Governor Suspends Sentence of Watson, Blaney.

R. J. Watson, ex-soldier and formerly of Blaney, convicted in Charleston county in June 1929 of manslaughter and sentenced to serve ten years and a day in the state penitentiary, yesterday received clemency at the hand of Governor Blackwood. His sentence was suspended on condition of good behavior.

Watson was tried in connection with the fatal shooting in December, 1928, of Earl Fetter, a fellow soldier. The shooting occurred at the Isle of Palms and Watson claimed self defense, saying that Fetter was his friend and that he was advancing on him when he – Watson-fired.

Last August, when a leave of absence from the penitentiary was about to expire, Watson was reported to have swallowed poison preferring death to a long term in prison. There was some question as to whether the dose he took was actually poison.

The state board of pardons recommended clemency in the case; the foreman of the jury and many of its members also asked that mercy be shown the young man. The order, suspending the sentence, is at once effective.

Charlie DeWitt, convicted in Hampton in September 1931 of violation of the prohibition law and sentenced to serve 60 days in jail, also recieved clemency yesterday. The governor suspended his sentence on condition that he pay a fine of $150. Request for the change of prison sentence to one of a fine was made by P. H. Stoll, presiding judge; Randolph Murdaugh, solicitor and several citizens of Hampton county.