Newspaper Page Text
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passed it, fas might bare noted that every
.•■trap and every buc.le to bind the victim
was carefully placed to avoid all p ssible
delay.
death's sprinkler.
The electrode for the head hung in its
place like a sprinkler disc for asnower bath.
Chairs and benches stood about the room in
a semicircle. In f e uncertain light of the
fateful room they formed a horseshoe in
whose opening stood the heavy chair, with
its dangling straps and buckles. Down over
one window toward the oast a heavy shade
was drawn, while throng i the bars in the
other window the morning air came cool
and fresh through a Virginia creeper that
swept the iron with a soft, rustling sound.
A RAT OF LIGHT.
Suddenly the room was lighted from
within. The warden bad turned up the
low-burning flame at one of the blackened
gas burners on an ancient chandelier. In
his filial arrangement* the warden had
placed all the electrical apparatus in the
ante-room, the wires being run over the
casement to the death chamber. This ante
room the warden kept carefully shut, save
when lie or some keeper passed hastily in
or out.
THE LIEUTENANTS OF DEATH.
In charge there were three tnen, whom
the warden refused to name. The purpose
of the late change of the electrical volts,
meter and switenes to another room be
came apparent. Those who should see
Kemmlar die were never to know who had
Susbed the switch to send the death bolt to
Lemmier’s vitals. While the adjustments
were being made lire. Sbrady and Jenkens
entered, and the witnesses were all within
the room.
kemmler’s final preparations.
Meantime Kemmler, in his cell, was being
prepared for ending his life. He had gone
peacefully to sleep early in the night, and
had slept soundly, and was snoring until 5
o’clock, when he was awakened by one of
tbe guards, Daniel MeXaughton. Pastor
Houghton, who has attended Kemmler. and
Prison Chaplain Yates were with him.
They read to him from the Bible and
prayed with him.
FIXED HIMSELF UP VERY NEAT.
He dressed himself without aid in a suit
of gray mixed goods. About his neck he
buttoned a turn-down collar with a checked
tie of lawn stuff. His hair he combed and
brushed with great care. His shoes were
well polished, aud while he made himself
finally tidy the warden and a tall stranger
who is a deputy sheriff in Buffalo entered.
The stranger held by his side a pair of
clippers.
AN ANTE-MORTEM HAIR CUT.
The warden explained to Kemmler that
he must have the top of his head shaved.
The prisoner demurred. Ho had taken
great pains in dressing his hair, and, besides,
as he explained to the warden, he didn’t
want to be disfigured. He wanted people
to see and know that he yvas not a man of
repulsive appearance, as has been stated.
Kemmler’s hair was a dark brown and
wavy, with a hyperion curl which fell on
his forehead. Of this he wa6 proud.
“VANITY, vanity, all is vanity.”
In the shallow of death vaDity asserted
Itself. His hair, however, was cut, but the
curl was saved, and as the sequel proved
with no good result. The shuven spot was
2)i by 1y t incbee in size and was uot
shaven, but cropped fairly close.
death’s current turned on.
While this was proceeding the witnesses
examined tne chair of death. The belt was
run upon a dynamo away in the south
wing of the prisoD and the incauilesceut
test lamps in the ante-chamber glowed
faintly. Tbe current was on. The strange
power was coursing the circuit. The
evidence was there; “but how feebly
they burned,” was the exclamation
of Dr. MacDonald, who was the only one
who got into the ante-room, and that while
ignorant of the warden’s desire to keep its
secrets inviolate, and in response to Dr.
MacDonald’s comment, Electrician Davis
remarked that there was something wrong
about the machinery down there, referring
to the dynamo end of the circuit. This
remark took place before electroizing, it is
well to remember, and was undoubtedly as
true a few minutes later when the bait was
applied to Ketnmlar.
READING OF THE DEATH WARRANT.
The condemned man, after having his hair
cut on top of hia head, listened to th e read
ing of the death warrant by tbe warden,
None of tbe state witnesses were present,
but only the prisoner, preachers, and
warden. Kemmlar was cool, unruffled,
almost apathetic. The last named condition,
however, was discredited by the blanched
hue of his face.
