Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1917-06-22
A Traitors Dying Confession OF A
Frightful Crime.
My FELLow-C oUNrRYMEN -

nave only few days, possibly hours
TO live, but before passing away must tell
not only those attesting this confession
but the world, in order that others may
profit thereby, Of horrible crime COM
mltted over thirty years ago.
II matters not here what were the cir
cumstances of my parents, suffice it to say,
my foster-father had been a loyal friend
and benefactor to them and to their parents
before them. This noble. generous man
raised me as a member of his household,
gave me all the advantages and comforts
enjoyed by his own children, and afforded
me every opportunity to become a success
socially and professionally. made good.
became power in the community. My
father. his family, and our neiehbors were
proud of me, but knew had been an
utter failure my fathers home would still
have been my home.
One day, when was in my early twen-
ties and when the condition of our family,
and may say the entire town, seemed at
the very zenith Of peace and prosperity.
walked with my father down the street,
and meeting an old friend and neighbor
stopped for chat. In the course of the con-
Versation our friend told us of a certain
lawsuit brought against him by mutual
friend. Finally, his vituperative language
became offensive to my father. who loyalty
defended the absent party Words became
more heated. personalities developing into
insults. when suddenly my father gave our
neiehbor a stunning blow. knocking him to
the ground. bleeding and unconscious. He
died few minutes later. The crowd had
begun to gather before blows were ex-
changed. shudder as recall the scene,
but more especially my contemplate, cow
ardly conduct. stood Imply aside as the
mob rushed upon my father, cursing. beat
ing and tearing his clothes to shreds.
know it was damnable cowardice that
caused me to stand there with never a
finger raised or a word uttered in defense
of the man who had befriended me and
hhHC oCAOtC udNc
him to the last drop of my blood. but, on the
contrary. when fellow ownsman asked
me who was in the wrong. brazenly told
him that could not ''conscientiously" de-
fend my father. because. to my mind. the
fault was clearly his. This man reminded
me that he who had given me a home
xuhan hoA OthoH bod ahntuaraA
tiOn and blessing upon me. was in danger /;
that no matter what led to the argument,
now that my father was threatened by
the mob. there was only one thing for me
to do must save him. Oh. horrible in
gratitude ! insisted that my father was
to blame for interfering with what was not
his business, and must decline to act or
speak in his defense. My God through
all eternity shall not forget the contempt
and horror on that mans face.
Friends carried my fathers bleeding body
home to his distracted family; but this
was only the beginning of the terrible
tragedy. The mob collected in front of our
HVuoC uhu yChcu tiiOdto dSdiiiSt tnC HluI-
derer and all belonging to him." My family
gathered around me imploring me to save
them by joining our faithful neiehbors
who were arming themselves against the
bloodthirsty crowd. refused. My father s
dying voice pleaded with me for my own
safety. if not for the sake Of our long and
taudar oaooc;ot;on for tho Draoaryot;on ~
Of our family and home, to at least use
my influence by reasoning with the mob.
simply replied that he had brought the
whole thing upon himself. My conscience
forbade me tauttef word in his behalf.
The night was windy. bitterly cold. and
densely dark. except for the torches of the
human devils whose numbers were aug
mented by an army Of miners from nearby
village. They applied these torches to our
beautiful home and the wind swiftly car
ried the flames from house to house. When
saw the home of my childhood burning,
! became indignant. When | saw my
family. frantic with grief. bring forth my
fathers lifeless form and lay it upon the
frozen earth. | suddenly became crazed
with remorse. but it was too late.
In the morning the beautiful mountain
village was a waste. Fire. wind. caste
hatred. fendish ingratitude, and criminal
cOwardice, posing as conscientious scruples.
had brought death. suffering. desolatiOn
and poverty. where only the day before
had been peace. happiness. and plenty.
crawled as a viper from the scene, and
for over thirty years wandered over the
face of the earth. trying to wipe out the
lie here at Deaths threshold. suffer more
than ever remOrse for that horrible crime.
My countrymen. before pass to the
great Beyond. ! make this confession TO
you. because many of you are now guilty of
the same heinous act for which you are con-
demning me. Your country has harbored
you. has given you its wonderful advan-
tages. has been your only home. You have
remained here Of your own free will.
because you know you could not find in
any other land the independence and pros
perity you enjoy here. And yet. those of
you who are not actively disloyal stand
passively aside while the horrors Of war
approach daily nearer your homes and
your loved ones. Was 1t CONSCIENCE that
impelled me TO desert my father, family.
friends No matter whether my fathers
action was or was not a justifiable cause.
he having once entered the fray. was it
not my duty. from every point Of view. to
defend him
urge you. implore you, my fellow
countrymen. lose no time arguing. Hearken
to my words Of warning Fight for home
and country now-remorse only adds to
agony when we cry in death, TOO LATEr
(This poor creature died in a county
almshouse three hours after debating the