The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-10-15
Circumstantial Evidence.

Circumstantial evidence in criminal
cases, where man s liberty and life are
involved, should be at all times taken with
many degrees of allowance. To convict
upon it, is dangerous. It is better that
nine guilty men should escape than that
one innocent man should suffer. A strik-
ing case illustrating this view, has re-
Gently come to light. A few days ago
James M. Wilson staggered into the sta
tion House, on 18th street, Chicago, and
proclaimed himself murderer. He stated
when questioned, that he had killed An
thony Daley. at Ivy Hill, Pa, about two
years ago. 1t seems that Wilson had beer
sailor and then took to the occupation OF
tramp. Stopping at the house of a neigh
Dor of Daley he asked for night accommo'
dalton. He was permitted to sleep in the
barn. Next day he asked for work, but
the farmer had none for him, but referred
him to Daley, who had expressed a wish
to procure the services of a man on his
farm. Wilson applied to Daley and was
employed Several months after this
Mrs. Daley, with her sick child, made a
visit to her mother. Wilson and Daley
occupied the house alone and were fire.
quently seen together on and about the
farm. After this Wilson was seen riding
about IN sleigh alone, and then took sew
eral horses to Philadelphia and sold them.
Eating that Daley had authorized him to
do so in his absence. About this time the
house on Daley's farm was burned, and
then Wilson was missing. Enquiry re-
vealed the fact that Daley could not be
found and the conclusion was reached
that Wilson had killed him, and his re-
mains were consumed in the burned house.
No close investigation of the matter fol-
lowed, and as time wore on, the circum-
stances passed out of notice.
A man named Stahl was also missed,
and as dead body had been found in the
Wissihocken river, it was concluded that
it was that of Stahl Examination fol-
lowed and the testimony was strong that
the body was that of Stahl, and compan-
ion Of his was arrested, tried for the muir
der, on circumstantial evidence, and came
near being found guilty, q technical defect
in the chain saving his life.
The Incidents of the missing men had
almost passed away from the memory Of
the people of the vicinage, when the con-
fession of Wilson was given to the public.
It was discredited in Philadelphia and at
Ivy Hill, but the minute statement of
Wilson led to close examination, and all
the facts he mentioned were found to cor
roborate those connected with the find.
ing of the dead body of the person it was
thought was Stahl. The place where Will
son had thrown Daley correspondent with
that where this body was discovered, and
every particular as related by Wilson, ver-
flied by investigation. 1t is now regarded
as certain that the body was that Of Daley
that he was killed by Wilson. as he
states, and it was him that made way with
Daley He says that he does not want to
escape the consequences of his crime
that he deserves hanging and is ready to
meet his fate.
The Pennsylvania authorities have made
a requisition for Wilson, and doubtless he
will be made to undergo death on the gal
lows as the penalty for the crime he vol
unfairly confessed.
The history of this case shows the dam
ger Of accusing, trying and conyicting on
evidence. The lesson it
imparts ought to be impressed upon every
that the greatest caution might
% observed in arraigning and cendemning
man on evidence, other than that of di-
ect and positive facts going to show guilt