WALKING TO HIS DEATH.
“Come Bill,” commanded the warden
when all had been douo in the cell, aud
while the party of four—tbe warden, pris
oner, and Clergymen—passed through the
ante-room past tbe electrical appliances,
and the warden led the way finally into the
death chamber, close behind him trod the
man he soon would kill. Kemmler’s hands
swung at bis side easily, save
when, as though in some embarrassment,
he stroked his brown beard ana moustacue
as he confronted the white, expectan . faces
of the twenty-five men, who. besides the
warden, should soon see him die.
NEARER AND NEARER.
Warden Durston placed a piain wooden
bottomed chair directly in front of tbe
other and different chair and bade Kemm
ler sit upon tL He obeyed readily. There
was no uneasiness about his move me., to,
and he seat, and himself leisurely. There was
no nervous tension apparent indeed, not
nearly so much at asno .g tne men about
him. He was apparently the most calm
person in the room,
KEitKLtS INTRODUCED.
The warden took his place beside
-er after the latter had become
sear*; m tne kitchen chair placed for him.
ms arm over the prisoner's head
and nii ,ocu.der on tbe back of the chair
and holding his hat in his hand tbe warden
presetted the condemned man to those
present. The warden said; “Now, gentle
men, this is William Kemmler. 1 have
just read the death warrant to him and
have toid him be has got to die, aud if he
has anything to say he will say it.”
A FAREWELL SPEECH.
There was surprise among those present.
Kemmler, however, seemed gratified be
cause he had an opportunity to speak.
With his feet wide apart upon the stone
floor, with a band on either knee, and his
elbow's akimbo, Kemmler said: "Well, I
wish everybody good luck in the world, and
I’m going to a good place, and the papers
has been saying lots of stuff about tne that
ain’t so.”
FIXING HIM IN THE CHAIR.
That was all. Tbe prisoner glanced over
bis shoulder a- he ceased speaking.and War
den Durston came to his side, “lake off
your coat. Bill,” said lie.
Kemmler readily did as he was told.
The warden then cut off the bottom of
his shirt so a, to adjust the electrode to his
naked back. Kemmler was more ootnnosed
than the attendants who were adjusting tbe
apparatus and fastening him to tho chair.
Once or twice he told them to take their
tune and take it easy. His appearance and
manner disproved all the statements that
he was insane or in a flabby state of de
jection. It took seven minutes to complete
Lil the arrangements.
the fatal current turned on.
The warden then turned and nodded his
bead to some oco who stood in the secret
room at the fatal switch. There was a quick
convulsive start of the houu l figure in tho
chair, and a little shocking sound of strain
ing strap*. After that eonv ulmvo start that
murked the stroke of lightning ujxm
Kentinler, there was no movement of tho
muscles nor twitch of tbe nerves. At tbe
expiration of seventeen seconds the current
was cut off.
SIGNS or LIFE.
Millie the pbtsicians were examining
Kemmler in oue minute and forty second*
after tie- current had stopp'd, KvuimWr’s
chest began to heave, startling and horn.
1 1 log the sp< ctutor*. The doctor* declared,
however, that the man was beyond out.-
eeiousne®, and some thought that the
action, which startled all and sent the
warden away with a white face to order tbe
current renewed, was only tde reflex of the
muscular action. One physician, however,
decianxi that he would stake hi- name that
be could bring Kemmler t ack to conscious
ness with brandy hyperdertuics.
A NEWSPAPER MAN FAINTS.
Meantime JO. G. Bain of Washington, a
newspaper man, bail fainted, and lay on a
I bench, where he was being fanned.
With a renewal of the current the figure
in the chair again strained its straps, but
the lungs again filled. The warden and his
electrical helper were anxious beyond meas
ure, and 2 V miuutes after the current had
1 been reapplied the switen was opened and
! shut rapidly twice.
LIFTED BY THE SHOCK.
Each time tie body in the chair was
lifted by the shock, tb- shouideis lifted ’o
the level of the tops of the ears and t e
features contracte 1. Then smoke was
observed curling from Kemmler’* lack.
