News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1902-01-15
Charged With Murder.

- nuDh ONOI JhO CIOWu6u
court room, and every person waited
In almost breathless expectation for
the answer to the judges question.
Not a whisper was heard anywhere,
and the situation had become pain
fully oppressive, when the prisoner
was seen to move, his head was raised,
his hand was clinched, and the blood
ran into his pale care worn face.
Suddenly he rose to his feet, and in
low, firm, but distinct voice, said:
" | havel Your honor, you have
asked me question, and | now ask,
as the last favor on earth, that you
will not interrupt my answer until |
am through.
" stand here before this bar, con
victed of the wiIlful murder of nv
wife.
" Truthful witnesses have testified
to the fact that | was a loafer, a
drunkard, and a wretch; that | had
returned from one of my prolonged
debauches and fred the fatal shot
that killed the wife | had sworn to
love, cherish and protect.
While have no remembrance of
committing the fearful deed, | have
no right to complain or condemn the
verdict of the twelve good men who
have acted as jury in the case, for
their verdict is in accordance with the
evidence.
But may it please the court, |
wish to show that | ain not alone re-
sponsible for the murder of my wife ?"
This startling statement created a
tremendous sensation. The Judge
leaned over the desk, the lawyers
wheeled around and faced the prison
er, the jurors looked at each other in
amaz9ment, while the spectators
could hardly suppress their intense
excitement. The prisoner paused a
second, and then continued in the
same, firm distinct voice,
I" | repeat, your honor, that | am
not the only oneguilty of the murder
of my wife. The Judge on this bench,
the jury in the box, the lawyers with
in this bar and most of the witnesses,
including the pastor of the old church,
are also guilty before Almighty God,
and will have to stand with me before
His Judgement Throne, where we
shall be righteously judged.
''lf it had not been for the saloons
of my town, | would never have be-
come drunkard my wife would not
have been murdered; | would not be
hear now, ready to be hurled into
eternity.
Had it not been for these human
traps, would have been sober man,
an industrious workman, a tender
father and loving husband.
But to-day my home is destroyed,
my wife murdered, my children-God
bless and care for tham-,ast out on
the mercy of the world, while am to
be hung by the strong arm of the
state.
Goods knows tried to reform, but
as long as the open saloon was in my
pathway, my weak diseased will.
power was no match against the fear
full, consuming, agonizing appetite
for liquor.
For one year | was a sober man.
"For one year my wife and children
were happy, and our little home was
paradise.
| was one OF the those who signed
Inconsistencies against re- opening the
saloons of our town.
"One-haIf of this jury, the prosecu-
ting attorney on this case, and the
Judge who sits on the bench, all vot-
ed for the saloons.
"By their votes and Influence sa-
looms were e-opened and they have
made me what am"
The lmpassioned words of the pris-
oner fell like Goals of fire upon the
hearts OF those present, and many Of
the spectators and some of the law
yers were moved to tears.
The Judge made a motion as if to
stop further speech, when the speaker
hastily said:
mo No your honor do not close
my lips; | am nearly through.
81 began my downward course at
the saloon bar-legalized and protect
ed by the voters OF this town.
after the saloons you allowed
have made me a drunkard and a
murderer, | am taken before another
bar-the bar of Justice, now the law
power will conduct me to the place oil
execution and hasten my soul into
eternity.
Il shall appear before another bar,
the judgement bar of God, and there
you, who have legalzed the traffic,
viii have to appear with me.
"Think you that the Great Judge
will hold me, the poor, weak, helpless
victim OF your traffic, alone raspOn-
sible for the murder of wife? Nay, |,
in my drunken frenzied, irresponsible
condition have murdered one, but
you have deliberately voted for the
saloons which have murdered thou
sands, and they are in full operation
to-day with your consent.
"All of you know in your own
hearts that these words of mine are
the rawlings of an unsound mind, but
GOD Almighty's truth.
"You legalized the saloons that
made me drunkard and a murderer,
.r;Al mo hCfDpo