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(unique problem in psychology OFFERED IN CASE OF LOUIS WALTON •* Friends Claim Man of His Birth and Breeding Could Not Strike Down Friend of Many Years Simply For Money—No Question of Fear, Hatred or Jealousy Involved j, By HIGH W. ROBERTS It Is said that Louis Walton, con fined in (he county jail on a charge of having assassinated his former busi ness associate, M. O. Barton, has such i an impregnable alibi that the prose ; cution is now proceeding on the theory ♦ hat the defendant did not strike down the deceased by hand, but through ma nipulation—that is, by a professional murderer. This may or may no tbe true. It is interesting to note, however, that de spite the fact that the charge against Walton is heinous—for It involves more than murder—there are many people in Birmingham who do not believe and admit that they could not be con vinced that the prisoner is guilty. This is indicativo of the possession by the defendant of a reputation for rugged, unswerving honesty. His friends do not say: “How could a man like Walton do it?" but “A man of his birth and breeding could not be guilty as charged.” Because of the nature of the crime lor the alleged commission of which the man is detained, and because of the fact that his emergency, his friends, instead of proverbially desert ing, are remaining as firm as ever be fore—firmer, perhaps—the writer had a desire to see and speak with him More Than Murder Involved | In the county jail yesterday noon. Walton was seen. He declared that he would not discuss with reporters the # case against him. He said, however, that he was very anxious that he be brought before the bar in order that Justice might permit him to return to his home and family. Ij The story of the case is deeply in teresting. Barton, as Age-Herald read ers recall, was found murdered on the IMulga road. He had had on the night of his death an engagement to meet Wnlton, with whom for many previous years, he had been associated in busi ness. It is presumed that the de ceased was en route to fulfill his en gagement, when the assassin struck him down—from the rear. The detec tives were made aware that Barton had been en route to meet Walton when death overtook him. They learned —possibly with great satisfaction— that his life was insured in favor of Walton. At any rate, with this evi dence, they took the suspected mur derer and confined him behind the bars of the county jail. [I What a heinous crime Is charged to the defendant! Murder? Yes. But not murder alone. The betrayal to his death of friend, the loss of honor, the disregard of birth and breeding, w’ife and children, contemptible cowardice' All are involved. And if he is guilty, no hand in his behalf would be raised. I Reason for Great Interest In the heat of passion, intelligent men, men of unquestioned honor, have been known to kill friend or wife— anybody. But men of honor have never through premeditation spilled blood treacherously and cowardly for sordid gain That is the work of the brute man whoso mind Vas never known the light. Is Walton such a man? Hii? friends say, with wonderful emphasis. “No!” In this connection, it is interesting to relate the fact that a member of the grand jury, at present investigat ing the Walton case, was excused from service when he declared that noth ing could convince him that Walter bo guilty. It is pertinent to state, also, that some days ago, 14 citizens of Jas per, whd’e the defendant was formerly engaged In business, went on record as being confident of his innocence. It is true. too. that countless friends, many of whom are Birmingham citi zens of prominence and unquestioned integrity, have repeatedly called at the cell of the defendant and cheered h»tn with their statements of certainty in his innocence, and confidence that he will, if given a chance, extricate him self from the toils of the law. For all these reasons, the case of ■Walton is of exceptional interest. Should the prosecution in the long run prove him guilty beyond a reasonable i doubt, then will have developed an- ' other wonderful case for the psycho logist of crime, a case of a man such revolting character that he would spill the blood of friend for money, and yet as a result of a long life of lion- i esty, be able to retain the confidence I of his friends. Dr. Jekyll was such (l iran. In real life, there have been such men. Is Walton one? More About the Insurance The defendant, while scrupulously obeying the instruction of his attorney that for publication he say nothing, is not fearful, it wan learned, of the testimony bearing on the fact that Barton's life was Insured in his fe ver. It has never been published in this connection that even as Barton’s life was insured, Walton’s life was insured. From what is gathered, the defense will endeavor to prove