1 The body was still and the current was
again turned off.
“He’s unquestionably dead,” said Dr.
MacDonald, "and be would never have
moved after the snasm of the first shock
had the current been maintained twenty
seconds, and less time with a stronger
current.'’
THE BLOOD COAGILATED.
One of the Buffalo doctors seven minutes
after the straps were removed cut the skin
at the pemplo for a mi rose: pic specimen
of the dead man’s blood. It was immedi
ately examined and fonud to be slightly
coagulated. While the witnesses were yet
examining the body or conferring with
each other upon the event of the murderer's
death, Walden Durston produced his death
certificate, which was read and sigDed by
each witness of the execution.
STRENGTH OF THE CURRENT.
To inquiries as to the pressure of the cur
rent when first applied to Kemmler, IVar
den Durston replied about 1,800 volts. As to
the pressure on the other applications War
den Durston was not clear, but a man who
came into the room while these questions
were being asked, and who is said to have
been one of the three men who worked the
electrical apparatus, made a statement that
the volt metre at the mome .t of the first
application of the current to Kemmler
regi tered 1,000 to 1,500 volte, while 1,500 to
2,000 volte were registered at the second ap
plication.
AN AUTOPSY.
Kemmler’s body was entirely unbound
about 7:30 o’clock.
An autopsy was held about three hours
after death, and was conducted by Drs.
George T. IShrady, Carlos T. |Me Donald,
E. C. Spitska and William T. Jenkins, of
New York city, and C. M. Daniels, of
Buffalo. The doctors prepared a prelimin
ary statement on the result of the autopsy,
and will have prepared an official state
ment giving the results in detail.
HIS DEATH PAINLESS.
They all agree that unconsciousness was
instantly produced and death was painless,
notwithstanding some slight defect in the
electrical apparatus, which required a sec
ond contact of the current to insure death.
An extensive cnange of the body at tbe
points of contact of the electrodes was found,
and also hemorrhage in the serous mem
branes and inventions of the brain. The
blood was fluid and dark. In tbe longitudi
nal sinus corresponding with the region of
contact the blood was carbonized. Therewas
a decided change in the consistency and
color of the brain, corresponding with the
point of contact. Destructive changes of
the blood corpuscles were noted.
THE SrONGE TOO DRY.
The examination of the electrodes on the
fatal chair disclose that the sponge in the
one at the iiaae of the spine was dried and
scorched by the heat generated, owing to
imperfect contact or insufficient wetting of
the sponge during the oontact. The result
was terrible burning of the back, clear
through to the spine. The skin in the con
tact had been burned to a black cinder, and
the flesh above had been cooked until yel
low. The whole inner tissue had been
baked. The sponge in the upper electrode
had been singed, though not so much as the
other, and the scalp barely singed.
WHY DEATH WAS NOT INSTANT.
As to the causes of the failure to kill
Kemmler Instantly there is said by all the
physicians to be no doubt that conscious
ness was stricken instantly from his brain.
The fact, that he was uot instantly killed is
the result of improper contact or of in
sufficient voltage or pressure. The contact
certainly was not perfect at the head.for two
thirds of the contact was upon the man’s
smoothly-brushed hair, the clipped spot be
ing one-third the size of the electrode’s diam
eter. The consensus of , pinion among the
witnesses here to-day is that not the slight
est doubt exists but that a human being
may be instantly killed by 1,000 volts, ap
plied through perfect contact and continued
twenty seconds.
The body of Kemmler will doubtless be
disposed of to-morrow in the prison burying
ground, with quicklime, to hasten dissolu
tion.
DR. SHRADY’B EDITORIAL.
Dr. Shrady. who is editor of the Medical
Record, to-night telegraphed an editorial to
bis paper, from which some extracts are
here given. He says; “The lengthened
agony of suspense regarding the efficiency
of electricity as a means of executing crimi
nals has been finally terminated in the legal
killing of Kemmler. As was reasonably
onticiDated death was instantaneous,
so far as can be judged. The
unfortunate subject of the experiment
died without pain. The spectacle presented
was, however, by no means edifying to
such as hope for improvements of old
methods. Although science has triumohed,
the questiou of the humanity of the act Is
still an open one.
