Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-08-22
A CHANCE TO SOBER UP
The Big and Only John L. Sentenced to
Twelve Months in Prison.
Grand Jury and Officers Petition the
Court to be Lenient.
But the Stern Hand of Justice Doesn't
See it That Way.


PURyIs, Miss.-In the Sullivan trial
Saturday morning Attorney Calhoun,
previous 70 the sentence of Sullivan, read
10 the court the following: "The under
signed members of the grand jury, i'm
panelled ct the present term of coare,
who tried the case of the Safe VS.. John
/. Sullivan, convicted of prize lighting,
respectfully show TO the court that In view
of the fact that this is the first conviction
for the offense name in this state, aid
for other reasons, they respectfully rec
ommend and request that your honor will
impose no higher penalty than a fine of
one thousand dollars, and that
no ion Imprisonment be inflicted"
Ed. Davis was the only petit juror who
refused to sign. The grand jurors all
signed it, as well as Sheriff CLARK and the
officers of the court, justice OF the peace,
before whom the case was first tried.
Gen. Ford supplemented the petition by
a few remarks, ne said that he had an
opportunity to learn the public feeling
and sentiment in the matter and without
any exec ption it seemed a desire that
the court exercise as great degree of
clemency as possible. Then there was a
pause. Then a stir in the audien noe when
the silence was broken by Sullivan him
self The champion stood up before the
bar and speaking in loud, clear and
steady voice, said: "Your honor, desire
to make few remarks. | can only ask
for your clemenoy in this matter. No
doubt l have done something wrong,
butas my counsel told you, was ignor-
ant of the law. I am not as oratorical or
distinguished as the district attorney on
my right or my counsel who have ad
dressed you, and. therefore, l beg to re-
mark that am your humble servant,
Sullivan then sat down and looked at
the court awaiting his doom.
Judge Terrell after a moment
or Two asked for the petition
, present by Gen. Ford. 1t was an appeal
for mercy, and the fact that the court
asked for it was construed as a good
omen. After few minutes inspection
he folded it and laid it on the table and
said, "Stand up, Sullivan" Sullivan
stood up quickly. He threw out
his chest, looked the court full IN the
face and had evidently determined
upon perfect self control.
Judge Terral spoke slowly: SIT seems to
me that this prize fight at Richburg was
gross affront to tho laws of the state
where the authorities personally forbade
it. 1t seems to have been plished
with systematic arrangements and in the
presence of invited thousands. Il seems,
on part of ell connected with il, TO have
been studied TO disregard and show con-
TEN ot tor the law of the state.
They came from a1d through many
states whose authority and civilization
deferred them from any attempt as to such
public and lawI.ss conduct within their
limits, and they chose the state OF Missis-
sippi as the only fit ground for such g
combat. Indicating their utter contem pit
for the sentiments of Der people and the
laws of her statute books. The sentence
of the law is that as punishment for
the offense for which you stand
convicted you shall suffer i'm
prisonment for twelve months
in the county jail" Sullivan gloomily
| took his seat, none OF his friends spoke
to him then, it was best to leave him to
| his own reflections. However, when he
got under the railing to leave the court
room, he faced the sympathizing crowd
with broad smile. Mr.. Fitzpatrick took
| his place at the bar. "Mr. Fitzpatrick u
said the Judge, sin view of all that has
been said in your behalf, and which / am
disposed to believe is true, you appear
| to be gentleman who was only present
| at the fight as spectator and one who
did not intend to violate the law. In
view of the statements in your behalf l
sentence you to pay fine of $780,"
Capt. Fiz patrick bowed and thanked
the court. District Attorney Neville said
that he was anxious to go home today,
and asked that no more cases be tried
until next week. This was consented to,
and an agreement TO ALLOW sixty days
to file bills of exceptions was put
on record. Calhoun then made motion
for an appeal, returnable to the supreme
| court on the Sd Monday in February,
1890. That s. ctiop of the code for an
appeal of mis6em eauors fixed the bonds
from 500 to $1,000. The defense had
prepared a bond for the maximum
amount and presented it. j. W. Holle-
man, OF Parvis, and John Duffy we're
bondsmer. District Attorney Neville
announced the reception OF the
information of Jake kilrain' g
arrival here early next week and asked
the clerk to issue subpoena for Capt.
Fitzpatrick us witness in Kiirain's case.
Also against Bud Renaud and he wanted
the summons served before the witness
left the state. When Mr.. Fiiz patrick
came in he was Informed
that he was wanted and would be required
to furnish a bond of $500, to appear
when wanted. The ex- referee put on as
pleasant a face as possible. Col. j. B.
Denison, of Hattiesburg, became his So
curity.
MERIDIAN, Mission the appeal OF
the case to the supreme court,
Svliivan's bond was fixed at $1,000 for
his appearance, and $500 for costs. He
left Purvis at 6:37, accompanied by his
faithful friend Clune. There was G. large
crowd at the depot who babe him good
bye. On the train he had but little TO
say, although he was little jolly when
the train passed Richburg. Charlie Rich
was at Inc dapot with large concourse
of people. Bonfres were lighted and
cheers given to the champion
Infinite Variety of Electrical Application.