The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1907-05-09

have no remembrance Of committing
the fearful deed, l 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 it please the court, l
wish to show that / am not alone
responsible 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 pris-
oner, 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.
81 repeat, your honor, that l am
not the only one guilty Of the murder
of my wife. The Judge on this
bench, the jury in the box, the law
yers within 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 all be right
eously judged.
IF 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, / would have
been a sober man, an industrious
workman, a tender father and a
loving husband. But to-day my
home is destroyed, my wife murder
ed, my little children God bless and
care for them-cast out on the mercy
of the world, while I 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 pathway, my weak, diseased
will-power was no match against the
fearful, consuming, agonizing appe-
tite for liquor.
"For one year our town was with
out a saloon. For one year was a
sober man. For one year my wife
and children were happy, and our
little home was paradise.
81 was one Of those who signed
remonstrances against re-opening
the saloons of our town. One-half
of this jury, the prosecuting attor-
ney on this case, and the Judge who
sits on this bench, all voted for the
saloons. By their votes and in
fluence saloons were re-opened, and
they have made me what am"
The impassioned words of the
prisoner fell like Goals of fire upon
the hearts of those present, and
many of the spectators and some OF
the lawyers were moved to tears.
The Judge made motion as If to
stop further speech, when the speak
er hastily said:
"No! no! your honor, do not close
my lips; am nearly through.
II began my downward career at
a saloon bar-legalized and protected
by the voters Of this town. After
the saloons you have allowed have
made me a drunkard and murder
er, l am taken before another bar
the bar Of justice, and now the law.
power will conduct me the place OF
execution and hasten my soul into
eternity. 1 shall appear before an
other bar-the judgment bar OF
God, and there you, who have legal
lied the traffic, will have to appear
with me. Think you that the Great
Judge will hold me-the poor weak,
helpless victim of your traffic alone
responsible for the murder of my
wife? Nay, I in my drunken, fren-
zied, irresponsible condition have
murdered one-but you have de-
liberately voted for the saloons
which have murdered thousands, and
they are in full operation today with
your consent.
"All of you know in your hearts
that these words of mine are not the
rawlings of an unsound mind, but
God Almighty's truth.
"You legalized the saloons that
made me drunkard and a murder
er, and you are guilty with me be.
fore God and man for the murder OF
my wife.
"Your honor, l am done. l am
now ready to receive my sentence
and be led forth to the place OF
execution. You will close by asking
the Lord to have mercy on my soul:
I will close by solemnly asking God
to open your blind eyes to your own
individual responsibility, 50 that you
mil cooeo Tn Give vo11r SllDDOrt to