expressed
wishes of Mr. Ilsley, at that time his asso-
ciate on the board. 1t seems, moreover,
that the charge 80 freely made by one OF
our townsmen, that Mr.. Thomas had goss-
w cheated him in the sale of a COW, is
wholly unfounded, the animal having been
bought in the market by Thomas and re-
sold to the complainant, as his special de-
sire, without removing her from the ground.
She really never came into Thomass pos
session, and he knew no more about her
when he sold her than when he bought her.
when he sold her than when he bought
her. l state this now as an act of justice
to q valuable member of this club, andas o
warning to us all never to condemn a man
unheard. The evil of such course is in.
calculable and the fact that such an act OF
injustice may be committed without itt
merited punishment, encourages all intrig
ners, slanderers, and villains to do thel1
dirty work. congratulate you that this il
all over now. congratulate John Thomas
on his restored reputation in this town. And
shall congratulate the town when it man
ifests to him determination to bestow or
him once more her confidence and avail
herself of his valuable service.
Sand now l breathe freely" said Mr.
Howe; sand all my doubts are removed
The power of character is great, but the
power of undoubted testimony is after al
supreme in the mind of a guardian ant
guide of public morals and religion"
81 never believed word of the stuff,
said William Jones.
DR.. Parker thought the diagnosis wa
bad in the beginning. Squire Wright re
spected the sentiment and recognized thu
value of character; but he still leaned upoI
the legal power of the. evidence. TIT
school master said nothing ; his face toll
plainly enough what his feelings were
John Thomas. too, was silent and quietly
withdrew, Fastening home to Huldah ant
his fireside. All rejoiced that the war wa!
over. Peter Ilsley wished it had never be
gun. The club dispersed and every mar
went to his own home, ready now to appl.
the lesson of justice and charity which tn
last few weeks had taught. if7f o.