The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-01-21
Charged With Murder.


Prisoner at the bar. have you anything TO
say why sentence of death shall not be passed
upon you?'
A solemn hush fell over the crowded court
ROOM and every person waited in almost breath
less expectation for the answer to the judges
question
The Judge waited in dignfed silence.
Not whisper heard anywhere, and the
situation had become painfully oppressive when
the prisoner to move, his head was
raised. his hand clinched and the blood had
rushed into his pale. careworn face
Suddenly he arose to his feet, and in low,
firm but distinct voice said:
Il have. Your honor. you have asked me
question. and l ask. the last favor on
earth. that you will not interrupt my answer
until / am through
= 4 stand here, before this bar, convicted of
the wilful murder of my wife Truthful wit
nesses have testified to the fact that l was a
loafer a drunkard. and wretch; that re-
turned from one of my prolonged debauches
and fired the fatal shot that killed the wife
had sworn to love- cherish and protect. While
l have remembrance of committing the fear
full deed. / have no right to complain or to con-
denim the verdict of the twelve good men who
have acted as jury in the case. for their verdict
is In accordance with the evidence 1902.
But may lit please the court. t.s4sh to@show
that AM NOT ALONE RESPONSIBLE FOR
THE MURDER OF MY WIFE,"
This startling statement created a tremen-
dous 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 hard
~ suppress their intense excitement The pris-
oner paused rev seconds, and then continued
in the same firm. distinct voice
Il repeat, your honor that am not the only
guilty of the murder OF my wife The
Judge this bench the jury in the box. the
lawyers within this bar. and most Of the wit
nesses, including the pastor of the old church.
are also guilty before Almighty God, and will
have to stand with me before His Judgment
throne. where 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 1
he m no nr1a
into eternity Had it not been for these human
traps. | would have been "A sober man. an in
dustrious workman, a tender father. and low
ing husband. But to-day my home is destroyed,
my wife murdered. my little chldren--God
bless and care for them-cast out on the mercy
of the world. while ! to be hung by the
strong arm of the State.
God knows. L tried to reform, but as long
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 a saloon.
For one year was a sober man. For one year
my wife and children were happy and our
little home paradise.
Il one of those who signed remonstrances
against reopening the saloons of our town.
One-half of this jury the prosecuting attorney
in this case and the judge who sits on this
bench all voted for the saloons. BY their votes
and influence saloons were reopened, and they
have made me what / am"
The impassioned words of the prisoner fell
like Goals of fire upon the hearts of those pres
ent. and many OF the spectators and some of
the lawyers were moved to tears. The Judge
made motion If to stop further speech
when the speaker hastily said: mo! No your
honor do not close my lips. / am nearly
through.
Il began my downward career at a saloon
BAR-iegalized and protected by the voters or
this town After the saloons you allowed have
made me 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 l shall appear before another BAR,
the JUDGMENT BAR OF GOD and there you
who have legalized the traffic will have to APP
pear with me Think you that the Great