Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1904-02-26
CHARGED WITE MURDER.
How the Womans Christian Temperance
Union Looks at the Saloon Bar.

IThe following article, taken from
Gainesville, Fla, paper. was read at a re-
cent meeting Of the Brattleooro Woman
Cl ristiiu Temperance Union. Ii rep
resents the view of that organization OF
the licensed saloon, and is published by
request Of its members
Prisoner at the bar have you anything
to say why sentence of death shall not
be passed upon YOU?
\ solemn hush fell over the crowded
court room, and every person waited in
almost breattless expectation Cor the an
sSor to the judges question.
Not a whisper was heard anywhere,
and the situation had become painfully
oppressive, when the prisoner was seen to
move his head was raised, his hand was
clinchcd. and the blood run into his pale.
care worn face.
Suddenly he arose to his feet. and in
a low, firm, but distinct voice, said
Il have. Your honor you have asked
me a question. and | now ask, the last
favor on earth. that you will not inter-
rupt my answer until | am through.
i stand here before this bar convict
ed of tha- wilful murder of my wife.
"rruthful witnesses have testified TO
the fact that | was a loafer, a drunkard,
and a wretch; that | had returned from
ore of my prolonged debauches and fired
the tai shot that killed the wife / had
sworn to love- cherish and protect.
While | have no remembrance of COM
hitting 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 evidence
But may II please the court, l wish
to SHOW that | am not alone responsible
for the murder of my wife"
This startling statement created a ire
mendous sensation. The judge leaned
over the desk, the lawyers wheeled around
and faced the prisoner, the jurors looked
at each other in amazement, while the
spectators could hardly suppress their
intense excitement. The prisoner paused
a few seconds, and then continued in the
same. firm, distinct voice,
Il repeat your honor, that l am not the
only one guilty of the murder of my wife.
The judge on his bench, the jury in the
box, the lawyers within this bar and
most of the witnesses, including the pas
tor of the old church. are also guilty be-
fore Almighty God, and will have to
stand with me before His judgment
throne. where we shall be righteously
judged.
IF it had not been for the saloons of
my town, l never would have become 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
loving husband.
But today my home is destroyed, my
wife murdered, my children-God bless
and care for 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 my path
way, my weak diseased will-power was
no match against the fearful. 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 a
paradise.
Il was one of those who signed re-
monstrances against re-opening the sa-
| looms of our town.
lone half of the jury, the prosecuting
attorney on this case and the judge, who
sits on this bench. all voted for the sa-
| looms
by their votes and influence saloons
were re-opened and they have made me
what l am"
The impassioned words of the prisoner
! fell like Goals of fire upon the hearts OF
| those present, and many of the specta-
tors and some of the lawyers were moved
| to tears.
The judge made a motion as if TO stop