Page:Creole Sketches.djvu/156

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126
CREOLE SKETCHES

In nine cases it was "not a true bill."

There were three mistrials.

Twelve cases were transferred to the dead docket.

Without going much further into particulars we need only remark that the rest mostly escaped with light sentences, or were pardoned out of the Penitentiary.

Only five murderers were punished by death.

And that was only because they were strangers, —

Because they had no money to pay lawyers, —

Because they had no political influence.

Two Italians, two negroes and a Malay — probably less guilty than some who are now walking the streets!

There are nearly three hundred unavenged dead, — the blood of nearly three