Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1911-07-13

POSITIVE, however, as 10 whether that
would be the time.
Roberts was told early this after
noon there was no hope for him. War
den Crawford said that the man never
was confident that he would again be
respited, and despite this, he main
tanned his iron nerve all along.
Former Judge j. Frank Ball, coun-
sci for Roberts, went 10 the Workhouse
early this afternoon to see him. Be
fore getting on the car he spoke OF
Roberts as the most remarkable man
he ever saw. He is more concerned
about me than about himself" said
Mr. Ball. "The last time / saw him
he told me not to worry and that if he
had to die he was ready to 60"
Judge Ball concluded by saying, Il
hope that this mystery will be clear
ed up some day"
Crime Last August.
Mr.. and Mrs. Robert Casey, Jr., an
aged couple who kept a store at Clay
mont, were found battered to death in
their beds the morning of August 20
last. A club had been used to beat
out their life. Roberts was arrested
several days afterward in Chester
charged with the murder. At the
trial testimony was offered that Rob
erts had been seen at Claymont the
night Of the murder, aud footsteps
were found leading from the Roberts
dwelling toward the Casey store. It
was testified that shoes worn by Rob-
erts would produce a similar foot
print, there being an unusual mark
made by the shoe sole.
COlored Men Act.
A delegation Of representative col
ored men who were TO have gone &C
Dover today to see Governor Pennewil
IN behalf Of Reese Roberts, condemned
TO die tomorrow. for the alleged muir
der Of Mrs Robert Casey, at Claymont
did not make the trip. The Rev c. Z
Jefferson, pastor Of Gilbert Presby
terrain Church, was in communication
last night with Governor Pennewil
over the telephone and the latte
stated that he would be away all Of to
day and could give no hearing during
the day. He said, however, that h,
could meet the delegation tomorrow
morning. The Governor stated that h
still had the matter of Roberts exc
cution under consideration.
meeting was held in the A. T. NJ
p. Church yesterday afternoon, tn
Rev. Albert Price. spiritual advisor o
Roberts acting as chairman It was
attended by colored ministers, physi
clans, business men and teachers. The,
decided to go to Dover or Greenwoo,
and urge the Governor to grant the re
spite upon evidence claimed to havl
been found. and not merely on a sym
pathetic plea The nature of this evi
dence is not disclosed.
The Ministerial Federation of Ches
ter, at its annual meeting held In Phil
adelphia yesterday, prepared a petition
which was sent to Governor Pennewil
requesting him TO stay the execution
It is known that Governor Pennewil
has received numerous letters, som,
requesting that he stay the execution
and others urging that he no longe
interfere. He is said to feel dispose,
not to interfere unless It is pointed on
TO him beyond doubt that there is evi
dence showing that the condemne,
man is innocent. Such evidence, how
ever, has not yet been submitted L
him.
Letter to Governor.
The following letter was sent tC
Governor Pennewill today by william
Tatnall Of this city:
To His Excellency, Simeon S. Penne.
will, Governor OF the State O.
Delaware
see in the daily papers that yo,
are quoted as saying in regard to tn,
. Reese Roberts case, that unless add
tional evidence of his innocencv Il
produced in the interim, you will no
take any further action 70 stay tn,
r execution OF the sentence against him
- II the above quotation Is true.
3 sincerely trust that in the interests o
d justice and equity, you will reconside,
such a decision. Murder in any form
= is an awful crime, and this one o
3 which Roberts is accused is no ex
1 ception, and the guilty party shout,
? be made TO suffer TO the full exten
e Of the law. ! have no sympathy viii
that sentimental idea of justice tina
e prompts so many in these days I,
5 jump to the rescue Of criminals con
victed on direct evidence and seek d
4 stay the hand OF justice and frustrat
a the sentence imposed by a court Il
2 such a case. But Roberts case {
different II ! understand correctly
he was convicted entirely on circum
stantial evidence. II Roberts Is tn
real criminal he should suffer tn
D penalty, but Il seems to me that Jus
. tice will be much more fully met
p due time IS allowed to determine thi
3 point
True justice demands that the rea
e criminal be punished, not simply tina
E some victim be found on which I
E wreak vengeance. That might an
swer among barbarians, but surel
2 not IN our enlightened land wher
everyone IS supposed TO be given III
benefit Of any doubt arising as to hi
guilt To take the life Of an innocen
. man is an awful thing and defeat
I the ends Of justice entirely, as n
] real criminal IS still az large and n
) innocent party has suffered IN nj
: stead. Il would seem as II our law
{ m such case are sadly in need z
IreVielOn that will aliow fnrv =