Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1922-11-28
PLEADING FOR A life
Synopsis Of Argument OF Council In
state Against FAIRIES.
The Bible is FREQUENTLY QUOTED

--N--
The BIBLE is FREQUENTLY QUOTED
BIease Objects to Statement Of Spear:
| Relative to York county's Homicide
Record-Judge and Solicitor Compli.
ment Defense Attorneys-Motion fol
New Trial Promptly overruled.
, Unquestionably some Of the most
brilliant arguments ever heard in a
York county court room in a criminal
trial were those heard last Saturday
morning in the case of William c.
FAIRIES, convicted of the murder of
Newton Taylor, 13, at Glover on Sept
ember 6, last. SO impressive were
most of those arguments that both
spectators and principals in the noted
case were almost moved to tears, time
after time Dramatic incident follow
ed dramatic incident during the argu-
ments both for the defense and the
prosecution. Three hours and one
half of the time were required for the
presentation Of arguments. The law
yers had been allowed four hours in
all to present their pleas, agreement to
that effect having been reached with
Judge Peurifoy on Friday John G..
Carpenter, solicitor elect of CASTOR
county who takes office on January 1,
opened for the state. He was followed
by Thos. F.. Mellow, Esq, of Yorkville,
chief counsel for the defense. Then
Solicitor ]. Monroe Spears of Darling
ton, representing Solicitor Henry, had
the floor. The closing argument for
the defense was made by Former Gov
ernor Blease. The concluding argu-
ment of the case was made by John r..
Hart, Esq, of states counsel.
Mr.. Carpenter Speaks.
"This is no time" argued Solicitor
Carpenter Ito ask for mercy for man
who has so wrecked home as it has
been proven that William c. FAIRIES has
wrecked the home of James NJ. Taylor,
depriving him of his children. The
defense has offered no excuse for this
rampage of rage and anger save that it
grew out of children's quarrel. The
defense has offered you no evidence
to show that the defendant should not
pay the extreme penalty for the crime
with which he is charged"
Mellow Asks Mercy.
A plea for a verdict of manslaughter
and not murder was asked by Thos.
F. McDow, Esq, principal counsel for
the defendant, the advocate arguing
| that prior to the killing the defendant
had asked for the protection Of the
law and it had been refused him. He
requested that little Finley FAIRIES, one
of the defendants children come 10 him
and placing. his hands on the little
fellows head in front Of the jury he
pleaded that FAIRIES had killed in de-
fenseof his child and children, which
he had a right to do after he had been
informed that one Of them had been
attacked.
Referring to newspaper accounts Of
the homicide he conceded that the
newspapers had right to print what
they pleased relative to this case or
any other case provided they kept
themselves within the law; but he in
sisted that they had worked an in
justice to his client in fixing public
opinion by consistently reiterating the
circumstances Of the homicide, thereby
tending to prejudice the public mind. 81
grant," he said, that it is the busi
ness and the right Of the newspapers
to publish what they please; but l do
argue that they have done my client
an injustice by reason of repetition of
the facts in this case"
Quoting the Bible freely the counsel
argued for a return of verdict Of
justice tempered with mercy and
begged the jurors to save the few re-
manning years of life of this old man."
pointing to the defendant who appear
ed apparently unmoved by the power
ful plea made in his behalf.
Spears Asks Extreme Penalty.
"Mr. Foreman and gentlemen" said
Solicitor Spears, I'VE are asking for
the extreme penalty in this case based
on the law and on the evidence. We
are convinced that the state has made
out a clear case. The records will
show conclusively that in proportion
to population more murders have been
committed in York county this year
than in any other county in South
Carolina. There is one way 20 stop
this rampant crime wave and that is to
do your duty in enforcing the law"
your honor" interrupted Former
Governor Bleasc associate counsel for
the defendant. Il object to this form
/, of argument on the part of my friend.
He has no right to refer to the alleged
bloody record Of York county. William
c. FAIRIES and not York county is on
trial in this courthouse"
Il repeat what | said, your honor,
that there have been more murders in
York county this year in proportion to