The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-03-20
ELEVEN MEMbERSO OF
WATSON Jury ASK
CLEMENCYO O'NEAL
Every Effort Being Made to
Save Condemned Man
From GallOws
GOVERNOR TO HEAR
ADVOCATES TODAY
Preparations for Execution Tomorrow
Practically Complete-Witnesses
All Summoned-Watson Is
Hopeful of Communication

Eleven members of the petit jury
that convicted VIII Watson of the muir
der of John Holland. negro. and gave
him the death penalty have signed a
special petition requesting Governor
ONeal to commute his sentence to life
imprisonment According to the state
ment of his brother, J. M. Watson, who
has secured the IL signatures. The
twelfth juror Is out of the state and
consequently could not be reached. Wat
sons brother stated that they were re-
lying solely on the assistance of the
public to save the condemned man from
ment seemed all In favor of the SEN
tence being commuted to life imprison-
ment, and that assistance had been
freely offered.
julius Davidson, who defended Wat
son, has never ceased working In his
behalf. and after having resorted TO
every legal procedure to keep him
from hanging has been largely instru-
mental in getting the petitions asking
for executive clemency signed by the
people of the county. He states that
over 5000 names have been secured
He also states that a number Of prom
lnent business and professional men,
including two members of the legisla-
ture. have offered to go to Montgom-
|ery to intercede in behalf of watson.
Mr. Davidson also stated that the
governor had promised the attorneys
and friends of Watson a hearing at
o c
will be presented and the arguments
advanced for executive clemency. Judge
IN. B. Feagin is in Montgomery, having
carried the petitions, and will assist Mr..
Davidson in bringing the case before
the governor
When seen yesterday Watson was
very hopeful. and while evidently un-
der a great strain was paratively
calm He protests his innocence and
seems to be fairly confident that he will
be repreved.
The attorneys for Arthur and Walter
Jones are also busy and in addition to
a largely signed petition have been as
sured of other assistance. 1t was ru-
mored yesterday that an effort would
be made to have the governor reprieve
Arthur Jones until April 4. the date set
for the execution of his brother
1t is understood that the mother of
Arthur Jones will go to Montgomery
today and ask clemency for her sons.
At the sheriffs office the prepara
tions have been practically made for
the hanging of Will Watson and Arthur
Jones. and notices have been sent to
the witnesses required by law to be
present. None others, will be admitted
to the jail yard except the represen-
tatives of the press
There is a marked difference in the
demeanor of the two men, Watson
since being in Jail has become very
religious and has taken part in the
has written a poem addressed to his
hope of repreive and although within
hope.
Arthur Jones seems to be keenly
aware of the seriousness of his position,
his pale countenance and nervous move
ment of his eyes show that he realizes
how near death he is and that only ex-
ecutive clemency can save him. While
he knows that his friends are doing all
they can for him, he does not appear
to have the hope that has buoyed up
Watson since their trial and conviction.
This afternoon the final appeal will
be made to Governor O'Neal and on that
final appeal rests their life or death.
Should the appeals for clemency be re-
fused on Friday morning. March 21,
they will be hanged by the neck until
dead.