Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1909-04-15


The three friends from westmont held
many earnest conferences over that bill
II was more to them than the outcome of
the eenatorship.
i promised poor Reynolds that 1
would save him." said Spencer, ''ard /
Wiz u II Is possible. You, Ray, have
developed into the politician OF this fam
-oi this famous Westmont contingent, q"
correcting himself and glancing slyly at
uazel. "Now 90 your best for Wilkie.
nave never believed in nor practised
trading in politics, but Pm situated now
where can honorably say this to you
II you see where you can make one vote
for his life by letting two 60 for me-do
it."
at won't be necessary, but PII not for
get your command, IL worst comes to
worst. think the bill viii pass anyway
certainly in the House-and there are
stun cards to play il it DOESN'T" replied
Gray.
"Have you heard anything from Judge
Emery about his candidacy since the vot-
ing oegang Don't reply il you should
not, ;" said Miss Hazel.
"Yes, and while cannot tell even you
or your brother what the word is, can
safely say it is welcome word. It will
help in every direction. 1t could not be
better"
"Goodp was Gray's reward from
Hazel.
"Do you know, boys'-it seemed sis
terly to address them both that way.
"I'm going to do something that no
woman in Vermont has ever done-not
for hat reason, but because it seems as II
| must do it. Pm going to appear in
WiliSie Reynolds behalf at the public
hearing before the judiciary committee
next Wednesday evening""
"Ohw chimed both men.
Eyes, l an. Listen. You, Ray, will
have your chance on the floor when the
bill comes before the House. You ought
to save yourself till then. And you.
Rollin, as Wilkes trial attorney, and es-
pecially because of your present candi-
dacy, cannot discharge the duty as you
otherwise could. In fact, let me show my
conceit by saying that am the very per-
son to undertake il, for | studied the case
with Rollin, l visited Kingston right
after the shooting, and / am just as much
enlisted in behalf OF this poor man and
his wife as either OF you. shall need and
welcome your help, but I'm going to
lead"
~ A. vas 5NAAlGl-AuC DAbtEo EQAuGllAuE
that Hazel Spencer should present
Wilkes case at the public hearing. The
newspapers quickly got hold of it, and
while there was some adverse comment
on such a step, and some apprehension
among Wilkes friends that the difficult
task might not be well performed, an in
terest was stimulated quite beyond any
thing that had ever centered about a com
mittee hearing in the history Of the state.
People came to Montpelier from far and
wide, and all Kingston was there to hear
Miss Spencer plead for the man with
whom most OF them synpathiz
There is no more brilliant indoor scene
to be found in Vermont than an evening
assemblage in the beautiful Representa-
tives' hall. its broad and deep segment,
the floor shaped like a half-moon; its
high ceilings, set with rows OF incandes-
cents that reflect against the white back
ground and walls, throw down mellow
light like that of the night orb herself;
its tiers Of black walnut desks and dark
cushioned seats, arranged to cover the
main floor, with aisles focused at the
central open space where the clerks and
reporters sit at long tables; the raised
platform with the imposing speakers
desk at the centre, fanked by long rows
of heavily upholstered seats reaching to
each side; the heavy plush canopies that
overhaDg the high windows; the spects-
tors row and suspended balcony following
the circular contour on each side--pro-
vide an amphitheatre fit for the most ami
mated scenes OF human interest. Fill this
hall with hundreds Of bright faces and
well attired forms, and provide such
soulful theme as the life or death of
he lid
ment of the court Of last resort, and no
one need go further for an event suffi-
GENTLY enhancing to the dullest soul
Such scene as this greeted the young
lady from Westmont in her self-chosen
task OF pleading for Wilkie Reynolds
life. 1t inspired her beyond anything
she had ever felt before. Well grounded
in her belief that a monstrous injustice
had been done, and that here was the
only chance on earth to right il, she soon
forgot herself, banished the natural diff
dence OF her position and attacked her
subject with a skill and force that COM
manded the closest attention. Miss
Spencer had prepared her case with great
thoroughness. She spoke easily and
earnestly. yet without rhetorical attempt.
Neither in manner nor dress did she
seek to center attention on herself to the
sacrifice OF her subject, but she compelled
it, notwithstanding.
sin behalf of a man unjustly con-
demned to die on the scaffold, come
here tonight" she began. "You, gentle
men Of the committee, and you, members
OF the assembly, have grave duty ahead,
the gravest, perhaps, Of your whole lives.
A fellow mortaps life is in your hands
and by your votes you will say whether
it shall be snuffed out in dishonor and
disgrace or whether 1t shall continue on
till Gods appointed time.
"This movement for communication is
not an irregular proceeding, but founded
/ on the fundamental law of the state.
There is no other avenue by which con-
vict's death sentence may be changed to
life Imprisonment than by special act oil
| legislature, as here proposed. The law
prescribes capital punishment for murder
/ il the first degree. and no court or jury
a. N--A