There is another matter to consider.
I have been sworn to, I believe, by some of the witnesses who
have also sworn to others, though some of them can prove they
were in another city altogether--in Liverpool. Others have an
overwhelming _alibi_, and I should by right have been tried
with them; but I suppose your lordships cannot help that.
We have, for instance, Thomas, the policeman, who swore to
another prisoner. He identified him on a certain day, and
the prisoner was not arrested for two days afterwards. As for
Thomas, I do not presume that any jury could have believed
him. He had heard of the blood-money, and of course was
prepared to bid pretty high for it. My _alibi_ has not been
strong, and unfortunately I was not strong in pocket, and was
not able to produce more testimony to prove where I was at
exactly that time. With regard to the unfortunate man who
has lost his life, I sympathize with him and his family as
deeply as your lordships or the jury, or anyone in the court.
I deeply regret the unfortunate occurrence, but I am as
perfectly innocent of his blood as any man. I never had the
slightest intention of taking life. I have done nothing at
all in connection with that man, and I do not desire to be
accused of a murder which I have not committed.
Pages:
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65