Middletown transcript. [volume] (Middletown, Del.) 1868-current, 1907-10-19
CHARGED WITH MURDER


swer to the Judges question.
The Judge waited in dignified silence.
Not 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
clinched and the blood had rushed into
his pale, care worn face.
Suddenly he arose to his feet, and in a
low, firm. but distinct voice, said:
81 have! Your honor, you have asked
me question, AID now ask, as the Iast
favor on earth. that you will not inter-
! rupt my answer until I am through.
Il stand here, before this bar, con-
licI, OF tie wilfui murder OF my wife.
Truthful witnesses have testified to the
! fact that | vas 4 luafer, drunkard aud
wretch; that returned from one OF my
prolonged debauches and fred the fatal
shot that killed the wife I had sworn to
love, cherish and protect. While l have
no remembrance of committing the fear
ful 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 it please the court, wish to
chow that | am not alone responsible for
the murder OF my wifeT'
This startling statement created tre-
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 few seconds, and then continued
in the same firm, distinct voice.
81 repeat, your honor, that am not
the only one guilty of the murder of my
wife. The Judge OH this bench, the jury
in the box, the lawyers within this bar,
and most OF the witnesses, including the
paster 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.
"If it had not been for the saloons of
my town, never would have become a
drunkard; my wife would not have been
murdered; I would not be here now
ready to be hurled into eternity. Had
not been for these human traps, 20
have been a sober man, an industrid
workman, tender father, and lov
husband. But to-day my home
stroyed, my wifp murdered, m
children-God bless and care forN
cast out ON the mercy Of the world
l am to be hung by the strong arm
State.
"God knows, tried to reform, but
long as the open saloon was in my
way, my weak diseased will n
nc match against the fearful, Cd
agoniziug appetite for liquor, #
''For one year our town was withd
saloon. For one year was sober n
For one year my wife and children
happy, and our little home was
disc.
81 was one Of those who signed ren1
straEces against re opening the salq
of our town. One-half of this jury,
prosecuting attorney in this case, and
Judge who sits on this bench, all yos
for the saloons. By their votes and in
fluence saloons were re-opened, aud they
have made me what l am"
The ilnpassioned words OF the prisoner
fell like Goals of fire upon the hearts o
those present, and many of the spectators
and some of the lawyers were moved to
tears. The Judge made a motion as
stop further speech; when the speas
hastily said;
mo! No! your honor, do not close u
lips; am nearly through. 4
: 81 began my downward career at a
saloon bar-legalizsd and protected by
the voters of this town. After the saloons
YOU allowed have made me drunkard
and a murderer. l am taken before
another bar-the bar OF Justice, and now
the Law power will conduct me to the
place of execution and hasten my soul
into eternity. l shall appear before
another bar, the Judgment Bar OF God,
and there you, who have legalized the
traffic, will llave~to appear with me.
Think you that the Great Judge will hold
me-the poor, weak, helpless victim OF
YOURS traffic-aIone responsible for the
murder of my wife? Nay, in my /
drunken, frenzied, Irresponsible condition
have murdered one-but you have de-
Iiberately voted for the. saloons which
have murdered thousands, and they are
in fulR operation to day with your con-
sent,
"All of you know in your hearts that
these words of mine are not the rawlings
Of an unsound mind, but God Almighty
truth
Z sYou Iegaized the saloons that made
me drunkard and murderer, and you
are guilty with me before God and man
for the murder Of my wife.
ssYour honor, am done. ! am now
ready 20 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. will close by solemniy ask
ing God to open your.blind eyes to your
individual responsibility, SO that you will
90 j IL Owe vour support to this dreadful
traffic. =
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