*Excerpt of longer article
THE FULL TERM.
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Porcher and Keddington Make no Promises.
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Mr. Thomas Porcher came into court on Saturday morning to receive sentence for his breach of the Edmunds law. He was called up, and the Court proceeded as follows:
Court-You are aware, Mr. Porcher, that you have pleaded guilty the charge of the crime of unlawful cohabitation, and this is the morning fixed upon for your sentence; have you anything further say?
Mr. Porcher-Nothing further to say but I am much obliged for the extension of time.
Court-Have you any intention as to whether you will obey the laws in the future?
Mr. Porcher-I could not state any at present.
Court-Have you no intention as to whether you will obey the laws in the future?
Mr. Porcher-No, I could not say at the present, anyway. I will trust to the future.
Court-Can’t you say whether you will obey the laws in the future?
Mr. Porcher-No, sir.
Court-Do you intend to steal in the future?
Mr. Porcher-I might some day, perhaps.
Court-You might? I should think you are a dangerous man to the community- a man that is unable to say that he is not likely to steal or to commit murder is a bad man. I presume you are better than you profess to be. You come in here with the understanding not to say anything on the subject. I think your are a better man than that. I think you have no intention to steal or murder anybody.
Mr. Porcher-I suppose that any of us are liable to do such things sometimes.
Court-You have no intention on the subject?
Mr. Porcher-No, Sir.
Court-You can’t say then whether you will not commit murder or the crime of unlawful cohabitation or polygamy?
Mr. Porcher-No, Sir.
Court-Well a man who comes into court and cannot promise to obey the laws of his country can’t expect much leniency.
Mr. Porcher-I don’t expect any leniency.
Court-You will be sentenced to a term of six months imprisonment and pay a fine of $300 and cost of suit, and stand committed after the imprisonment until the fine and costs are paid.
Mr. Porcher-Thank you.
Mr. Porcher took up his temporary abode in the penitentiary this
afternoon, making twenty-six Mormons, who are now confined there, exclusive of
Miss Shafer, the lady witness who refused to gratify the prying propensities of
the grand jury. Of these prisoners,
three are in for polygamy and twenty-three for living with and acknowledging their
wives. –