The Taney County republican. (Forsyth, Mo.) 1895-1992, 1915-02-25
Charged with Murder

a solemn hush iell over the crowded
court room, and every person waited in
almost breathless expectation for the
answer TO the judges question.
The Judge waited in dgnifed 81
lence.
Not a whisper was heard anywhere,
and the situation had became pain
fully oppressive, when the prisoner was
seen to move, his head was raised, his
hand was clinched, and the blood had
rushed into his pale, careworn face.
Suddenly he arose TO his feet, and
in low, firm but distinct voice, said:
Il have! Your honor, you have
asked me a question, and l now ask,
as the LAST favor on earth, that you will
not interrupt my answer until / am
tn ough.
i stand here before this bar, con
victed Of the williul murder Of my wife.
Truthful witnesses have testified to the
fact that I was a loaieI, a drunkard,
and a wretch; that returned from one
OF my prolonged debauches, and fred
the fatal shot that killed the wila l had
sworn TO love, cherish and protect.
While | have no remembrance Of
committing the fearful deed, l have no
right TO complain or to condemn the
verdict Of the twelve good men who
have acted as jury in the case; for
their verdict is in accordance with the
evidence.
But may it please the court, I wish
10 show that l am not alone responsible
for the murder Of my wten
This startling statement created a
tremendous sensation. The Judge
leaned owe: the desk, the lawyers
wheeled around and faced the prisoner,
the jurors looked at each other in
amazement. The prisoner paused a
few seconds, and then continued in the
same firm, distinct voice:
I repeat, your honor, that I am not
thu only one guilty Of the murder OF
my wife. The Judge on this bench,
hall the jury in the tox, the lawyers
within this bar, and most Of the wit
nesses, including 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 righteously judged.
III it had not been for the saloons
Of my town, l never would have be.
come a drunkard; my vile would not
have been murdered; I would not be
here now, ready to be hurled into
eternity. Had it not been for these
human traps, l would have been a
sober man, an industrious workman,
a tender father and loving husband.
But today my home is destroyed, my
wife Murdered, my little children God
bless and care for them--cast out on
the mercy OF the world, while I am to
be hanged By the strong arm OF the
state.
God knows, tried to reform, but
as long as the open saloon was in my
pathway, my weak, diseased will power
was no match against the fearinl, con
suming, agoniziug appetite .or liquor.
For one year our town was without
saloon. For one year l was a sober
man. For one year my wife and my
children were happy, and our little
home was a paradise.
Il was one Of those who signed re
monstrances against reopening the
saloons OF our town. One half OF this
jury, the prosecuting attorney on this
case, and the Judge who sits on this
bench, all voted for the saloons. By
their votes and influence saloons were
reopened, and they have made me
what | am
The impassioned words Of the pris-
oner fell like Goals Ct fire upon the
hearts oi those present, and many oI
the spectators and some Of the lawyers
were moved 70 tears. The Judge made
motion as if to stop further speech,
when the speaker hastily said:
No! No! your honor, do not close
my lips; l am nearly through.
Il began my downward career al |
saloon bar egalized and protected b!
the voters Of this town. After tht
saloons you allowed have made me
drunkard and murderer, | am takeI
before another bar--the bar Of justice
and now the law power will conduc
me to the place OF execution, anC
hasten my soul into eternity. l shal
appear before another bar the judg
ment bar OF God, and there you, Wit
have legalized the traffic, will have Il
appear with me. Think you that tht