Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-08-04
Gov. Fuller's Decision.


been aroused on the eve Of his deci-
sion, Gov. Fuller of Massachusetts has
ruled that Sacco and Vanzetti must
die for the murder of South
Braintree paymaster and his guard
seven years 40. 1t was thought
that perhaps he would reprieve them
and ask for legislation permitting a
retrial. The governor, however. rem
ders a decision of explicit confirma-
ton of the verdict Of guilty. He says:
As a result of my investigation /
find no sufficient justification for IN
PREVENTION. l believe with the jury
that these men, Sacco and Nanzetti'
were guilty and that they had fair
trial. furthermore believe that
there was no justifiable reason LOT
giving them a new trial.
This is a courageous act on the
part of the Governor of Massa-
chusetts. He was subjected to intense
pressure which might we'll have
caused him to adopt the expedient
of a reference of the case to another
Jury. He had. however, given the
whole proceedings a most searching
examination, reading all of the rec
ords. examining all Of the important
witnesses, interviewing all of the
surviving members of the trial jury
and the presiding judge, hearing argu-
ments by counsel for the defense and
personally examining the condemned
men, He had questioned the man,
under sentence of death for another
crime. who had confessed" to par
ticipation in the South Braintree
murders, exculpating Sacco and van
zetti. He had, moreover, referred
the case for detailed examination to
a commission of three eminent,
learned and impartial men whose re-
port to him doubtless confirmed his
own Judgment, though there Is no
disclosure thus far of their findings
Probably no other case in the his
tory of American Jurisprudence mas
had so full a review by a State
executive. so fair consideration and
under such difficult circumstances.
Doubtless a violent reaction VIII
result from Gov. Fuller's decision.
Partisans of Sacco and Vanzetti not
only in this country but abroad are
highly infiamed in their demand Tor
clemency. or rather for what they
term justice for these men. VINO
they contend are victims OF preJu-
dice and innocent Of any partlclpa-
ton in the crimes for which they
have been condemned. Protest mass
meetings will doubtless be held.
Violence may develop. The COVER
nors life has already been threat
ened in the event his decision was
adverse to Sacco and Vanzetti. Out
RACES have been committed, notably
IN other countries. A yeritable cult
has developed among the radical ele-
ments. There is no telling what VIII
be the outcome.
But the law has spoken and finally.
There Is no appeal from the gov
errors decision. He has assumed
the ultimate responsibility. has as
stunned 1t bravely and conscientiousiy.
Nothing stands between these men
and the electric chair but some act
OF Providence. One of the two men
is on hunger strike and 1t is reported
that his mind Is weakening and that
by the day of execution he may De
insane. In this case he cannot be
taken to his death at the hands OF
the law so long as he remains In
that condition.
Gov. Fuller's decision. based upon
the most painstaking inquiry, with
out prejudice and, it is evident. with
every desire to find the truth, how
ever it may be assailed by partisans
must stand as a vindication Of the
law processes of America, the more
impressive because of the organized
attempt to defeat them.