h this remark Ed. went away to attend to his
duties. My eyes followed the old soldier, and, reader, do you blame me
when I say to you that from within my heart there came forth the earnest
desire that God in some way would save that man, who, away from strong
drink and the influence of wicked companions, is a good-hearted,
generous man.

Gordon Skinner.--A young man of twenty, possessed of an innocent, boyish
appearance, whom none would take for a murderer, was sent up from Ellis
County. His victim was Andrew Ericson, a respectable and worthy citizen
about thirty-seven years of age. Skinner claims the shooting was purely
accidental; that he was carelessly handling a six-shooter when it went
off, the ball striking Ericson. He claims, also, that he and his victim
were good friends, and that he never had any intention of killing
him. The other side of the story is that there lived near Hayes City a
beautiful girl, and that Skinner and Ericson were rivals for her heart
and hand. Ericson, being much older than young Skinner, possessed of
some property, and doubtless more skillful in the art of winning hearts,
was beginning to crowd his rival to the wall. Young Skinner, not being
able to endure the sight of his fair one being thus ruthlessly torn away
by an old bachelor of thirty-seven, met him one day and the two engaged
in a spirited controversy, when Skinner drew his revolver and shot him.
Ericson lived several days afterward. Just before death, Ericson begged
of his friends not to have Skinner arrested, stating he was not to
blame. Skinner, moneyless, friendless, a comparative stranger in the
neighborhood, his people all residing in Phillips County, this State,
and, with the prejudices of the Ericson people against him, was tried,
convicted and sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment. If the Board of
Pardons ever takes the trouble to investigate this case, with a view
of tempering justice with mercy, they will find it worthy. Skinner is
a good prisoner, and has ingratiated himself in the good opinion of
the officers. But the weight of a twenty years' term is heavy, and is
visibly affecting his health. Death should not be left to accomplish
what the Board of Pardons should take pleasure in doing. This delicate
boy should be sent home to his parents.

FREAKS OF JUSTICE

Robert W. Corey was sent from Wyandotte County with a sentence of three
years for stealing cattle. This is a remarkable case. Corey is a blind
man, and