Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-01-16
Granted Convicted Muir
derer A. 7. Patrick
To Allow Counsel TO Present
Newly Found Evidence.
Dist. Atty. Jerome Freely Gives Consent
Extends 10 March IS.

Albany, n. Y, Jan. 15.-Albert T.
Patrick, the New York lawyer, convict
ed and now awaiting execution iii Sing
Sing prison next week for the murder
OF William Marsh Rice, an aged and
very wealthy man in New York City in
September, 1900, was reprieved this af-
ternoon by Gov. Higgins until Monday,
March 10.
This reprieve is granted for the pur-
pose of giving Patrick's counsel time
to bring before a trial court alleged
newly discovered evidence. Its granting
followed q hearing before the governor
and was in accordance with the request
Of Former Senator David Il. Hill and
Judge w. NJ. r. Olcott of counsel for
Patrick and with the full consent OF
District Attorney William Travers Je-
rome of New York county, who was
present in person. Senator Hill came
forth for the first time from his sick
room after an illness of more than two
months IN order to attend the hearing
and addressed the governor at cOnsid-
cradle length.
Patrick is the New York lawyer con-
victed as principal in the alleged muir
der of VIM. NJ. Rice. an aged Million
;,ire Of New York City in September,
1860. He is under sentence to be exc
cuted in Sing Sing prison next week.
Gov. Higgins has received a number
of petitions requesting him to commute
Patricks sentence, the most notable OF
which is headed by the name of Grover
Cleveland. The questions of the oblit-
GRAFTON by embalning Of conclusive evil
Gence of poisoning or chlOroform has
aroused the embalmers OF the state
who have filed with Gov. Higgins pc
tition setting forth their belief in the
justice of this point in Patrick's favor.
VIM. NJ. X. Olcott Of the firm of
Plack, Olcott, Griber &; Bonynge of
New York City. who is appearing in
Patrick's behalf said before the hearing
which was to begin just before noon
that he would submit to Gov. Higgins
important evidence that had only re-
Gently come to light. He added that he
had affidavits Of citizens of Texas quot
ing the valet, Jones, as admitting that
his testimony against Patrick was per-
jury and that this YVES hardly more i'm
portant than scientific evidence which
he should present
At the opening of the hearing. Gov.
Higgins said that this was not a hear
ing upon the merits of the case and he
requested counsel to confine their ar
gumentS to the question what course
he should pursue in dealing with the
applications for clemency. District At
torhey jerome expressed surprise at the
statement. He had understood today's
hearing to be upon only the question
whether the governor should appoint
a referee. II think I can show to your
satisfaction he said, "that this case
should not go to a referee"
Governor Higgins said arguments
should be confined to a question of a
referee. Mr.. Olcott said that he ap-
peared with power of attorney grant
ed him by Patrick, but not with an APP
pllcation from Patrick for commute
ton of sentence.
He does not desire imprisonment for
life said Judge Olcott, because Pat
rick knows he is innocent of the crime
for which he has been sentenced to
DEATH
Mr.. Olcott said he had several affida-
Wits bearing on the case. which he
would furnish to the district attorney.
Mr.. Jerome objected to the introduce
ton of aliidavits and suggested that the
governor grant Patrick a reprieve in
order that newly discovered evidence
might receive proper attention before
the courts.
1--WE are not making here a last des-
perate effort for condemned man."
said Mr.. Olcott. 1--WE are simply here
asking for opportunity Our firm had
only just come into the case after ex-
Senator Hill was stricken with illness.
Through his anxiety in behalf of his
former client, Senator Hill has dragged
himself out Of sickroom today, to be
present at the hearing