The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1880-03-10
Bates and Bowers Sentenced.

On Thursday morning last W. $. Bates and
Capers Bowers who were tried for murder and
found guilty, were brought Into the Court
room to receive the sentence OF death. Bates
was very pale and nervous. and when asked
by Solicitor CAN'T, what have you TO say
why the sentence Of death should not be pass
ed upon you" seemed very much moved, and
said that IL he killed stephen Bush he did not
know 1t, that he knew OF, and had naught
against him, end stated that he "a unpre-
pared to meet his God, and hoped that the
Judge would give him time to prepare. Bow
ers seemed steady Of nerve. chewed tobacco
freely, and had nothing to say, and was appa-
rently unaffected by the sentence. Both
Bates and Bowers were addressed by Judge
AIdrich In the following touching language,
which caused many TO sorrow nt the sad con-
ditlon OF the two men, who are to be hung on
the 26th day Of March, the last Friday In the
month
William S. Bates, Capers A. Bowers:
You have been convicted Of murder, and IT.
becomes my duty TO pass the extreme sem
tence OF the law. The indulgence Of bad pas
pions, unbridled will, stimulated by the use
of mean whiskey, have brought you to this
sad condition. In q long experience. have
not witnessed a more melancholy sight. The
dreadful oppression under which i now labor
no doubt weighs down the hearts Of all who
are silently waiting TO hear your final doom.
Unhappy youths! we young men In the
very prime of early manhood, fair to look up.
on and, apparently possessed OF all the quail
ties to make good and useful citlzens, at q
time when the State needs the aid OF all her
sons, how would you, even In q moment oil
passion OF phrenzy, hurry your comrades and
neighbors. rejoicing In such, like themselves,
to an Intilnely death. This is your crime and
now. you stand at the bar OF justice, to hear
the final sentence that will speed you 70 the
presence Of that Judge who, In thunder and
In lightning. on Mount Sinai, delivered to his
chosen people the commandment, now the
immutablc law OF CIVILIZATION. Thou shall
do no murder" You have violated the law,
trampled 1t under foot and ruthlessly and
recklessly slain your neighbors and victims,
without the shadow Of excuse.
Your trial has been fair and impartial, your
counsel has made the best defence, and the
most earnest appeal. permitted, and a jury Of
your country, after short elaboration, have
found you both Guilty" Truth and Justice
compel me TO say. the verdict Is righteous
would have been false to their oaths and nc
true guardians of the public peace. They
have done their duty, faithfully. like true;
brave men, who regard their obligations, and
realize their responsibility to Cod and TO so
ciety.
And so, young men you must prepare, fol
death, u death of your " making, an lgno
minious death, which you have merited by q
reckless violation Of the law of God and man
defied without cause and, so far as the proc
goes, without motive.
1t Is not in my heart to add to your con
domination and increase your remorse BY
1characterizing these murders. May God Tor
give you. And he will, If youask Him witt
sincere, repentant, contrite hearts. Seek Il
make your atoncment between now and the
day Of your execution. You nave the prom
ise, that before the silver chord Is loosed, The
vIlest sinner. though his sins be as scarlet
may be washed as white as snow. Improve
the hours now allotted you, by sincere repent
ance, and ascend to God with grateful praisel
for this Infinite mercy. There is no hope fol
you In time, your fates are sealed. He, alone
And II you bow down With humble, eontrite
repentant hearts. He will receive you. aue
the prayer Of the law, MAY Goo have mercy
on Your souls" be answered. -.
Iwillnot protract this painful ordeal. or adt
to your remose. by recounting the facts which
compelled the jury to find you Guilty. These
must be indellibly engraved on your, hearts
and ! trust, will be sincerely repented, so 81
to tit you for the dread change which nov
awaits you. May you so Improve the time al
lotted, that when you come to die you cal
hopefully say, Lord, receive my spirit.