The Topeka state journal., 1903-02-02
Limit of the Law for the Kansas
City, Has, Murderer.
KILLED A POLICEMAN.
Accuses the Counsel for the
State Of Acting Unfair.
Scene in the Court Room Is a
SOrrOwfuI One.

Kansas City Kan, Feb. William
RambO. otherwise known "Toots''
Rambo, was refused a new trial and
sentenced to imprisonment for life for
the murder of William J. Morris. q
Kansas City. Kan, policeman, by
Judge William c. Holt in the common
pleas court Saturday
Rambo was taken frcm his cell in
the county jail to the court room by
James Cummins, under sheriff. There
were few people in the court room at
the time. Rambo's wife, dressed in
black, and his little son, a bright look
ing lad of Is years, and his sister sat
near the prisoner. Judge Clinton
Angevine. partner of Senator Cubbison,
appeared for Rambo,and John a. Hale,
special counsel represented the state.
Judge Holt, on calling the Ranbo
case announced his decision overrulins
Rambo's motion for new trial This
announcement seemed to take Rambo
by surprise for it was evident that ne
was confident he would be given an
other trial. A tremor ran through ms
frame and look of despair settled on
his face as Judge Holt proceeded:
After sitting the motion for a new
trial the whole thing settles down to
the one question a S TO whether the YER
diet is supported by the evidence
There are some technical objections,
which L have outlined in my written
opinion I am satisfied the defendant
has had fair trial and everything
was conducted properly. l never haG Il
case before me in which / exercised so
much care and caution to see that eV-
cry legal right was accorded this de-
tendant Every rule of law was strain
ed in his favor, and I don't believe
Anything further could be done to in
sure him q fairer trial The twelve men
who tried this defendant were actu-
ated by the highest motives, and viii
sustain their verdict. It could not be
expected that we go out among that
class of people with whom RambO as
sociated and pick jury, because their
names are not on the tax rolls of TINS
county. The witnesses who IeStlued
for the defendant, or the majority OF
them, were of such character that their
testimony is not worthy of much
weight, and the jury in considering 1t
doubtless gave it all the weight 1t de
served. The motion for a new trial
viii be refused"
The attorney for the defendant arose
and asked time to prepare bill OF
exceptions, which Judge Holt granted.
Then he asked for stay OF sentence
until the exceptions We're prepared and
filed, but this was refused. A stay OF
execution was also refused
RambO was then ordered 10 stand up.
You have been convicted of the crime
of murder IN the second degree. Have
YOU now anything to say why the SEN
tence and judgment of the law shall not
be pronounced upon yOu2' Judge Holt
asked gravely.
Rambo looked uD. FIe was nervous.
but his voice was clear and firm he
sasds
"WeH. Your Honor, I haven't got very
much to say. only in regard to this
know that everybody is placed in a bad
T 17~-l-+ s1,r4 ara1 lot of
crime, especially criminal that stands
before you and pleads his innocence.
Now ] have been brought up here ana
convicted of murders in the second de-
gree. L was convicted just because /
was identified by one certain man. This
man never seen me before in his life,
that l remember of. Henry Zimmer-l
don't want to criticise anybody-he went
! in and whispered in this fellows ear
/ and told him to identify me. OF course
when he come in he said I was the man.
/ Johnny Hale, that has been criminal
/ lawyer. he has been my counsel several
/ times Between him and Henry Alm-
mer, they plugged up this job and got
| me convicted Of murder in the second
/ degree. I have got to stand upon IT,
/ And there is one thing sure and that is
this. that if / go up there and serve a
term for this murder in the second de-
gree, there is one thing I won't have to
follow won't have to think about
/ this murder, because ] am not guilty OF
Z it. That is all / can say
Judge Holt. looking straight into Ram
bo's face said; 1T is the sentence and
Judgment of the court and the law ir
this case that you be confined in the
penitentiary Of the state of Kansas, al
hard labor. for the remainder of youl
lifeline, and pay the costs Of this pros.
ecutioE."
Sobs from Mrs Rambo, her son anC
her sister-in-law filled the court room a:
Judge HOlt's last words were spoken
1er,T 4
dazed. Then he was led from the cOur
room by the officer Mrs. RambO fol
lowed weeping and wringing her hands
her boy at her side.