St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1877-04-13

profound sensation. About the same
hour the Globe was received, contain
ing his full statement, which was scan
ned with intense interest and varied
comment. Many of Phair's statements
are incorrect and are severely criticised.
That he could give them utterance IN
der the circumstances is almost beyond
comprehension. The action of the Gov
ernOr is surprise, and public opinion
here does not sustain him. A few COM
mend, but large majority condemn
the course taken, although the motives
that actuated the Governor are as yet
unknown.
BURLINGTON, VT, April 7. Phair's
statement is generally pronounced here
as very ingenious, and were it not for
his previous desperate character, pub
lie sentiment would approve his re-
prieve. Little doubt exists of his guilt
in the minds of those most familiar with
Phair, his antecedents and the circum-
stances of the murder of Mrs. Frieze.
This is said to be the opinion of Chief
Justice PierrepOnt of the Supreme
Court, Gen. Grandey of Vergennes,
Judge Wheeler of the U. S. Court and
Phair's counsel at his trial, Judge Dun
ton and Col.Veazey of Rutland. There
is little prospect that the Governor will
extend the respite beyond May 4.
WHAT PHAIR SAYS ABOUT HIS CASE.
VERGENNEs, VT, April7. Since Phair's
published statement was received senti-
ment has grown i'll his favor. There
are many yet who believe him guilty,
and cavil at Downing's statement. The
Governors action was fully Endorsed
last night when the news was first re-
ceived of Phair's reprieve. Phair's
friends will take hold, and efforts will
he made to secure favorable action from
the courts. Mrs. Phair's hopes are more
than ever raised. She thanks God that
Il light, though small, has been shown
by which her sons life may be saved.
WINDSOR, VI, April 8. Phair is now
recovering from the great strain which
has been made upon him during the
past week. In Il conversation to-day
he spoke freely of the matter, substan-
TALLY as follows:
''After my case had gone to the jury
and 1t had become too late to introduce
other evidence, it was found that two
witnesses could state that | was at
Brandon Monday evening, June 8; also
two others could state that they saw
Mrs. Frieze go by in Il carriage accom-
panied by two gentlemen, neither of
whom was myself; but the Supreme
Court did not think it of sufficient i'm
pOrtance to grant new trial. The
conversation had in the cars from Provi-
dence to Boston, June 10, recollected
and wrote it out, giving description
of tie cars, the depot ut Providence,
the course taken from there, also of the
man who kept Il restaurant, and gave
this to Mr.. Stearns, who said he was
going to Providence and would do what
he could for me, but instead took my
picture and followed the directions in
Dictated, found the man and brought
back word he could not recognize me
here.
Phair gave description of Mr. Down
ing, who he said was the same man
without doubt that took IL seat in the
cars. The pawnbroker testified it was
at five P. NJ, Tuesday, that he received
Il watch fiom Z. F. Smith, at which
time was just leaving the depot for
Providence. The name of Z. F. Smith
appears on the Adams House register
to be the last one under date of June 9.
When in Rutland jail was requested to
wife my name, also L. F. Smith, st.
Adams, which slip the detectives took
to Boston and in three days returned
with register, containing Z. F. Smith,
that name appearing us copied from my
handwriting. Why should it have been
the last name under June 9, when |
reached Boston about two o'clock that
afternoon. | believe the Lord has di-
rected this thing, and have full faith
hat he will establish my innocence"