AS HORRIBLE AS HANGING.
“While we allow that electricity has
been a success as far as killing is concerned,
we must also admit that we have gained
little, if anything over the ordinary method
of execution by hanging. The preliminaries
of electro-thanasia are far from
pleasant to contemplate alongside of those
for hanging. They are pretentiously hor
rible. There is something more than weird
in the preparation of the machine, the de
lilierate fixation of the victim, the adjust
ment of the electrode and a thousand deaths
in contemplating one ‘which more than
offsets the quick, though damnable taking
off.’ The horrors, though hidden, are
nevertheless felt. There is something else
to be thought of than the mere quickness of
death.
AGONY OF THE CRIMINAL.
"While tho latter might have been
triumphantly done the agony of the crim
inal during the preparations must be
terrible as compared with that of hanging.
It beoomos a serious question If humanity is
not [laying too dear a price for instantaneous
demolition. The awe an t tnvstery of death
are intensified a thousand fold iu anticipa
tion of what this instrument of subtle
power may do os compared with
eithar the noose of the rope,
tbe grip of the gnrroter, the smart
of the knout, the bolt of the bullet or the
chop of the ax, and yet to harness lightning
and bolt it thr ugh tho human body is
thought to be oue of the advances of the
nineteenth century.
DIFFICULTIES OF ITS ADOPTION.
“Theexperiences in tho Kommlor case, in
spite of all the preeautio s taken, nave
shown many difficulties in the way of the
general adoption of the methyl. It
is far from simple iu its applica
tion. It requires elaborate and
caeful preparation. It multiplies
machinery, which, without expert inmiipu
luUon, is liable to fail in its worki g and
bring about disastrous results. It may t> u
source of danger to executioners amt *|>cc
taiors. It increases tbe expense of execu
tions, but, tvoitelhau all, m the uocos ary
prepatatlon of tho victim there is crowded
u|*on loin in a few w hi- un amount
of horror and saip-nse which
boll* no comparison with any
other f rm of rapid detn dliion save
Wesieof Iwing thrust to lim- muzzle of a
itrttdtd cannon or Uea to a dynamite Luiab."
TFIE MORNING NEWS: THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 1890.
LONDON PRESS COMMENTS.
London, Aug. 7,3 a. m. —The Chronir
rte. commenting upon the killing of Kemm
lerjby electricity, says "The scene was
worthy of the darkest chambers of the in
quisition in the sixteenth century."
The Timet says it would be impossible to
- imagine a more revolting exhibition. It
■ advocates a lethal chamber in preference to
* the use of electricity.
The Standard savs: “The scene can be
discribed as a disgrace to humanity. It
will send a thrill of indignation through
out tue civilized world. We cannot believe
that Americans will allow tbe electrical
execution act to stand."
KEMMLEK’S LIFE.
j Hie Early Training Bad, and his Career
Disreputable.
Kemm ler was a mau of low mental and
moral qualities. The surroundings of his
birth and early life were very bad. His
fa*her was a butcher iu Philadelphia, where
Will.am, the murderer, was born in 1860.
The boy grew up in the shambles and in the
market place. His parents sent him to
schcol for a brief period, and several tunes
he saw the inside of a church aud heard tbe
service there. These feeble influences con
stituted tbe only contact tbe boy and mau
ever had with things pure or gocKi. Kemm
ler’s was a life that grew rankly. On no
sido did it bear the impress or polish of
any training or efforts to ennoblement. He
was a sample product of conditions existing
to-day in all large cities.
He worked iu the slaughter bouse with
his father, then he became a brickyard
worker, and finally be became a huckster on
hi* own account. Of hi* rascally devices to
cnoat i ustuiners, while huckstering, Kemm
ler since his imprisonment has told with
chuckles and much gusto.
In 1887 Kemmler married a worthless
woman named Ida Porter, in Camden, New
Jersey. Two day* later he found she had
been previously married, and be left her to
live with Matilda Ziegler. They moved to
Buffalo, N. Y. Kemmler frequently found
his mistress purloining money from bis
clothing, and ho suspected infidelity on her
part. They quarreled, blows were ex
changed; Kemmler became a hopeless
drunkard.
