The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1910-11-05
Prisoner At The Bar

Prisone- at the bar, SAID the Judge
have you anything to say why sen
tence of death should not be passed
upon you?"
The Judge waited IN digniiied silence.
Not whisper was heard anywhere
and ,he situation became painfully OPP
pressive.
u;s head was raised, his hands clench-
ed while the blood rushed to his pale,
careworn face. Suddenly he arose to
his feet. and in Z low but firm voice
said:
II have. vour honor. You have ask
.l me a que stion; and | now ask as a
last favor ON earth, that you will not
interrupt nv answer until | am
through.
II stand before this bar convicted
nf wiIlful murder of my wife. Truth
in, witnesses have testified to the fact
that | was q loafer, drunkard and a
wretch. that returned from one OF
nv prolonged debauches and fired the
fatal shot which killed the wife ! had
sworn 10 love, cherish and protect
"Whe | have no remembrance OF
committing the fatal deed, | have no
right TO complain nor to condemn the
verdict OF the twelve good men who
have acted as jury inthis case. for their
verdict is in accordance with the evil
fcnce which | have heard.
But, may it please the court, am
not alone responsible for the murder
OF my wife
This startling statement created a
tremendous sensation. The judge
'eaned over the desk, the lawyers
wheeled around and faced the prisoner
while the jurors looked at each other
in anazenent.
Yes, ] repeat it. 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 Almighty God, and viii
have to stand with me before his judg-
ment throne, where we shall all be
rightcouSly pudgcd for all our thoughts
words and deeds.
IF there had not been saloons in my
town should not have become a
drunkard, my wife would not have beer
murdered. and should not be here
now, ready to be hurled into eternity
Had it not been Tor these human traps
should have been sober man, DIT
industrious workman. tender father
and loving husband. But today my
home is destroyed, my little children
cast out into the word, while | am t,
be hanged by the strong arm OF thc
State.
God knows have tried to reform
and prayed Tor strength to withstand
the licensed temptations; but So lone
a sthe open saloon was in my pathway
my weak and diseased will power wa!
no match against the fearful. agoniz
ing. consuming appetite for drink.
For one year Our town was with
ont a saloon | was one OF those who
signed the rcmonstrance against the
rcopening of the saloons in oul town
One-hrll OF this jury, the prosecuting
attorney IN this case and the judge
who sits on this bench. all voted iol
the saloons. by their votes and in
tluence saloons were rcopencd. ant
they have helped t. make me what
am
The impaS stoned words Of the pris
"ner ic,l like coa.s OF fire upon The
hearts Of those present The judge
made a motion a. ii to- stop furthc,
speech hut The prisoner hastily said
Your homer, | am Hearly through. Dc
not close my lips Then he resumed
Il began my downward career at {
saloon lar, licensed and protected by
the voters oi this town. Had it MOI
been Tor the license voters the salons
which have wrecked my lie and de
stroyed my home would not have cx,
listed. After the saloons you have es
tabishCi have made me drunkarc
and a murderer, | am taken before
another L'r. the Lar OF justice, anc
nnW the 3aw power viii conduct mt
~ my plGc OF execution. and hastcr
my son, into eternity. shall appeal
before another bar thcn--lhc judgment
bar OF God
nj .hc:e you WHO have licci scd
III. t:a,,c H,uSt appear with me. Think
y" uth't IL great Judge wili hold me
tn poor, wax Vim OF ycIr saloons
al1uc rcsn-.,>jI'c i,,r the m.;rdcr O
my vie: Nay. |, in my DRUM en-
ircI e /, Irresponsible condition, havC
murdered "ur: but YOU have dci,5cr
At y voted irr the saloons which nav,
n"rderc Thousands aud these saloon.
a.: :. ~ operation today with YOU