Two men named Boven were convicted in a Vermont court, mainly
upon their own confession, of the murder of a half-witted
dependent brother-in-law. They even said that certain bones
found were those of the supposed victim. But the brother-in-law
was found alive and well in New Jersey, and returned in time to
prevent the execution. He had fled for fear they would kill him.
The bones were those of some animal. They (the Bovens) had been
advised by some misjudging friends that, as they would certainly
be convicted upon the circumstances proved, their only chance
for life was by commutation of punishment, and this depended
upon their making a penitential confession. These and many
similar cases have satisfied English and American lawyers that
confessions alone are unreliable as evidences of guilt. When it
is known that one accused, especially one charged with a capital
offense, intends to make a confession, it is the practise in
our courts to delay the trial in order to give him ample time
to decide whether or no he will pursue that course.--Boston
_Globe_.
(520)