Jan. IA, lal6.

William unrrcr. tic Doomed.
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To The Editor Of The Tribune


There is ample cause, wholly irrespective ot the
question of a5olishing Capital Punishment why inn
prsonment should in this case be substituted Tor the
penalty of death.


In the case of Harper The evidence was by no
means onesided merely, but testimony of the high
est moment was offered in behalf OF the defendant;
The Jury could have convicted Harper only by re-
iecting as false the testimony of several witnesses
in his favor The Jury may have decided rightly
IL is not my purposc TO discuss the merits OF their
verdict. Bat that the unimpeachcd young men
who 10 the effect OF Harpers having stabbed
Kempf, il at all, in selfdcfencc-that these youEs
men have basely perurcd themselves, Is so revolt
ing proposition. that no one can resist the eoHc1-
sion that their testimony was possibly true.


The case, then is emphaticaly one ofthose which
our law contcmplaies in comforting upon the Gov
ernor under the advice OF the highest legal officers
Of The State, the right OF pardon and communication


The case of Harper s possibly case OF innocence,
or of guilt ranging far below that declared by the
verdict.


Another consideration suggests itself as connected
with the general interests of society Harper has
borne the reputation OF an inoensive man. If glilty
he NAV well be presumed 10 have taken an enemy
into his mouth which stole away his brains.


Now by hanging for crimes committed under such
circumstances you DO not lay the AK at the root o.;
the tree The next porter.housc frolic may result
in the same way did that in question. Abolish
porter houses and dam up the toVltain of evil.


Ill does UiRdlcttCe punishment become ira man.
Far far different is the end of constitutions and laws
although they are 100 often perverted.


Law hath declared he shall not live


Man avenge, though God forgive" c.