, 1877-10-05
CORRESPONDENCE.
SEATTLE, Oct. 3, 1877.

been one Of unusual interest to Seattlers.
The Exhibition of the King County In
dustrial Association, which commenced
in Yesler's Hall on Wednesday, 26 ult.,
and continued until late Saturday night,
and was successful beyond expectation,
both financially and expositionally. This
was the first exhibit of the kind in this
county, and certainly for variety, excel
lency and tastfllness OF display, re-
fected great credit on the managers OF the
society. We hear OF no dissatisfaction
with the awards, and it Is confidently an
ticipated that future exhibitions, as they
succeed each other from year to year, will
rise in increasing Importance andvalue to
the County.
Friday last was gloomy day to all
thoughtful persons in this community, be-
cause of the awful death penalty inflicted
on fellow-being who was by the usual
process of law, duly convicted of murder
In the tlrstdegree. The subject in this
case was man about 40 years of age,
named John Thompson. who in February
last, in a fracas with one Bennett near
RentOn, while in liquor, stabbed fatally
another man named Baxter who was try
ing to separate the combstants. MIR. Bax
ter, 1t seems, was man Of excellent
standing in the community where he
lived, and his death under such circum-
stances created an intensely vindictive
feeling toward Thompson. The Court
being In session at the time, the trial of
Thompson took place Immediately, and Oh
Friday night of the same week he was
found guilty as indicted, and the sentence
OF death was pronounced upon him. There
are those who think this sentence was just
because OF the reckless disregard of human
life which prevailed among the rougher
portion of the community, and which
needed such a severe lesson In order to
check its increase. Much the larger por-
tion OF our citizens, however, take more
view of the matter, and
think that upon Thompson, as an indiyid-
ual, should not be meted out the punish
ment due to the crimes Of others, but only
such as his own particular guilt needed.
In this case, according to fair represent
tations of facts, Thompson was not guilty
of deliberate, premiditated and willful
murder; but being attacked by more
powerful man, acted on the selfdefense,
and, not knowing the purpose of Baxter's
struck back-handed blow
with knife which inflicted the fatal
wound. A well-writteu editorial in the
/" Dispatch OF this city, reflects the sem
timents above expressed, and Clinches the
matter as follows:
"The law limits the death penalty to
murder in the first degree and defines the
crime as clearly as language can specify
an act which can only be described by an
ticipated results, as premedated mali
cious, considered purpose to commit mur-
der, followed by the consummation of the
crime. Every incident must be complete
and beyond any reasonable doubt-the mo-
tive, intent object, premeditation and de-
reasonable doubt upon any
one Of these incidents gives to the un-
doubted murder the character and penelty
Of q lesser crime; If muTderOus in intent,
but without premiditation, then murder
in the I'd degree; If criminal assault
without manifest murtlerous intent result
ing in homicide, then manslallghter. The
intent of the law, which accords
with the spirit of the age, is that the PEN
a ty of death should only be awarded to
deliberate murderer, proved to be such be-
yond all reasonable doubt or mitigating
circumstances. Fa
Thompson suffered the death penalty on
Friday with the utmost comp0sue, assert
Ing on the seaffold his innocency of the
crime of Intentional murder. Sheriff
was very considerate and post
poned the execution till halEpast one o.
clock, in view of the hope expressed by
many that executive clemency might com
mute the sentence to imprisonment for
life, as petitionef for by many of the best
citizens of Seattle. Under his spiritual
adviser, Rev. DIR. Macfie, OF this city,
Thompson had been led TO the full enjoy
ment OF the consultations which Christians
ity aone can give To mortal man Ia the
exte mites of his misfortunes. He died
calmly, trusting In the merits of the
worlds Redeemer for acceptance with his
Maker. His execution is regarded as a
great wrong. and being the first execution
Of white man in the Territory under ex-
isting laws, 1t Is feared its influence may
not be as wholesome as II 1t had been a
clear case. H
Our city continues to show steady i'm
provement in various directions. New
buildings are In process Of erection both
here and In Belltown. The public schools
have all opened with large attendance OF
pupils, aud teachers bent on teaching skill
falIy the young ideas how to shoot.
The Territorial University under the
Presidency OF Prot Anderson Is doing no.
bly,; and boys or girls entrusted TO Prof.
49, -. A.