The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-03-10
Charged With Murder
(Republlshed bv REQUEST.

Prisoner at the bar have you anything TO
say why sentence OF death shall not be passed
upon your"
A solemn hush fell over the crowded court.
room, and every person waited In almost breath.
less expectation for the answer to the Judge S
question.
The judge waited In dignihed silence
Not whisper was heard anywhere, and the
situation had become painfully oppressive. when
the prisoner seen to move, his head was
raised his hand clinched and the blood HAD
rushed into his pale, careworn face,
Suddenly he his feet, and In a low,
firm but distinct voice said:
Il have Your honor you rave asked me a
aueotAo AZ, anu ~" ash. as ttle last idNor on
earth. that you will not interrupt my answer untfl
am through.
II stand here before this bar, convicted of the
hove testified TO the fact that was loafer a
drunkard and wretch; that I returned from
one of my prolonged debauches and fired the
fatal shot that killed the wife had sworn to
love, cherish and protect. While have no re-
mctnbrance Of committing the fearful deed I
verdict OF the twelve good men who have acted
Jury in the case, for their verdict is in &C.
cordance with the evidence.
that / AM NOT ALONE REsPONSIBf e FOR
THE MURDER OF MY WIFE"
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 anna cement
Willie the spectators could haroiv suppress their
Intense excitement The prisoner paused few
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
or 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 rtghteously judged
IF It had not been for the saloons Of my town
never would have become drunkard: my wife
would not have been murdered would not be
here now, ready to be hurled into eternity mad
1t not been for these human traps I would have
been a sober man. Industrious workman a
tender father, and a loving husband. But day
my home is destroyed, my wife murdered my 1T
tie children--God bless and for then-cast
oct on the mercy OF the world while l am to
be hung by the strong arm OF the State
God knows I tried to reform, but as lonr as
the open saloon was IN my pathway, my weak
diseased win power was no match against the
fearful consuming agonzfng appetite for Ifuuor
for year town was without a saloon
For year l a sober man. For one year
my wife and children were happy, and our little
home was paradise
Il was one of those who signed reinonstrances
against reopening the saloons OF town One
case. and the Judge who sits on this bench, all
voted for the saloons BY their votes and In
fuence saloons were reopened. and They have
made what I am
he irnpassoned words of tho 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
A motion II to stop further speech, when the
speaker hastily said. mol No, your honor do
not close my lips. / nearly asrough
Il began my downward career at saloon BAR
-lsgalized and protected by the voters of this
town. After the saloons you allowed have made
me drunkard and murderer, ] taken be-
fore another BAR-the bar of justice-and now
the law power will conduct to the place or
sxeentieH and hasten my soul. INTO eternity. n
shall appear before another BAR the JUDO |
aaENT BAR OF GOD and there you who have |
esalised the traffic will have to appear with me- |
The poor, weak, helpless victim OF your traff,c-l
alone Responsible for the murdes OF my wifs7 Nay