On the morning of March 39, 1889, all
Buffalo was shocked by tbe news of the
brutal butchery of a woman at No. 536
South Division street. The woman killed
was “Tillie Ziegler,” and the murderer was
the Philadelphia butcher's son, Kemmler.
The murder was the flrst that had been
committed in the state of New York after
the law to kill murderers by electricity had
become operative.
Kemmler win arrested, and In the mean
time the unfortunate woman was removed
to a hospital. Her face, arms and breast
were covered with blood, and she was quite
insensible). A casual examination resulted
in the discovery of twenty-six distinct
gashes on the face and head, and five bad
wounds on the right ban i, arm and
shoulder, she having evidently tried to de
fend herself from the savage attacks of her
paramour. She lingered in a comatose
condition until the next day, when death
ensued before she had once i (-gained
consciousness, and she was, therefore, un
able to make an ante-mortem statement.
The only eye-witness was the 4-year-old
daughter of the victim, who sain: "Papa
hit mamma with the hatchet when she was
lying on the floor.”
The couple in Buffalo had lived uuder the
name of Sort. The victim's father, a
Philadelphia huckster named Tripner,
came to Buffalo and identified the Dody of
the dead woman as his child. With him
came Henry Kemmler, the murderer s
brother, who had marnod a sister of nßp
dead woman.
The woman was described by the Buffalo
papers at the time as a prepossessing bru
nette of about 136 pounds, and quite stylish
looking.
After his arrest the murderer refused to
talk of tbe crime, and at one time there
were doubts as t > his sanity. He made no
attempt to eecape after the assault. When
pressed to give a reason for the ..eed he only
said: “I wanted to kill her, and the sooner
I hang for it tlie better.” Nearly |SOO in
cash was found at his room. The ooruner’s
jury pronounced Kammler a murderer, and
immediately after the inquest he was taken
from the jail to the police court and ar
raigned on a charge of murder in the first
degree. He pleaded guilty, saying he had
no use for a lawyer.
Judge Childs sentenced him to die within
the week beginning June 24, 1889, by the
application of electricity, as provided by
the oode, at Auburn state prison. Counselor
Hatch took exceptions to the sentence,
upon the ground that the Jpunieument was
cruel and unusual, and contrary- to the
spirit of the constitution. Kemmler reached
Auburn Friday, May 24, at midnight. A
writ of habeas corpus was served upon
Warden Durston just before the fatal day
arrived, and upon June 25 an exhaustive
argumeut was heard by County Judge Day.
The whole argument was as to the constitu
tionality of the law substituting electricity
for the gibbet, upon the ground of the
former beiug cruel and unusual. Judge
Day dismissed the writ, nDd the case was
taken to the general term of the supreme
court at Roche-ter, where the constitution
ality of the law was upheld. The last
resort was the court of appeals, and here,
too, the decision was adverse to Kemmler’s
counsel.
The criminal was reaentenced to dio in
the week beginning April 28, 1890. It is
likely Kemmier would have been electri
cizod on April 30, but on the 29th a United
States writ of Habeas corpus was served on
the warden, and tbe case was then carried
to the United States supreme court on the
point of constitutionality of the law, on the
same grounds as urged in the state courts.
Tbe New York courts were upheld in tbe
final appeal, aud Kemmler was again sen
tenced to be killed iu the week beginning
Aug. 4.
THE DEATH CURRENT.
The Machine Which Generated It bnd
Its Course.
By a small window in a loft above the
marble shops in Auburn prison is rigged a
dynamo which takes power from the shop
below. It is a fifty horse-power machine,
which is the mechanical force, allowing for
waste in gearing and transmission, deemed
necessary to maintain fifty of the arc, or
big white street lamps.
