Rensselaer Republican, Volume 21, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 November 1888 — His Speech Saved His Life. [ARTICLE]

His Speech Saved His Life.

Chicago Tribune. , you would like to say a few words before westring you up,” said the spokesman of the Vigilance Committee, stern'ly, “you may have the chance.” “There is somethtng I would like to say,’ responded the condemned horsethief, pale but self-possessed. “All I ask is that you will permit me to say it without interruption.” “Go ahead,” said the spokesman, laconically. “We’ll let you finish.” “Then, gentlemen,” began the condemned man, with emotion, “I have a few words of solemn warning to utter. In the innocent and happy days of my young manhood, before I came to Arizona and fell into evil ways, I was engaged in a useful and honorable calling. Had I never abandoned it I might have been stijl a respectable and upright citizen. Though I have become a bad man and’am about to receive my last punishment, I have always kept a momento of those happier days. In my valise, gentlemen, you will find a copy of a little work entitled, ‘The American Voter’s Text-Book,’ of which I sold nearly 1,000 copies in one county in Pennsylvania alone. It is indispensable to every man who would keep himself thoroughly informed as to those questions concerning whiph it is the duty of every citizen to be fully advised. You will find in that volume, gentleman, full and accurate information as to the political platforms of all tne parties, election returns from every State in the Union, names of members of Congress, judges of the various court*, &c., with amass of miscellaneous statistics and facts never before grouped together in one work. Bound in cloth or. half calf the price of his valuable book has always been” ' He paused a moment to* wipe tne scalding tears from his eyes. When he looked about him again his audience has vanished. He was saved.