The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-03-20

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he had something on his mind which
was pressing him down. In response
to question by the Court, the prison.
cr's counsel stated that they had in
tended 10 make two motions in relation
to the case; but that the prisoner had
informed them that ho was satisfied
they had done all they could for him,
and that he did not wish them to make
any further motion 10 his behalf. The
Judge then asked the prisoner it he had
anything to say why the sentence Of
death should not be passed upon him.
And then commenced scene which
will never be forgotten by those pres
ens; for If ever agony was depicted in
! the body of man,it was in the person Of
Richard Dowell, when, with cOuvulsivc
.obs. he replied, ~ haze" His
trembling limbs failed to support bis
body, and Judge Brannon told him to
be seated, and take as much time as he
desired to say what he wanted. At
ono time it appeared that his feelings
would ovcrpower him, and that he
would faint, but q glass Of watcr hand
ed TO him by Mr.. EdmistOn, revived
him. Then, between the great sobs
which seemed as il they would tear his
body asuudcr, he said,
81 DID THE DEED"
II vas hired BY Eckcs to do it; and
was urged on by Luusford and others
| I did not think l could be induced to
do such thing; but was hired and
coaxei aud they gave me whisky
With some kind Of drugs in it, until |
didu', know what was doing. They
told me tha. they would kill me if |
don't do it. ask the mercy Of the
Court~
THE EFFECT or TIE CONFESSION
was astounding. The rumors that q
confession would be made. had not re.
ceived much credence; and We are 10.
formed that it was entirely unexpected
by the Court. Lawyers and spectators
we're alike taken unawares and looks
of CHASTITY surprise were upon every
face. IA ioon as he coald recover
from tho excitement which naturally
prevailed. Mr.. Elmis,on, on behalf OF
the State, arose. and moved the Court
ID
SUSPEND THE SENTENCE
until the mex, term. While no special
reasons we're given for thi, application
they will readily appear to the intelll.
gent reader. Until sentence is passed,
10 veil is competent witness against
the other prisoners; and in addition to
this, will be able to throw sufficient
light upon the case Gf his statements
nrc lrue) as to very materially aid in
the prosecution of the parties named in
his confession. Of course bis own
testimony would be taken With some
allowance by jury; but still, the
moral effect of the confession upon
Eckcs and Lunstord is feaFfui.-Atter
some consideration. the Court az.
nouncet to the prisoner, that up'n the
application Of the States Attorney, aud
ia behalf Of the public Interests. the
execution of the sentence would be sus-
pended until the next term Of the
Court; but at the same time warned
Dowell that the sentence must be pro.
uouueed upon him. The Tcrdictof the
Jury made it the duty Of the Court to
sentence the prisoner to death and
from any duty imposed upon it by law,
tho Court would no. shrink.-Thc
prisoner was then remanded to Jail uu.
ill the first day Of
TIE NEXT TERM,
which will occur at any time it pleascs
Judge Brauuon to order special term
If he does not hold special tcrm,h how.
ever, the nex, regular term will com.
mepce on the 1st day Of September
next. But it is reasonable to suppose
that, il the business Of the Circuit else
where will allow Of it, a special term
will be held for the trial Of Eckcs.
Lunsford and Ilcrsman as soon as the
regular terms arc held 10 the ditiereu,
counties composing the Dis,ric..-lt is
supposed, that alter sentence has been
pronounced upon Dowell, petition
will be Immediately gotten up, praying
the Governor to commute the sentence
from death to Imprisonment for life,
which he has the power. under tho law
to do. That the Executive would Cx.
ercise clcmeney in this case is BY no
means ccr,uiu; ulthough. as we are
informed, it is usually done under slIn.
liar circumstances.
THE ORDER or TIE COURT
in relation to the suspension Of the
sentence, reads as follows:
State of West Virginia Upon an
Richard Doweil. for Murder
This day came tho Prosecuting At.
.orucy and the said Richard Dowcll.
who stands indicted for the murder Of
Johu K. West. was this day again SGT
10 tue bar in custody OF the Jailor OIL
this Court; and it being demanded OIL
him whether be knew or had any
thing 70 soy why the Court should not
now proceed to pronounce judgment
aud sentence ag.ilst him. according To
} law. Aud ,hercupOn the sud prisoner
asked aud obtained leave to make q
1.tnmnn, and did mike In onnn Court