This machine is so constructed as to
generate what is known as au alternating
current. In lay terms it may be said that
in alternating current dynamos tho electric
force undergoes rapid periodic changes,
beiug one moment at zero, increasing to
maximum, diminishing to zero; then, re
versing iu direction, it again rises to a
maximum, to fall again to zero. The
average of these rapidly changing strengths
is sometimes called the electro-motive force
of the dynamo. The Auburn machine is
ca[>able of about 230 of these reversals
every second, or about 14,000 every
minute. When applied to the criminal, as
in Kommler’s esse, these rapidly alternating
throbs have each about the physical force
necessary to lift 137 pounds o. e foot in one
second. The nerve cells and tissues are be
lieved to be racked and smitten, first in one
direction and then another, by this terrific
and mysterious force, about 14,000 times
every minute. It is like beating an object
with a heavy hammer alternately on either
side, with groat force, very rapidly. In tho
cost) of electriciziug, the nerve cells are
believed to lie torn from the glauds, or the
ganglia, disintegrated—killed.
THE ELECTRICIZING CHAIR.
A Detailed Description of the Instru
ment of Death.
Since its construction, under direction of
Warden Durston, the chair in which
Kemuiler *at to be killed has tieen in care
of it couvict clerk in oue of the prison de
partments, lie held the keys to tbe store
room in wbicb tbe chair was bidden, and
guarded it with gieet core. Convict* mode
H, s couvict kepi it iroo! curious inapec-
tion. To bring it from its biding place was
tbe last act of preparation for Kemmler’*
execution.
Tbe chair is not of horrid appearance. It
has no lines of beauty, but with its foot
rest it affords comfortable position to the
occupant. There is not a curved line on its
sturdy frame. Upright and cross-bars,
arms and rungs are of heavy hardwood,
square and straight.
And the arms of the chair! They are
wide, very wide. Not for comfort of tbe
occupant, no. Why then! See the broad,
heavy buckles on tne outer lower edges, and
tbe equally bread stout straps on the inner
side—one where the wrist fails, the otner
where the elbow would rest. 1 hese might
bind a forearm very, very close to the
broad chair arms.
The chair baa a perforated wooden seat.
The side j osts of tbe back reach above
where a human head would rest. There
are more buckles tco, and scraps on these
posts just below where the shoulder would
rest, to pinion the upper arms. The central
rest to tbe back is furnished by a stout,
broad bar of wood, at the top of which,
above tbe sitter’s head, is mortised In a
stout stick which is braced from above.
The outlines are nearly those of the figure
4. Through tbe stick thus projecting for
ward from the back bar an t over the sit
ter’s head is a one-quarter-inch hole di
rectly above the bead. It is a little aper
ture, yet through it passed the current
which was the agent of Kemmler’s death.
The back bar, crowned with the mini
ature gibbet, i* movable, up or down,
through iron collar-clamps at the back of
the seat and of the broad head rest.
Through the hole in the projecting stick
above the head is passed the heavy wire
stem of tbe electrode that rest* upon the
bead, and through which the death current
flows. Opposite the base of tbe spinal
column another hole in the upright back
bar admits the current wire to the other
pole and its electrode.
The electrodes are heavy yet flexible rub
ber cups, about four inches iu diameter,aud
having inside a copper disk or coil of copper
wire—in this caso a coil. The heavy cur
reut wire is introduced into the rubber cup
through the apex, aud is connected with the
wire coiled around the inside of the cup. A
sponge is fitted into the cavity of the cup,
closely against tbe wire coil. The sponge
will hold a gill of water. One electrode is
pressed down upon the head of the criminal,
clinging somew hat, because of exhaustion
of air.
Thus, when the electrode is in position,
there is practically only a gill of water be
tween the wire coil and the subject’s flesh.
The sponge is the ultimate conductor of the
charge, and, dripping with one of nature’s
host conductors, surely fits every wrinkle,
into every pore, over every excresence.
Contact is perfect upon the skin previously
saponified."
