Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-10-09
The Phalr Case.

Ntssrs. Editors My attention has recently
been called to very extraordinary and disngen-
uous article in the Rutland Herdld and Globe in
regard to the case of John p Phair. The article
states that after two trials, said Phar was con-
vcted of murder, and that the Governor Of this
stste was made the tool of the enterprlsing Bo-
hemians Of the Boston Globe. The accusation
against the Governor il unjust and insultngas
the statements OF the article are false In the
first place, Phair never had two trials He
had one trial and asked for another but his re-
quest was refused. TO the editor of the Rutland
Herald and Globe, request and the granting of It
are synonymous, petition for a new trial is a
new trial; prayer for food is food. Then again,
in the same article, the assertion is made that the
Adams House clerk positively identified "
Phair. This is utterly false Ofsll the witnesses
from Boston who testified on the point of identity
Mr.. Donovan, the clerk, was the only respectable
one, and he was almost the only one who did
not positively identify" Phair The pawn
brokers, however, were positive. It is singular
that in such case as this any man should have
the heart, not merely to misrepresent, but to
state what is positively untrue, as the writer
of the above mentioned article has done
What does that writer know of the influence
brought to bear upon Governor Fairbanks Has
he read all the aifidavits and the urgent letters
from representative all over the state in favor
of a repreve Has he read the letter which it is
whispered the editor himself of the Herdd q
Globe sent the Governor in Phar's behalf he
has not his impugnment of the Governors mo-
tives is premature and unjust. The constitution
conferred the power of reprieve upon the Gov
ernor for just such emergencies as the present
one. If Governor Fairbanks, under all the cir
cunstances of the case had refused to grant
a repreve we believe he would have deserved
and have received the condemnation of all Just
and humane men. Not only that, but the inter-
ests of the state in the prosecution of criminals
would have been irretrieyably injured large
class would always have believed Phair innocent
and it would hereafter have been hard indeed to
bring murderer to justice. Let this new evil
dence in phairs behalf be thoroughly sifted. II
it is found light and worthless let him be exc
cuted On the other hand, it, as we believe, this
new evidence is substantial let him have a new
trial, even though belief that he should be
executed by fair means foul is one of the thirty
nine articles in the creed of the editor of the Rut-
land HerdM d Globe.
Since completing the above the writer is in
formed that at last in addition to writing per-
sonal letter to His Exceency, this able and consist
ent journalist has been converted to the belief
that there is doubt as to the convict's guilt and
with large number Of Rutlands most honored
and distinguished oitzens-suuii rs Ex-Governor
Page ex-Judge Prout, Hon. G. A. Merrill. and
Judges Dow and Ellis, ct al the petition bears
the autograph of the Herdld managing editor.
Shall we look for any further consistent illusions
from the Rutland press or impartial revision of
the convict Phairs case ? C.