The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-06-02

DISAPPOINTING THE JUDGE.
A Governor Whose Interference stepped
Neat Hanging Match.

NeAs HANGING EnnSons
Some seventy years ago, as gray haired
pioneers report, there was in Mississippi
Justice of the peace who needed no clerk to
write him down an ass. He attended TO
that clerical duty himself. His district
was interior and remote from the centers
of intelligence. 1t was far away in the
wild woods. No lawyer dwelt in those
parts, and the prevalent idea of justice
and the modes of administering it were
primitive and somewhat arbitrary. There
were no railroads, telegraphs or rapid
mails to spread intelligence as in these
palmy days.
man in the neighborhood Of this mod
ern Dogberry had the misfortune 70 take
the life of a fellow man and the function
airy had him brought up for trial. He ex-
amined the witnesses on both sides, made
up his mind that the homicide was unjus-
tifiabie and condemned the prisoner TO be
hanged by the neck until dead, dead, dead.
The sentence allowed the man but a few
more days of life, and the condemned
begged for little more time He told the
court tearfulIy that his crop was about
ready to be harvested and he hoped that
for the sake of his wife and children his
honor would spare his life until that duty
could be performed 1t was the last serv.
ice he should ever render to those nearest
and dearest to him. Friends interceded
and the judge relented. He granted the
doomed man respite OF thirty days, and
discharged him on his own recognizance,
after exacting a solemn pledge that he
would appear promptly on the day ap-
pointed and be hanged.
A political campaign was in progress
that fall Governor Matthew'S, popular
stumper, was ipthe field, and happened 70
have an appointment at the time and place
fixed for the execution. While he was
chattering with group Of rustic nd
herents a wagon drawn by two oxen was
observed slowly approaching. As it drew
near it was seen to be occupied by man,
a woman and several children They were
all weeping bitterly. and the wife chung 10
the husbands neck. The latter was pale
and haggard. He stopped his wagon as a
bystander (he was the justice) called ont:
so you've kept your word, Charley"
"Yes," said the condemned, with deep
sob. PPM man Of my word. I'm ready
to die" Here the walls of the wife and
the little ones became heartrending.
why, what's all thisi" said Governor
Matthews.
Its hanging" some one answered.
But is 1t all regulari" said the govern
or, who was good criminal lawyer.
"Oh. yes, it's all right ledge Smith
knows what he's about"
who is Judge Smithp
Hes our jestis Nv the peace
And did he try this MANI continued
Matthews, becoming very much interested
In the proceedings. But he oould get no
attention, for the procession was no<r form
ing to convey the prisoner TO the place Of
execution. The governor followed along,
half dazed by the amazing procedure and
half believing it Was all a practical Joke
But IL was all in dead earnest A gallows
had been erected, and, when the place was
reached. the prisoner made 20 stand up,
and the justice, assisted by his nervous
constable, tied his hands behind bis hack
bandaged his eyes and Was bes--- ing 20
adjust the moose, when Governor Matthews
called in a load voice:
Hold on there, Mr. Justioel VIII you
listen to me just moments"
Well. what Is it. guv'nerf"
"Whzt is the mans crime"
KILN another man"
How was be trfed,"
81 tired him and sentenced him 20 die
Hes guilty. gunner. It's al right"
But it's not al right" answered
Matthews ITS al wrong. Don't you
know that a grand jury must indict a man
before be can be tried for homicide, Don't
you know be can only be tried IN the
circuit conrt, Don't you know thzs you
can only send him 70 Jail or bind MIN over
70 await the action O. the grand jury
Don I you know that il you take tnis mar 8
/ life you viii be indicted for murder your
| se!fti
Is that 20. guv'ner'7 said the justice.
as soon IS be oo1ld reooEer breath. And
/ be slowly and sheepi=nly turned The prs
oner loose, while tie fears and agitation
of the citizens changed 20 upEOarsoas
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