Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1909-11-18
Charged With Murder.

court room, and every person waited in
almost breathless expectation for the
answer to the judges question.
The Judge waited in dignified silence.
Not whisper was heard anywhere and
the situation had become painfully op-
pressive, when the prisoner was seen to
move, his head was raised, his hand was
clinched, and the blood rushed into his
pale, care-worn face.
Suddenly he rose to his feet, and in a
low, firm, but distinct voice, said:
"a have, your honor. You have asked
me question, and now ask, as the last
favor on earth, that you will not interrupt
my answer until am through.
81 stand here before this bar, convicted
of the wilful murder OF my wife. Truth
full witnesses have testified 10 the fact that
was loafer, a drunkard, and a wretch;
that returned from one OF my prolonged
debauches and fired the fatal shot that
killed the wife | had sworn to love, cher
ish and protect. While have no remem-
brance of committing the fearful deed, |
have no right to condemn the verdict OF
the twelve good men who have acted as
jury in the case, for their verdict is in &C
cordance with the evidence.
"But may it please the court, wish to
show that am not alone responsible for
the murder of my dear wife |"
This startling announcement created a
tremendous 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 in
tense excitement. The prisoner paused
a few minutes, 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 on this bench, the jury in the
box, the lawyers within this bar, and most
of the witnesses, including the pastor Of
the old church, are also guilty before Al
mighty God, and will have to stand with
me before His judgment throne, where
we shall all 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; 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 loving
husband. But today my home is de-
stroyed. my wife murdered, my little chill
dren-God bless and care for them-caSt
out on the mercy of the world, while am
TO be hung by the strong arm of the State.
God knows, tried to reform, but as
the open saloon was in my pathway, my
weak, diseased will-power was no match
against the fearful, consuming, agonizing
appetite for liquor.
"For one year Our town was without
saloon. For one year was sober man.
For one year my wife and children were
happy, and our little home was para
disc.
al was one OF those who signed re-
monstrances against re-opening the Sa-
looms of our town. One half OF this jury,
the prosecuting attorney on this case, and
the Judge who sits on the 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 heads OF
those present, and many OF the spectators
and some OF the lawyers were moved to
tears. The Judge made motion as if tc
stop further speech, when the speaker
hastily said:
"Nol MOI your honor, do not close
my lips; am nearly through.
81 began my downward career at a sa-
loon bar-egalized and protected by the
voters of this town. After the saloons
you allowed have made me a drunkard
and murderer, 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. | shall appear before an
other bar-the judgment bar OF God-and
there you, who have legalized the traffic,
will have to appear with me. Think you
that the Great Judge will hold me-the
poor, weak, helpless victim of your traf-
fic-alone responsible for the murder OF
my wife ? Nay, | in my drunken, fren-
zied, irresponsible condition have muir
dered one but you have deliberately
voted for the saloons which have muir
dered thousands, and they are in full op-
Grafton 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 murderer, and you
are guilty with me before God and man
for the murder of my wife.
"Your honor, am done. 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. will close by asking God
to open your blind eyes to your individ-
ual responsibility. so that you will cease
to give your support to this dreadful traf-
fic."