Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1897-03-10
CHARGED WITH MURDER.

~ ~ lOu uDH-
thing to say why sentence of death
should not be passed upon youY'
A solemn hush fell over the crowded
court room, and every person waited
In almost breathless expectation for
the answer to the Judges question.
The Judge waited in dignifed silence
Not a whisper was heard anywhere.
n the situation had become main.
FULLY oppressive, when the prisoner
was seen to move; his head was raised,
his hand was clinched, and the blood
mad rushed into his pale, careworn
face.
Suddenly he arose to his feet, and in
low, firm, but distinct voice, said:
Il have. Your honor, you have
asked me a question, and l now ask,
us the last favor on earth, that you will
not interrupt my answer until am
through?
Il stand here before this bar, con.
vtcted of the wilful murder of NV wife.
uthful witnesses have testified to the
It that l was a %loafer, a drupkard
a a wretch; that | returned from one
OF ny prolonged debauches and fired
the Atal shot that killed the wife Ihad
sworn to love, cherish and protect
while l have no remembrance of COM
hitting the fearful deed, | have no
rlght to complain or condemn the yer.
dict of the twelve good men who have
acted as jury in the case, for their YER
dict Is in accordance with the evidence.
But may it please tn court, | wish
TO show that am not alone %responsi.
Die for the murder of my wife"
This startling statement created n
Tremendous sensation. The Judge
'''ned over the desk, the LAWYERS
neeled around and faced the prisoner.
the Jurors Looked at each other in
alnazement, while the spectators could
hardly suppress their intense excite.
ment. The prisoner paused a few sec.
onds, and then continued in the same
firm, distinct voice.
Il repeat, your honor, that I am NOT
The only n guilty of the murder of
my wife. The judge on this bench, the
jury in the box, the LAWYERS within
this bar and most of the witnesses. in.
Guiding the pastor of the church. are
also guilty before Almighty God. and
Will have to stand with me before His
Judgment Throne, where we shall all
be righteously judged.
IF 1t had not been for the saloons of
my town, l never would have become
a drunkard; my wife would not have
beer murdered; l would not be here
now, ready to be hurled into eternity.
had 1t not been for these human trans
l would have been a sober man. nm
industrious workman, q tender father
n a loving husband. But TODAY NV
home is destroyed, my wife murdered.
my little children-God bless and care
Tor them-cast out on the mercy of the
world, while l am to be hung by the
strong arm of the State.
God knows, l tried to reform, but
as long as the open saloon was in NV
pathway, my weak, diseased will now
was do match against the fearful.
consuming, agonizing appetite for Ii.
quor.
For one year our town was without
a saloon. For one year l was a sober
man For one year my wife and chill.
dren were happy, and our little home
was a paradise.
u was one of those who signed re-.
monstrances agains. reopening the pa. {
looms OF our town. One half of this
Jury the prosecuting attorney on this
case, and the judge who sits on this
bench, all voted for the saloons. Nv
their votes and influence saloons were
reopened, and they have made me what
l am" {
The impassioned words OF the pris.
fell like Goals of fire upon the ,
OF those present, and many of
the lawyers were moved to tears. IA @
judge made a motion as if to stay fur.
Their speech, when the speaker hastily !
said:
"
NO. No, your honor, do mo- close
my lips; l am nearly through.
Il began my downward career at a !
bar-legalized and protected by l
the voters of this town. After the sa. t
looms you allowed have made me a l