The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-12-11
For Floyd and Not Claude.

II
sir.--Justice alone, IL nothing else, would save
Floyd Allen from the electric chair. as was con-
clusvely shown at the trial. He can only be
electrocuted on one of two charges: First, OF the
shooting which, while undisputed, only
after he had been shot at. Conviction Is not
justified by his saying, II won't GO in answer
to the penitentlary sentence, to the sup
posed, feeling by him for pistol Suggestions
don't justify killing do they justify electro
cution for the one supposed, and liberty ana
audation for the one supposng and shooting.
The testimony positive that the first shot
came from the northeast corner OF the court
house. and though fired by Sidna and Claude
(brother and son Of Floyd), didn't justify Clerk
Goad and the deputy sheriff and deputy clerk
opening Floyd before he drew pistol, and
the shooting done by Floyd, under ordinary cir
cumstances. would have been treated as case of
self-defense, and hard to have gotten convic-
ton al all.
The next discriminating charges would be con-
spiracy, which not sustained by the EVIL
dence. and If 1t had been 1t would apply equally
to the others, who will get prison sentences.
But there was just much evidence to IN
eliminate the court officers Except Judge Mas
se) of conspiracy TO shoot UP the Aliens from
the extensive preparation their part In arms
and ammunition eleven pistols and ESQ car
tridges) and while supposing has been the or
der of the day in this CASE why not suppose
that the Aliens had heard knew that the
court officers We're loaded up for them that day.
and that they would be ready also in the same
respect. Therefore, II the charge of conspiracy
was not sustaind (Which is not claimed any
more), then the case against Floyd Allen falls
fiat other than in the second degree. with
public sentiment almost unanimous throughout
the State for communication. it is very probable
that none of the Aliens will be electrocuted ex-
cept poor old Floyd with the best defense OF
Ill (having been first shot att, and 1t would
he an irreparable wrong and stigma upon
The State to eectrocute this old man under
the circumstances and give the others exemp-
ton from the death penalty. The beginning
Of the whole affair wrong and an injustice
to the Aliens. Whoever heard of Handwriting
boys for church disturbance. and that, too. with
out a warrant. 1t has been said Such occur
rences happen often In favored sections
with thoughtess boys and hardly invoke notice.
and there are thousands of law-abidiug citizens
who. In moments of Indignation, would have
loosened their nephews in such case, after
having proposed to deliver them; and whoever
heard of a disgraceful penitentiary sentence for
such an offense (the circumstances considered)?
Well, it seems there has to be victim In this
case to the electric chair and Floyd, the old
man. not long for here anyway, Is selected rather
than Claude. the young of magnificent
physique curly hair, rosy cheeks and pearly
teeth" The father husband and faithful wife
do not seem to be considered to appeal to
sympathy, and that, too. til spite OF the fact
that there was not a scintilla of testimony to
Justify the death penalty In Floyds case.
JUSTICE