The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-12
UNJUST CONVICTIONS,


1t is claimed, though with what reason is
yet to be shown that clew has been found
to the real perpetrators of the Ashland (Ky.)
murder, wherein three children were killed,
and for which crime Neal Craft and Ellis for
feited their lives, and that these men were
really innocent. It will be remembered that
the evidence against them was purely circum-
stantial, and many held that they were inno-
cent. 1t is explained that ''several philan-
thropic gentlemen" have interested them
selves in the matter-a little late, it must be
confessed-and have hired detectives to hunt
up all the evidence in connection with the
tragedy. If the story should prove true, a
monstrous wrong has been done three inno-
cent men. There is enough in it at Last to
demonstrate that the greatest care should be
exercised in all cases Of doubt 1t is for this
reason that lynchings are crime and fire.
quently serve to defeat justice.
How easy it is to be mistaken in a mans
guilt when the evidence seems strong against
him, was demonstrated in an incident that
happened in town in the western part of this
State few years ago. A poverty stricken ne
gro appealed to hotel-keeper for food and a
nights lodging, and was 80 earnest in his plea
that it was granted, and he was allowed to
sleep in a room not used as sleeping room,
but reserved as receptacle for the numerous
bits of lumber and rubbish that accumulate
about hotel. During the night fire broke
out in that room, and it was with difficulty
that the house was saved. The negro was no.
where to be found; he had evidently fled in
terror. The instant conclusion was that he
had attempted to burn the house, prob
ably with the intention of commit
ting robbery during the excitement in
cident thereto. A vigorous search was
at once Instituted, and it is quite likely that
he would have been killed had the indignant
people found him. Fortunately for all con-
cerned, he escaped The next day it was
found that the fire had originated from the
The SCOT had gathered at the base of the
chimney, and, taking fire, had burned off the
paper that had been pasted over the unused
fue. From this fire had dropped into the
room, and started blaze. Had the house
been consumed the origin of the fire would
probably never have been discovered. The
negro would have been run down and killed.
or, escaping that would have been sent to the
penitentiary. The circumstantial evil
dence against him could not have
been broken down. He occupied
an unused room, in which there
was no stove and no fire, but the very
night he is given permission to sleep
there fire breaks out, and comes near de-
stroying it, WHILE if further evidence were
wanted of his guilt, it is furnished in his
fight Had the house burned, and had the
man been hanged by mob, or sentenced by
court, there would not have been one chance
in million of the truth ever being known
For had any one found the fue hole in the
ruined walls it would probably not have oc-
CURED to associate it with the fire. or, if it
had, it could not then be proved. The land
lord learned a lesson at that time that he says
he will never forget and he is quite sure that
he will never condemn man on any but the
most positive circumstantial evidence