Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1911-03-31

thing TO say why sentence OF death
shall not be passed upon yoas'
A solemn hush fell over The crowded
court room, aud every person waited
in almost bIea,hless expectation for
the answer to the Judges question.
| The Judge waited in digniiled silcace,
Not whisper was heard anywhere,
aud the situation had become painfully
Oppressive, when the prisoner was
seen TO move, his bead was raised, his
hand was clinched, and the blood
rushed into his pale, careworn face.
Suddenly he arose TO his feet, aud in
a low, firm. hut distinct voice, said:
~ have. Your honor, you have ask
ed me question, and now ask, a.
the last favor on earth, that you will
uot Interrupt my answer until | am
through.
II stand here before this bar, con-
victed ofthe wilful murder OF my wife.
Truthful witness have testified TO the
fact, that was loafer, a drunkard
and wretch; that / returned from one
of my prolonged dchauches aud fired
the fatal shot that killed the wife
had sworn 10 love, cherish and protect.
| While l have no remembrance OF COM
hitting the fearful deed, have no
right to complain or to condemn the
verdict Of the twelve good men who
have acted as jury in the case, for their
verdict is In accordadce with the evil
dence.
But may It please the court, l wish
TO showlthat AM NOT ALONE RE
SPONSIBLE FOR THE MURDER
OF MY WIFEn
This startling statement 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 intense excite
ment. The prisoner paused few
seconds, 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, IN
Guiding the pastor Of the old church,
are also guilty before Almighty God,
and will have to stand with me before
His Judgment Throne, where we shall
all be righ,eousIy judged.
off II had tot been tor the saloons Of
my town, never would have become
a diunkard; my wife wol,i,t no, have
been murdered; would not be here
now, ready TO be hurled into eternity
Had it not been Tor these human traps
] would have been sober maa, an IN
dustrious workman, tender father
and loving husband. But Today my
home Is destroyed, my wife murdered
my little children--jod bless and care
for them--cast out on the mercy Of thu
world, while I am to be hung by the
strong arm of the State.
"God knows, ! tried to reform, but
as long as the open saloon was In my
pathway, my weak, diseased will pow.
er was no match against the fearful,
consuming, agonizing appetite for IL
quor
"For one year our town was without
q saloon. For one year | was sober
man. For one year my wife and child
tren were happy, and our little nome
was paradise.
~ was one of those who signed re-
monstrances against re-openlng the
saloons in our town. One-half OF thie
jury, the prosecuting attorney on this
case, and the Judge who sits on this
bench, all voted for the saloon. BY
their votes and influence saloons were
re-opened, aud they have made me
what 1 am"
The impassioned words of the prison.
er fell like Goals OF fire upon the hearts
Of those present, and many of the spec
talors and some of the lawyers were
moved to tears. The judge made a
motion as if to stop further speech,
when the speaker hastily said:
"No! No! your honor do not close
my lips: I'm nearly through.
~ began my downward career at
saloon BAR-Iegalized and protected
by the voters of this town. After the
saloons you allowed have made me
drunkard and murderer, | ain taken
before another BAR-the bar Of justic,
and now the Law-power will conduct
me to the place of eSecution and hasten
my soul into eternity.
l shall appear before another bar
the JUDGMENT BAR OF GOD, and
there you, who have legaIized the traffic
will have to appear with me. Think
you that the Great Judge viii hold
me--the poor weak, helpless victim OF