In spite
of the verdict of the jury and the decision of three-fifths of the State
Supreme Court, I maintain that my client is not an embezzler, that he
has not committed larceny, that he should never have been convicted,
and that he should not now be punished for something of which he is not
guilty.
"I trust that your honor will not misunderstand me or my motives when I
point out in this situation that what I have said is true. I do not wish
to cast any reflection on the integrity of the court, nor of any court,
nor of any of the processes of law. But I do condemn and deplore the
untoward chain of events which has built up a seeming situation,
not easily understood by the lay mind, and which has brought my
distinguished client within the purview of the law. I think it is but
fair that this should be finally and publicly stated here and now. I
ask that your honor be lenient, and that if you cannot conscientiously
dismiss this charge you will at least see that the facts, as I have
indicated them, are given due weight in the measure of the punishment
inflicted."
Steger stepped back and Judge Payderson nodded, as much as to say he had
heard all the distinguished lawyer had to say, and would give it such
consideration as it deserved--no more.
Pages:
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775
776
777
778
779
780