New-York tribune., 1896-01-15
MGOUGH'S CONFESSION ATTACKED
A MAss-MEETING IN TROY SAYS 1T Is
TRICK TO SAVE HIS PARTNER IN CRIME.

A MAss-MEETING IN TROY SAYS 1T is A
TRICK TO SAVE HIS PARTNER IN CRIME
Troy y Y Jan IA mass-meeting OF the citi-
zens Of Troy was held this evening under the
auspices OF the Committee OF Public Safety. IL
was a large and earnest gathering An ADDRESS 10
the public adopted reviewing the facts regard
ing the murder OF Robert Ross March g. 1894.
and the trial. conviction and sentence TO death OF
Bartholomew Shea for the crime. 1t, also quotes
from the Unanimous opinion OF the Court OF Appeals
written by Judge Peckham, sustaining the verdict
and expressing detestation Of the practices whch re-
suited in the tragedy 1t Is shown that the recent
alleged confession by John McCIough. who Is serv-
ny a term of nineteen years and six months for
attempting to Kill William Ross at the same time
that he and not Shea, killed Ross. is directly con-
trary not only 10 his own previous testimony, put
u that OF al least fifteen reputable citlzens' VINO
swore in the Shea trial that they saw Shea shoot
Robert Ross McGough. witness in the Shea
trial swore that John H. Boland shot Ross. 1t Is
also shown that according 10 the testimony OF Shea
and McGough, well as Of other witnesses, Nc
Cough at the time of the murder was in such po-
stion that It impossible for him to shoot Robert
Ross. In conclusion the address says
McGough's so-called confession is part OF trick
10 enable McGough 10 save his partner in crime
without incurrng adauona pnnishmeni hifnse', ,,i
and is not worthy OF serious consideration III Is
seyvea term for Burglary ana larceny: convict
who is now serving term for attempted murder:
Poland shoo, Ross. and who says he did the
shooting himself We prefer to believe the testl-
1nOny OF fifteen respectable men who saw the Oc-
currence and identified Shea the who did
The shooting Mindful Of this injunction. are
here tonight reassert our belief In the Sancy Of
The ballot, 10 express anew our detcsiatOn OF the
crime In resisting which Robert Ross his DEATH
10 give voice to Indignation AT all nx)roper at
tepts TO frustTae justice. TO uphold the officers OF
shunent and TO ask for the cooperation and moral
support of all good citizens throughout our Re-
public. We are not actuated by any desire for re-
venge We deplore the death OF Robert Ross but
MS murderers were guilty of still greater crime.
FOR in the murder OF a citizen they were guilty Of a
crime against the Republic and against republican
Institutions II such a crime is to 20 unpunshed
government OF the people BY the people. Tor the
people must perish from the earth
The Rev DR. l.. VI. S. Haynes. pastor Of the First
Baptist Church presided. and speeches were deliy-
cred by Congressman T. 5. Back George u. Well
ington. Senator lie Grand {. Tbbitts ana others
Albany, Jan H.-The conduct OF the BAT" Shea
case, according TO announcement made at the
Executive Chamber this afternoon, IS now entirely
out OF the Governors hands. Colonel Ashley W.
Cole, the Governors private secretary, says that
the Governor has referred the entire matter to At
torney General Hancock. il is believed about the
Capitol that Mr.. Hancock will designate George
lsaines, Of Rochester. and cxAssistant DISTRICT
his trial. 10 appear the States representatives
in opposition to the application made 10 the courts
by Sheas counsel for a trial for the condemned