The state chronicle., 1892-01-17
The State Tempted Him
and Hanged Him for
Yielding.
THE AWFUL CRIME
Committed by North Carolina In
7akingMs Lye-Ne Talk Of
Tile ministers.
Snecial Cor. State Chroni lie

y
tic temperament, he would notify
you that he proposed to tell your
readers about a wretch who "Stretched
Hemp" or was ''Jerked in JAIL" Or
was "Yanked into Eternity" or some
other of those Beatitudes of English
language, which are now popular
with aesthetic journalists; but being
only ''plain, blunt man" he will
relate portion of the life and cir
cumstances of the death of one of
North Cardinals citizens named John
Wilson.
This man was born in Yancy county.
During his youth he received an in
jury by falling, which fractured his
skull, and the pressure upon a portion
of the brain affected it TO such
degree as to render him peculiarly
liable to the exciting influence of
drink. Thus for months or years
he would be perfectly sane, and at
tend to his duties, but the moment
whlskey entered his lips he became
frenzied lunatic.
One day in company with a friend,
he attended turkey shooting froiic.
Near to the scene of sport was the
''place of business" of man whom
North Carolina. had licensed to sell
liquor; under authority of this license
he presented the fatal cup to Wilson,
urged him to buy it, succeeded in
doing exactly what North Carolina
had licensed him to do; the result
was exactly what reputable physicians
had foretold. Wilson becoming
frenzied shot, not the turkey, but his
friend against whom he had neither
grudge no enmity.
I first saw Wilson at Burnsville,
during his trial before Judge Arm
field; more humane, honorable,
upright judge never occupied the
bench. The court charged that unles:
the jury believed the prisoner to have
been insane prior to the drinking, the
act of drinking being voluntary one
could not be pleaded as an excuse.
No doubt this was good law. NJ
doubt the man was sane, until NORTH
Carolina, in the person of her license
tempted him to do that which mus
inevitably render him insane.
Wilson was convicted and brough
here for safe keeping, and in Ashevill
Jail became acquainted with him
! found him as thought feeble Q
mind. and certainly sick in body, t
such degree that could not restrai
the wish that merciful Father woul
call his child to his presence an
save my State from the crime of hi
''taking off,"
] at once started petition fc
Communication of sentence to life in
prisonment. Many people signed
Eut many others refused, and oh! ho
rors certain persons started an oppt
sition petition, and boasted ths
Wilson's own natural brother! broths
had signed this paper. was toll
that this brother gave as his reaso
"that John had got religion now an
he had better die quick before he To-
it,"
Among these good people who r
fused to sign my petition were iv
Christian Ministers. Although widel
differing in doctrine, am sure eac
one of these gentlemen was earnest
desirious to present eChristian reli.
ion in such way, as to win earnes
thoughtful logical men to embrace
Let us Christians of whatever denom
nation decide whether their cour
was calculated to produce this effec
The Episcopal minister visite
Wilson prayed with and for him, an
baptized him by sprinkling, and lie
him, probably satisfied that he hs
done all in his power for his souls we