The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-02-15
THE BURDEN OF PROOF

der. The people overlooked that. but
they wouldn't overlook another case OF
pooESjudgment on my part That's why
I tried to side-step YOU people TODAY. II
| IS very difficult TO refuse a pardon and
really don't see how, with the few
facts ! have, I would ne justified In
granting one TO this man"
His voice sank almost to a VbIsoar
Inc little group about him sat in awed
silence. Bcss heart beat Ike a trim
hammer. Her head swan; she was
afraid that che would faint.
But the evidence is stroue.u THE
lawyer was the first to break the awful
silence.
Yes, and then there fs another thing
mat is strong the governor began.
What is that2" demanded the girl
"The fact that Jim Holden escaped
from prison and was rccaptured. Pub
lie opinion is against him. Can 7 af-
ford to go against public opiniona"
Yes snapped Bess. eff you know
that YOU are right"
That's just the trouble Miss Brown. q"
he answered. 7 don't know that I'm
right. am not convinced
But surely, With all that evidence"
began Bess,
Just a moment. Miss Brown" inter
rupted the governor. THE evidence. is
only circumstantiaI-"
TT was only circumstsntisI evidence
on which Jim was sentenced Bess put
In, with spirit
Il know. know" came the reply.
But a pardon is a different affair al
together. Now, IF You had the tramp
that was an eyewitness, or your broth
er's confession, I might he able to grant
the pardon. But without that the peo-
pie would cersuTe me severely for par
dOHing a man on the little evidence you
offer"
What difference do the people make?'
fared Bess. cit is your own conscience
that dictates i'm a matter like this. You
have the power, and you are allowed to
use It according to your own rights"
"That is just what makes # so hard
for me" replied the official ct can
svmDathize with YOU, and yet I can.
see the case in the light that YOU think
is false. I am sorry. but I am power
less to do anything"
Couldn't You grant a postpOnemeut
NJ the sentence" asked the girl.
Not very well. I would gladly have
done so on what you have told me If
the prisoner had not escaped But
that changes everything. The people
would never forgive me. ! would never
forgive myself I'm sorry" He rose TO
indicate that the interview was over.
Isn't there any way2T impored Bess,
stepping close 10 him and looking ear
nesty into his face.
The man weakened for a moment. /
Then his features set IN the hard.
straight lines or duty
ct am very sorry" he saiI, "but Jim
Holden VIII have Co he executed tomor-
row at 10 unless-uuicss-"
"UHIlss What2" cried the girl
Unless you can bring me the tramp
that was on eve witness and have him
tell me his story
"But if that is impossibIe?'
Nothing else would satisfy me or
the people"
"You mean that there Is no other /
way?" The girl could hardly realize |
that the interview was over, and that
all hope was gone.
Il mean. Miss Brown, that I viii
have 10 hsve some confession Of the
man who did the thing, OF some ono
who saw him do IT. Murder is a fearful /
crime. and IL must be punished"
Then my only chance is to bring YOU /
some body who wiz confess to the muir
der2" cried the girl. beside herself.
'Or SOMEBODY who saw the crime" I
a ided the governor. extending his hand
70 the three in turn.
"N hat time Will you be at your Of
fce2" asked Bess.
Tomorrow AT %