that for the interest of the firm, for business rea sons. these men, having a high re gard for the alleged efficacy of life Insurance, secured policies In identical sums. Of course, neither man dreamed that the other, for personal gain, would take his life Barton never made an assault on Walton. The prosecution charges that Walton not only assailed Barton, but took his life in cowardly manner. The evidence is circumstan tial. It may become more binding, convincing. But at the present time, nothing has been brought forth to prove that for the ‘crime on Alulga road, the defendant could have any motive—fear. hatred, jealousy—save only that involving money. Damon and Pythias The defendant and the man who lost his life on Mulga road Wfre strongly Truck Tires Free I Unless the 1915 Goodyear S-V Outwears Any Other Here is an offer which Truck users cannot afford to neglect. It will settle for you, without any risk, the entire Truck Tire question. For three months—April, May and June—this amaz ing warrant goes with every S-V Truck Tire put on Iv under these conditions: i I * Mark that—no partial rebate, no mileage adjustment, no replacement. The tire that fails is free. Get this guarantee in writing when you buy the tires. Never Such a Warrant | Never before has such a war- arriving at this one. We built rant been given on any class 74 models of this S-V type be of tire. If widely accepted, it fore we attained this perfeo means with us a millioo-dollar tion. | stake. It is given without reser- We give you in it, as com vation against any tire in the pared with others, 20 per cent 1 field. It covers accidents as more available tread rubber. well as wear. The shape ends bulging, break —. ing or excessive grind. The Numerous makers claim to compound minimizes friction. | build tires as good as the Good- The tire can’t creep, as we year S-V. Let * press it on at us stop arguing a minimum of ; in print and in 50,000 pounds. person. Let us It can’t sepa compare them rate, for the on opposite tread, the back wheels. We have ing and the rim done that already, under every are welded into lasting union. condition. Over 5,000 S-V - tires were tested out on trucks Go,to a ^odyear D.stnbutor | . . _. ... - or ask our local branch where I before we made this offer. We .u. \ § . . , . you can get this warrant on the know to a certainty the results late9t s ,v tira. A#cept it whi,e you’ll get, barring accidents, the offer lasts. [230] _ . ,_. . Tke CirimiTm k Jiskker CwSyeey We have worked for eight DhA use, Akron. Ohio years on this Truck Tire prob- W C.4w a«»m. Tin. lea. We built 29 types before Distributors Birmingham Motor Co., Ave. 0 sad 21st St. Norwood Transportation Co., 2431 3d Ave., N. BIRMINGHAM BRANCH 420 20th St., 8. =========5=11 rltached in the bonds of friendship. ^ esterday morning a business man of Birmingham told the writer that some time ago he had endeavored to emplcy Barton. "Walton told me." he said, '“that he aesired Barton to make all the prog ress that he could, that he was paving Barton all that he could afford to pay him. and that he would regret losing iiis services. He then advised me to see Barton. “I did so. Barton replied that ho had too high a regard for Walton, that VN alton had done too much in his be half for him to desert for a small in crease in monthly salary." This little story was told Walton. "Theie is no doubt” he said, “but that Barton was attached to me. Ho came into my service wdiile wearing knee trousers. He grew' up under my rye. and 1 regarded him as a father regards his son.” Of course. Damon might have mur dered Pythias. But no history contains a chapter dealing with that possible crime. Cause of Walton's Worry The defendant, as he sat in the pres ence of the reporter, was apparently worried. Even when supported not only by a consciousness of innocence but by an unfaltering confidence in ability to disprove serious charges, it is uncomfortable to sit behind prison bars and be held before the public in the gui3e of a murderer. But Wal ton did not appear as one of sleep less night produced1 through a harrow ing sense of fear or co istant dream? of a gallows tree. He appeared as one anxious to sustain his friends in their trust and confidence in lus honor as cne who would relieve his family cf its intense embarrassment and men tal, inward suffering, as one anxiou? to walk with head erect in the light of day. and resume his place in tfcc tanks of honest men. Sometime ago the date for a prelimi nary trial was set. but at the instanc# of the solicitor, the examination war postponed pending an investigation 1 > the coroner and the grand jury. T1 < coroner and his assistants have ad journed their sitting unto Tuesday LETTERS TO EDITOR Letter From Pisgah Home To the Editor of The Age-Herald: I take the liberty to use the column* of your paper to appeal