22 Oct 1909
Page 1
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Newspaper
Atlanta Constitution
Location
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
Date
Oct 22, 1909
Page
1
In a Harper case, the death sentence was commuted to imprisonment, closing a long legal battle. The ruling removes the death penalty as punishment, delivering a substantial shift in the defendant’s fate and future confinement terms.
Jim Harper will not hang in Murray county today as Governor Brown commutes his death sentence to life imprisonment. The sheriff traveled from Atlanta to return Harper to prison for a prior murder, but Foster's affidavit as sole witness convinced officials that Harper was not legally guilty of murder. The move followed opinions from prison officials and justices, with Harper’s lawyers and supporters praising the conversion and urging clemency. The governor’s order notes this case reached Georgia’s supreme court twice and cites evolving views on the homicide tied to a protection claim.
Mrs Maude Ridley aged 22 was arrested by Police Captain Gaffney on a charge of giving poisoned candy to Nanette Lillard wife of RS Lillard a reporter. City chemist found the candies contained strychnine and one piece fed to a rabbit died instantly. Ridley alleged to seek Lillard through Miss Lillard and divorce plans.
John Harper, a Murray county murderer awaiting death, mailed a miniature Bible to a pardon board member who opposed his commutation. Inside the book a cryptic note forgave the board member, and Harper claimed a divine conversion through prayer. Jail authorities are convinced the change stems from religious fervor.
An invitation will be extended to President Taft and Georgia Governor Brown to take a flight in an airship during their Savannah visit on November 3. Two airships will attend the fall festival for racing, planned to be joined by bars to double lift and reduce risk, tied to the grand prize automobile race of 1908.
Entries come for the run from Albany this week as athletes gather for the event. Local organizers expect strong participation from regional runners and clubs.
Albany and Milledgeville prepare towns and authorities for the Savannah Atlanta endurance run. Entries from Albany, Bainbridge and Blakely reported with more to come. Louisville will host a drivers dinner and city officials plan welcome events. Maps by Milledgeville Postmaster Sibley aid travelers and organizers. Madison and other towns suspend speed limits and guide contestants through proper routes. Dublin expects large turnout for November 3 run. exact entrant count to be determined.
Alfred G Vanderbilt dominates the third night at the Atlanta Horse Show in the Auditorium Armory. He and his entries win multiple ribbons, including the Piedmont Driving Club Cup, with a dramatic sweep of firsts across several classes.
The third annual Atlanta Horse Show features matinee and night programs with pony races mounted athletics by the Eleventh United States cavalry and a tilting tournament. Tickets range from 25 to 50 cents, and youth participation is emphasized with many pony classes and demonstrations. The event closes with taps after championship classes and a state cavalry team competition among Georgia Hussars Effingham Hussars Candaler Horse Guards Governor's Horse Guard and Tiberty Independents.
Asheville reports a dramatic post office dispute over Julia Reed of Biltmore. Congressman John Grant claims Reed offered letters and a bribe to secure her retention as postmistress, with Grant and his family present. Grant says he refused and Reed was removed. The affair centers on alleged bribery attempts by Reed after the election.
Columbus board of trade debated a reception for President Taft and tabled a resolution to appoint a committee to meet him as he travels from Birmingham to Macon on November 3. Mayor Rhodes Browne opposed official recognition. The motion to table passed after further discussion.
A joint meeting of Atlanta council and the bond commission approved a seven member committee to plan a bond campaign for December 16. Bonds totaling 2 000 000 would fund sewers 1 380 008 water works 900 000 schools 480 000 hospital 100 000 crematory 50 000. Mayor Maddox urged a civic, not partisan, effort and urged executive and ward committees to present the plan to voters.
Generally fair with partly cloudy skies on Friday and Saturday. Night winds are variable. Leesa Dats reports low temperatures around 50 and highest near 58. Normal temperature is around 1. Rainfall in 24 hours is minimal with 0.07 inches since the first of the month and 0.8 inches for the year.
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