The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-06-29
MURDERER TONI
GETS HIS SENTENCE
He Thanked the Judge for Showing Him
leniency.
TWELVE YEARS AT HARD LABOR
For Shooting John J. Rafter, of Green
Ridge, In Old Forge Last February.
Sentence Pronounced by Judge
Gunster and Might Have Been for
Twenty Years.

Twelve years at hard labor in the
Eastern penitentiary, is the punishment
which Samuel Toni, Of Old Forge, will
have to suffer for the murder of John
]. Rafter. Of Green Ridge, on the night
Of February 4.
Toni was called up for sentence before
Judge Gunster Saturday morning and
when asked II he had anything to say
why the sentence Of court should not
be pronounced upon him. his attorney.
Joseph W. Brwon. moved that time be
given in which to file reasons for a new
trial. Judge Gunster responded that
the case was tried fairly for the defend
ant and under the evidence the verdict
was q good one, but a rehearing was not
warranted unless something outside of
the case could be shown.
AGAINST CARRYING WEAPONS.
Turning to Toni, Judge Gunster said
that the defndant's presence convicted
of taking human life, was due to the
fact that he was armed with deadly
weapon. II he didn't have the revolver
with him that night, he would not have
committed the murder. Those who car
ry deadly weapons were condemned by
the court. AS sentence was pronounced d
upon him. Toni bowed his head and
when the Judge finished, he expressed
thanks for the leniency shown. The
maximum penalty for second degree
murder is twenty years In the peni-
tentiary.
AN ALDERMAN SENT TO JAIL.
Alderman John T. Atkinson was
called in surety court to answer the
charge Of deserting his wife. He was
sentenced to pay the costs of prosecu-
tion, pay SIS a month toward the sup
port Of his wife, and file a bond In the
sum OF 5000 as guarantee that he will
comply with the obligation. He was
unable to pay the costs or give the re-
quired bond and was sent to the county
jail.
Albert Vaughn, Of the North End
who deserted his wife, was ordered to
pay the costs Of prosecution and $22 a
month toward the support Of his family
He was obliged to furnish bond in the
sum Of 5000 that he will comply with
the provisions Of the sentence.
George Josie, the Dunmore Italian
who was found guilty Of assault and
battery upon Matt Banks, was sen.
fenced to pay a fine Of SIS and spend
three months in Jail.
David Howells. who was convicted OF
keeping an unlicensed saloon, was SEN
fenced to pay fine of $500 and spend
three months in the county Jail.
John Drusdask, convicted of aggra.
waited assault and battery. was fined $1i
and sentenced to six months in jail l.Drus
dack was convicted at the April sessions
of criminal court for making a murder
Gus assault upon a Polish man named
Michael Ruddy last election day about
6 O'Clock In the evening while Ruddy
was crossing the fields with a pail OF
beer.
| John Roch, who pleaded guilty to the
charge of robbing Edward Ryan, was
sentenced ia restore the property stolen
and serve nine months in jail.
James Sullivan. who pleaded guilty tc
larceny and receiving, was sentenced
to pay fine of SIS and spend foul
months in the county Jail.
| Clarence s. Morgan, convicted of as.
sault and battery on Assistant Post.
master Duffy, of Carbondale was fined
SIS and sentenced to the costs. Mrs