Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1902-02-03
w. G. T. u. COLUMN.
CHARGED WITH MURDER.

ed court room, and every person
waited in almost breathless expecta-
ton for the answer to the judges
question.
Not 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
run into his pale care-worn face.
Suddenly he arose to his feet, and
in low, firm, but distinct voice, said:
II have! Your honor, you have
asked me question, and 1 now ask,
as the last favor on earth, that you
will not interrupt my answer until
am through.
81 stand here before this bar con-
victed of the wilful murder of my
wife. Truthful witnesses have tes-
titled to the fact that was a loafer,
a drunkard, and wretch; that had
returned from one of my prolonged
| debauches and fired the fatal shot
that killed the wife I had sworn to
love, cherish and protect. While
have no remembrance of committing
the fearful deed, have no right to
complain or to condemn the verdict
of the twelve good men who have
acted as jury in the case, for their
verdict is in accordance with the evil
| dence.
"But may it please the court, wish
to show that L am not alone RESPONSE
BILE for the murder of my wife!" This
startling statement created tremen-
dous sensation. The judge leaned
over the desk, the lawyers wheeled
around and faced the prisoner, the
jurors looked at each other in amaze
ment, while the spectators could
hardly suppress their intense excite
ment. The prisoner paused a few
seconds, and then continued in the
same, firm, distinct voice.
"Irepeat, your honor, that I am
not the only one guilty 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 Judgment Throne, where we
shall be righteously judged.
eff it had not been for the saloons
of my town, I never would have be-
come a drunkard; my wife would not
have been murdered; would not be
here now, ready to be hurled into
eternity. Had it not been for these
human traps, l would have been a
sober man, an Industrious workman,
a tender father and a loving hus band,
But to-day my home is destroyed, my
wife murdered, my children-God
bless and care for them-cast out or
the mercy of the world, while am to
be hung by the strong arm of the
state.
"God knows, I 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 So
Der man. For one year my wife and
children were happy, and our little
home was paradise.
81 was one of those who signed re-
monstrances against re-opening the
SALOONS 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. By
their votes and influence saloons were
re-opened and they have made me
what 1 am. The impassioned word:
of the prisoner fell like Goals of fire
upon the hearts of those present, anG
many of the spectators and some Of
the lawyers were moved to tears.
The Judge made a motion as if te
. stop further speech, when the speaker
hastily said:
mo! No Your honor, do not close
my lips; am nearly through. 81 be
gan my downward career at saloon
t BAR-legalized and protected by the
voters of this town. After the sa
/ looms you allowed have made me {
drunkard and murderer, 1 am taker
before another BAR-the bar of jus
l tice, now the law power will co nduc
, me to the place of execution and has
ten my soul into eternity.
81 shall appear before another bar
3 the JUDGMENT BAR OF GOD, an6
? there you, who have legalized the
traffic, will have to appear with me
Think you that the Great Judge will
4 hold me, the poor, weak, helpless
victim of your traffic, alone, respon
3 sible for the murder of my wife? Nay
+ I. in nv drunken. frenzied. irrespons