The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1886-10-06
CouId's Sentence,

WIN. +. Gould was brought before
Judge Nathan Webb, on Thursday last,
accompanied by his Counsel Hon. J. II.
Drummond, pleaded guilty to the several
indictments found by the Grand Jury and
received sentence of ten years in the
State Prison.
The following statements were read by Mr..
Drummond: have carefully read the copy of
the indictment which has been forwarded me by
my COUNSEL. | cannot say without examine
ton of the books OF the bank that all the
charges complained in it true as alleged,
but the fact still remains that | am guilty Of
improperly using the funds intrusted to my
keeping and it is just that should be punished
therefore. For this reason do not wish to
offer any defence. When left New York for
my home was sure that this struggle which l
was making with the vain hope Of retrieving my
error, must end as ii has then determined to
return, to give my aid in explaining the affairs
and thereby so far as lay in my power make re-
stitution for the wrong had done, and to bear
with what fortitude could command the pun
ishment which my acts should bring me to.
The first have done and it only remains for
me to suffer the penalty Of the law. wish it
could fall on myself alone. II would serve no
good purpose for me to state the causes which
have led me to this crime, nor to blame others
for not having warned me. 1t would in no wise
change my responsibility.
But it will readily be believed that in the be-
ginning, l had no design to take
account for. My intimate relations with the
institution, its management and its officers, led
me to different coursr or action in the outset
than should have pursued under different cir
cumstances.
But found myself heavy loser through the
az, and hail mt La
good the funds that had used. have tried
every means to keep up my credit. have
struggled hard to extricate myself from my
unfortunate position, and to obtain the means
to reimburse the bank and save myself and
those connected with me from this hopeless
ruin. In all this ! have failed. Nothing re-
mains to me but to undergo the sentence which
justice tempered as hope with mercy requires
the court to pronounce. WILLIAM f. GOULD.
Portland Sept. 80, 1886.
Judge Webb in passing sentence said
have no desire to say one single word which
will add to the burdens that rest upon this
fortunate man. The duty that rests upon me
is one compelling me to disregard all matters
of simple feeling and look to the public welfare.
1t is evident to everybody that of this sort
are Of the most serious injury to the community
in any light in which they can be viewed. II
the temptations Of such a position as Mr.. Gould
has held have been very great it il all the more
important that the viii OF the parties so exposed
to temptation should be fortified, upheld and
sustained by view Of the consequences. 1t is
in no spirit Of unkindness towards him, but
from simple regard to the public welfare, that
should determine the amount Of penalty
l must impose. am well assured that il it was
only himself that was concerned, if he was set
free now his punishment would be great as
any individual would be disposed to impose up
on him. act in the interest OF the public.
The statute confines me within certain limits.
There is an uncertainty never fully settled as
far as know, by the courts, as to the duty Of
the judge presiding, where distinct infractions
Of the statute are contained in the same indict- |
ment | shall treat this case in such way that |
if am required to deal with both | shall give |
the least penalty the law will allow me to each |
and not exceed the amount can give for one.
Mr. Gould was sent to Thomaston Saturday.