The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-01-19
.DOTSON'S LAST CHANCE.
THE FINAL APPEAL TO THE GOV
ERNOR FOR COMMUTATION.

/ EhNOa FOR COMPUTATION.
Judge Falligant and Solicitor General
Fraser Decline to Sanction the Ap-
peal and the Governors Decision Ex-
pectsd To-day-The Preparations for
the Hanzing-DotsOu Breaking Down
Under the Strain and Suspense The
Jail Authorities Decline to Allow HIM
to Be Seen.
There is little doubt that Dotson's fate
has been finally settled. The following dis
patch was received by the MORNING News
late last night:
ATLANTA, GA, Jan. 18-Dotson's life
hangs upon the decision OF Judge Falligant
and Solicitor General Frazer. When the
petition for the Communication of Dotson's
sentence 70 life imprisonment was presented
20 the governor, he at once telegraphed the
judge and solicitor for their opinions as TO
the advisability Of granting IL. The gov
ernor stated that he might respite the pris-
oner for a week, but has not and will not
take any action until he hears from Judge
Falligant and Solicitor Fraser.
WILL NOT INTERFERE.
Judge Falngant was seen at his residence.
At first he declined to discuss the matter,
O0S AAhAA1 bdlu n6 uhA b6Lb Ol MS WE'VE
regarding the case to the governor, which
were to the effect that he was opposed to
executive clemency. He was satisfied the
solicitor general was also opposed to Glenn
ency. He limited that the solicitors dis
patch to the governor was in line with his
own.
Both Judge Falligant and the solicitor
general declined to sign the petition for
communication. Solicitor General Fraser
said Unakardaxr bat ha
the ladies who had taken an interest in
Dotson's case but he believed the condemned
man had had a fair and impartial trial.
that he was guilty of the crime charged,
and he saw no reason for any interference
with the execution Of the law.
The preparations for the hanging are
going on at the jail. The floor of the
hangmen's cell has been lowered and every
thin Is ready for the execution.
DoTsoN VERY NERVOUS.
Dotson has become very nervous and
weak from the agitation of the subject OF a
respite or Communication Of his sentence and
is much exercised upon the subject. He
sees or hears what is printed in
the newspapers and is visited besides by
those who have taken the matter In hand.
On this account Sheriff Roman has prohib-
tied his being seen by any one except those
who have some direct interest in him.
Rev. Alexander Harris is his spiritual ad-
wiser, and has brought him to that frame Of
mind where he says he is prepared 30 die.
Nevertheless he is about as anxious to live
as condemned murderer can be.
THE CRIME.
The murder for which Dotson will pay
the penalty was both cowardly and unpro-
yoked. 1t occurred in BarretGs saloon, on
River street. Saturday night Sept IS
Coates drinking vlasz Of bao.
Dotson and several companions came in and
ordered drinks. Dotson walked up to
Coates and endeavored to raise row. The
latter refused to talk to him, and pulling a
small knife out Of his pocket cut off the end
Of q cigar.
Dotson then began cursing Coates and re-
marked: I'm do you when get you out
side"
Several parties tried to quiet him, but he
was determined 10 have row with some
body. Coates, to avoid difficulty, started
from the bar into the grocery, but Just be-
fore he reached the door Dotson jumped in
front of him with the remark, an do you
now" at the same time drawing pistol and
| shooting the man through the heart. Coates
dropped dead on the floor without even a
groan. and Dotson ran out into the street
and tried to escape. He was followed by
| Barrett and his brother and was captured
on Mcclure street while trying TO get into a
! friends house In the chase the murderer
threw the pistol away, but it was afterward
found and turned over to the police
PLEA OF sELF-DEFENsE,
At his trial Dotson claimed he had killed
Coates in self-defense, as he was advancing
on him with knife and trying to cut him
in the breast. None of the other witnesses.
even those for the defense, agreed In their
statement with Dotson, and his attorney,
Mr.. Morrison. recognized at once that he
had an uphill fight. The lawyer pleaded
hard with the jury to believe his clients
story. but it was too flimsy, and after being
out about an hour verdict OF guilty with
out any recommendation was rendered.
When Judge Falligant asked Dotson what
he had to say why sentence shouldn't be
pronounced the murderer mumbled that he
hadn't been given justice. He was ex-
tremely nervous while the death sentence
was being passed, aud gave a sigh Of relief
| at its conclusion.
Dots0n was the first murderer tried and
convicted In the new court house. and it
was thought at the time that he would have
the honor of being the first man hanged in
the new Jail. but Kitchen wrested that from
| him.