for aid f'u Pisgah Home. We need wearing ap parel and shoes, as our supply is ex hausted. and we have a number of In mates at the home who are in need o such. Donations may be sent to m< at the home or will send our collec tor when notified. Religious service are held every Thursday evening at o’clock and Sunday at 3 p. m., to \^hi- 1 the public is cordially invited. Th* home Is open to the public at all time: for inspection, and would deem it t | pleasure to have them come. Thank ir.g you for past favors. ( remain. Re spectfuliy, MRS. M. J. WOODS. Superintendent and Matron in Charge Birmingham, April 24, 1916. Thom 211-J West End. Attitude of Syrians To the Editor of The Age-Herald: Under "Hotel Lobbies," the expres slon, “Syrians Are in Sympathy Witl the Allies," yesterday's issue of Th< Age-Herald, was misleading, and fai from being the true condition of af fairs. In the first place, nearly al of the younger generation of Syrian? particularly those reared and born li this country, are sympathizers with the Teutonic allies. I myself have of fered to volunteer my services for Ger many. The hanging of a priest in Lebanoi is a regrettable thing, but there is one uncompromisablc law. that cannot bt violated, and the violation justified and that is: Being a citizen of an3 country, and be a traitor thereto, be ii Turkey, or any place else. If yot cannot be loyal to 3'our country leave it. and become a citizen of a country you can be loyal to and be a useful pan thereof. Priests, bishops and churches have been subjected to terrific violence ii France, ai^ very recently, too. It is rememberer that the allies have foi many years paused, but only ‘‘paused,’ as protectors of the Christians in Tur key for massacre, persecution and vio lence occurred while they were "paus ing." But I am not to discuss the reasons I am for the Teutonic alllef unless' my position is challenged, after which It will please me to set fire aiui explode the bomo of deception that hac been overshadowing the Lebanonltet and many other deluded people. Un til that privilege is granted, adieu DR. H. A. ELKOURIE. Birmingham, April 24, 1916. How Bishop Heber’s Great Hymn Was Set to Music To the Editor of The Age-Herald. A few weeks since Mr. Lucian L Knight of Atlanta, Ga., author of a his tory of Georgia, In two volumes, en titled "Georgt's Landmarks, Tradition! and Legends.” sent me the first volumi of his recently published history, say nig It contained much hitherto unpub lished Georgia history. In reading thl< charmingly written volume I came across the following, which may be ol interest to your readers especially since reading Dolly Dalrymple's Inter eating article In yesterday's Age-Her aid, "Old Hymns and Their Authors.' I quote verbatim from Mr. Knight’s his tory: "There is an Incident In the life ol Mrs. Gouldlng, wife of the noted au thor, Dr. Francis R. Gouldlng, and whose maiden name was Mary Howard that possesses international Interest While living In Savannah, she made the acquaintance of a young man named Lowell Mason, then a clerk In one ol the banks. At her request, the latter who had quite a talent for musical com position, set to music Bishop Heber'! renowed hymn, "From Greenland'! Icy Mountains;” and Capt. B. L. Gould lng. her son, owns tlie original copy ol the song. Just as It came from the handi of the afterwards noted Dr. Mason. Pos cesslng a fine soprano voice, Mrs. Gould lng sang the hymn in the choir of the old Independent Presbyterian chuch In Savannah soon after the music was com - posed, and this Is said to have been the first presentation to the world of an alt which Is now familiar to both hernia pheres, and la sung by millions through out the whole of Christendom.” The title page of the piece of music In Captain Gouldtng’s possession reads; "From Greenland’s lay Mountains—a missionary hymn, by the late Bishop Heber of Calcutta, composed and dedi cated to Miss Mary W. Howard of Sa vannah, Ga., by Lowell Mason.” Yours very truly, MRS. P. A. HOLLEY. Birmingham, April 33, 1311, i Smart, Snappy Tailored Suits At Prices Tomorrow That Will Make Our Suit Section the Busiest in Town Suits that fetchingly conform to the accepted modes of the hour-For any change in Fash ion finds a quick reflection here-Tomorrow we offer— Charming Taileured Suits —At— • I 1*13^2 *18— & *23— And with these unusual low prices we assure you that the usual high quality for which this store has been measured and given a preference will be found in every garment—at either \\ ij price you choose. I SQ.75 For Silk Dresses M That were made up to sell at two to three -- times more. 