Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1913-03-07
THE ALIENS MUST DIE.
Governor Mann Refuses to Save Vir-
ginia Outlaws.

j Richmond, Va, March Floyd
irAllen and his young son, Claude Swan
son Allen, Carroll county mountain
GERS. must 90 to the electric chair on
March IS and expiate the crime they
participated in on March a of last
wear when the Allen clansmen shot up
the courthouse at Hillsville, Va, and
killed Judge Thornton L. Massie, Com
monwealth's Attorney w. NJ. Foster
and Sheriff Lew Webb and wounded
Miss Ayers and juror, who died
later from their wounds.
Convicted of the murder of w. NJ.
Foster their appeal was considered
twice by the Supreme Court and both
times the decision of the lower court
was affirmed. Governor Mann has
granted four respites in order to have
time to consider the case in every de-
tail.
In statement issued last night,
Governor Mann declines to consider
the case further and says the laws
mandates must be carried out on
March 2S. Governor Mann says he
finds no evidence that political or
other kind of feud existed between
the court officers and the members of
the Allen gang at the time of the
wholesale shooting of the judiciary.
The verdict in Sidna Aliens case is
branded miscarriage of justice. The
statement reads, in part:
PROFOUNDLY impressed with my re.
sponsibility and the value of human
life, have several times rcspited the
Aliens in order that l might make
the most careful and thorough exam
nation. have read the evidence pro-
duced at the trial:, the letters and pc.
titions addressed to me, the sentence
of the trial Judge and the opinions of
our Supreme Court of Appeals and on
two occasions | have heard the argu-
ments Of the attorneys of those fav-
oring communication and in many in
stances, have had conversations with
the friends of the unfortunate men.
think it safe to say that their cases
have been presented from every pos
sible standpoint with feeling and abil-
ity
Desiring all the light possible, /,
have not been satisfied with the in
formation thus brought me, but have
sought it at first hand from those fa'
miliar with the facts and had hoped
that | might find some good reason
which would permit me with due re-
gard 10 the law have sworn to exc
cute and the rights of innocent people
to protection-to exercise executive
clemency.
81 have looked for a reason why L.
should exercise the high power given
me by the Constitutions power
which because it is high and extraor-
binary, must be used carefully, not toi
defeat justice, bat to promote it when
for any cause the courts are so bound
by precedent, rules or conditions as to
be unable to afford it.
'In these cases the gravest crime
of which have any knowledge has
been committed; "a court has been
wantonly destroyed in its temple.
"The very foundation upon which
society rests for its protection and
safety have been threatened and would
be weakened and endangered if Il
welded to that sentiment of mercy
which would extend clemency to Floyd
ard Caude Allen at the expense of
Justice to the State and protection to-
its citizens. I must, therefore, de-
cline to interfere with the regular
course of the law.
"In order, however, that these un-
fortunate men may have time, now
that all earthly hope is gone, to make
their peace with God. l have reprieved
Floyd and Claude Allen until Friday,
March %, 1913, and on that day the
sentences o fthe court will be carried
out in Ghe manner prescribed by law.
GAS this decision, regretfully reach
ed after careful consideration, is abso-
lutely final, l trust the good people of
Virginia will so consider it, and will re-
frain from further efforts to secure
clemency for these unfortunate but
guilty men,"
COURT OF APPEALS. ~