The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1885-11-06
The Governor and Council.

AUGUSTA, NOV. 5.-Ine Governor ana
Council gave a. hearing today on the petit
tion for commutation of the sentence of
Daniel Wilkinson, the Bath murderer. Her
bert NJ. Heath, ESQ. appeared for the mur-
derer, and County Attorney Buker of Saga
dahoc and Attorney General Baker for the
State
Wilkinson's counsel contended that he
might be technically guilty of murder in the
first degree, but the killing was not of the
cold blooded character which should con-
sign a man to the gallows; that while the
Barrows murder was one of the most diabol-
ical type, having been premeditated and COM
mitted in most unhuman manner, Wilkinson
killed his man on the spur of the moment
when his life was endangered, and it would
not be just to give Blaney and his compan-
ion life while the Englishman was hung for
crime of lesser degree.
The counsel for the government held Ethat
Wilkinson on the night of the murder went
to Bath with the general intention of killing
whoever opposed him, carrying deadly
weapon for that purpose, and meeting Law
renee shot him down. Judge Libbey's de-
cision in the case was cited and the counsel
further stated that if Wilkinson was not
guilty of murder in the first degree then it
was the duty of the court in which he was
tried to ascertain it and not for the Governor
and Council.
The Council voted not to take any action
in Wilkinson's case.
This safternoon Messrs. William Emery
and Ira Drew of York county appeared be-
fore the Governor and Council in behalf of
Communication of sentence for Mrs. Barrows.
The arguments employed were that
Blaney's testimony was prepared for him by
Detective Wood, and the truth was so inter-
woven with untruth that it was difficult to
separate the two and more credit was thus
given to it than it deserved. Again counsel
for the prisoners were not allowed to see
Blaney before the trial while he was repeat
edly visited by the County Attorney and
Detective Wood. In the trial Mr.. Yeaton,
counsel for Blaney would not consult with
the counsel for Mrs. Barrows regarding the
defence of the prisoners, or their trial would
have resulted differently. No evidence was
offered though special emphasis was placed
upon the fact that Blaney and Barrows had
several times had serious disagreements and
it was claimed that these resulted in Blaney's
decision to commit the murder. There was
no evidence to prove that Mrs. Barrows had
ANYTHING to do with his reaching that decis
ion.
A letter from Judge Virgin who tried the
case was read by the Governor in which that
gentleman urged commutation of Blaney's
sentence and the matter was then laid upon
the table till the next regular meeting of the
Council.
Bylaws prepared by Hon W. W. Bolster,
trustee of the Maine Reform School for the
school were presented to the board and ap-
proved.
Four Bath gentlemen appeared before the
Governor and Council today urging the ap-
pointment of James Bailey of Bath, spec
ial constable for the enforcement of the IL
quor law in Sagadahoc county, and presented
evidence to exonerate Bailey from the
charges made against him. The Council will
give hearing on the matter at the next
meeting, Nov. oath.
Died from Her Injuries.
Mrs. Cuthbert, colored who was seriously
burned Sunday night died of her injuries
this morning.
Thanksgiving Day.
Gov. Robie issued his Thanksgiving procla-
nation today fixing the day Thursday, Nov
26th.