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All new and in the daintiest kind of models—most of them in colors. Linens, Piques, Silks, Pongees, Voiles and Fine French Ginghams r---^ New Chiffon Voile Dresses Inexpensive yet charmingly modeled and made by dressmak ers who are real artists. In Our Dress Section Tomorrow Just the dresses you’ve been longing for -airy, cool nnd | stylish—a rare combination, yet faithfully proluced in every one of the many dresses that we will show here tomorrow!” ---- t-* POPULAR SILK JERSEY SWEATERS Rose, sea foam, bisquit, sand, tan, putty and other shades at.. .$13.50 and $18.50 —‘ New Wash Skirts—Prices $3.50,1 $5.95 and $8.50 And in each model you are shown you’ll quickly note that distinctive difference that most women demand. Cotton Gabardine, Waffle Cloth, Pique and Ratines Some styled with deep girdles, pockets and man tailored, others with high waist lines. Skirt cut full and flaring. Just the cool, good looking styles you want. Hosiery to match all Merode Knit Wear, the Hosiery to match all hand finighed kind suits and costumes, in Union suits or separate silk at 50c and *1.00 CLOTHES THE.WHOLE FAMILY -Priced50cand up * In Oi-ilcrintf Uinidw IMchmc SIciHIi.h l lli: \«;l.-.IK.ltAI.P ' ' - ■ - - " I -- ■ DEFENDS GAFFORD FOR HB EFFORTS J. H. Jobson Says All Citi zens Are Indirectly Re sponsible for Disaster To the Editor of The Age-Herald: I read with much chagrin the letters of criticism of both Messrs. Thomca and F. B. Orr, which I censure greatly. I happened to be one of the first to get at the rescue work, having closed Best Laxative For Children Whin your baby la cross and fret ful Instead of tha happy, laughing little dear you are accustomed to, in all probability the digestion has be come deranged and the bowela need attention. Give It a mild laxative, dispel the Irritability and bring back the happy content of babyhood. The very best laxative for children la Dr. Caldwell’s Byrup Pepsin, ba ; cause It contains no opiate or nar cotic drug, Is pleasant tasting and acts gently, but surely, without grip ing or other distress. Druggists sell Dr. Caldwell's Syrup Pepsin at fifty centa and one dollar a bottle. For a free trial bottle write to Dr. W. B. Mdwell, 452 Washington 8t„ Hontl rello, Ills. my place of business to do so, and will say that I worked to my utmost until after 9 o’clock when my strength failed mo and I want to say that when the volunteers stopped and Mr. Oaf ford took charge with his (nlggere) It seemed as If the debris moved faster because there was system and w hern there is system there Is speed. If the Hon. Mr. Thomas ts so well versed In rescue work, why is It that instead of employing his physical ef forts he did not tender his expert knowledge and experience which, with out a doubt, would have been gladly accepted by Mr. Uafford, he knowing that every moment was most precious and he was doing the very best that be knew how, which Is ss much a'e any human can do. Mr. Orr cuts at the honorable com misrloners for allowing the walls tc stand. Mr. Orr knew that the walls were unsafe. Did he do anything to wards having It reported? It seems not. I knew, you who read this most probably knew the conditions of the walls. I will answer for the great majority of the taxpayers and citi zens of Birmingham. I knew they were not safe, but I neglected it; neglected to voice my opinion and agitate the matter. Each and every one of us citi zens and taxpayers of the city of Bir mingham are indirectly reeponsible for this horrible catastrophe by neglect ing to start something towards their removal. Whan I got there I Jeopardised life and limb when I cut a hole through the roof that had fallen against the West wall of Hann’s and crawled down and under and worked my way back toward the rear until the severe heat stopped me. With axe in one hand and flashlight In the other, knowing lull well that Mio chances of my get ting out again Was 50-50, we knew that death awaited under there and why did I take the rlak? Because I knew that I was indirectly responsible, and < : .ills A ’ - -,‘Y . wanted to square things as much as possible. 1 will regret this neglect the longest day I live and a great many others In their hearts are right with me. so let us he more watchful hereafter and don't knock when others do the best they know how and especially in a solemn moment such as we have Just had. I beg to remain yours very truly. J. H. JOBSON. Birmingham, April 24, 1016. Thieves Stole Bees St J,ouis.—Mrs. S. S. Hawkins of East St. Liouls, 111., look a box of bees Into her kitchen recently to warm them from their winter nop. Then alia went away. The box looked much like a box of eggs. Neighbors soon afterward saw two men enter by the kitchen door. They came out with the box. They had carried it about a block when their activity increased. They tangoed. They leaped. They slapped their cheeks and rubbed their eyes. They ran. As they ran they hurled the box of “eggs'* into Tlose lake. The thieves were last seen breaking all speed records out of town. ___ 7-1 "■ 1 ft: . '■