Fastened to the head rest is a pad, heav
ily insulated with rubber, fashioned to fit
the curves of the neck and upper spinal col
umn. Tbe criminal's head is drawn back
hard and tight into this neck saddle, by the
heavy leather mask that fits tbe forehead,
shades the eyes and envelops the chin, but
leaves the nose aud mouth exposed. There
are strqps upon the mask that buckle back
about the upright central bar. The head is
fixed and fast. The arms are pinioned, the
wrists, the elbows; the legs are bound, a
stout broad strap circles the waist and holds
it fast; the electrode for the head is con
nected through the stick projecting above
the bead, the other through the bar to the
bared base of the spine, and the occupant of
tbe chair has been made pare of a circuit
through which, when the current is switched
on, flashes the force that kills.
Successful use of this means of death de
pends upon perfect contact of the elec
trodes. Imperfect contact causes burning
of tbe flesh and slow and awful dissolution.
The physical fact in such a case would be
that the current, flowing continuously, is
(lammed up when it reaches tbe skin by im
perfect contact of tbe conductor with it.
The current, hurrying forward with terri
ble force and great volume, must be ex
pended. This must he done in light or heat.
In a case of electricizing by the methods
emoloyedit would expend itself in heat, an
arc or break being formed, aud burning of
the flesh would result. By use of the sponge
electrode, as above explained, perfect con
taot is secure! and instant death is certain.
PASSAGE OF THE LAW
Which Requires Executions to bo by
Electricity.
Dramatic scenes attended the passage by
the New York legislature of the measure
under which Kemmler to-day suffered death.
The bill came from the hands of a commis
sion which had been appointed to consider a
change iu New York’s method of executing
murderers. It was first presented in the
assembly, and gray-haired Saxton —he of
the electoral bill—as chairman of the assem
bly’s judiciary committee, had assumed its
championship.
It was a winter night, and the groat Cap
itol was thronged. A measure which should
abolish the noose and the gibbet was to be
placed on its final passage in the House, and
Charles T. Saxton, an able lawyer and a
respected man, would make the chief speech
in its behalf. That a struggle would be
made against “the new-fangled notion” by
these who always oppose innovations was
well known. The committee bearings on
the bill had foreshadowed this. There was
another and a more powerful influocce to
be pitted against the measure, for It was
well known that the Catholic members
would bitterly oppose the clauses of the bill
which consigned the murderer’s remains to
the prison y ard, with quicklime to hasten
dissolution, and that without religious rites.
Every member was in his place. The
floor, the galleries and the s eaker’s plat
form even held curious spectators. The
bill to substitute the mysterious force of
electricity for the rone was moved, and
Saxton, st aiding in his place in the bril
liant chamber, made his plea for its pas
sage. Then came the battle, and it was
ho ly waged. Ridicule aud taunts were
leveled at the commission which framed
the bill—one of them sitting b side Mr.
Saxton. Men grew angry, some insulting,
others used vicious sarcasm; aud at eacn
onslaught the gray haired Saxton, with
magnificent voice aud keen mind, stood
ready.
Finally, within ten feet of the bill’s de
fender, arose war veteran L ongley of
Brooklyn. He cited the agony of pain re
latives must suffer at not being able to bury
their dead, though the dead be a murderer.
Then he referred to the war time, and to the
sad comfort afforded those who were per
mitted to receive aud bury the bodies of the
loved ones killed in battle.
“I move to amend,” concluded Mr.
Longley, “that friends or relatives may re
claim the body of the executed man.”
There was both heart and brain in the
response to this.
“When a man by his crime forfeits his
life to the state,” spoke Mr. Saxton, “the
state has undoubted right to dispose of the
murderer's body as public policy may
direct. IVhat comfort can be afforded
those who loved the criminal by viewing
the remains which in life had failed of self
respect, and which iu death bear *bo stamp
of the state’s righteous desecration?”
"Iu Chicago,” continued the speaker,
“the bodies of executed criminals were ex
posed lo relatives and to the public, and
that city was brought very close to an in
surrection. Public policy would have been
better served had the provisions of this bill
been operative there.”
There was a pause, in which the throng
was hushed, and Mr. Saxton, turning
toward Longley, looked into his eves.
“Finally,” he broke forth in n s lurching
monotone that reached every car, “does tbe
gentleman wiah to force upon inc, who
served ns did lie in the union armies, a
comparison of tbe sacral sorrow for the
dead soldier with the pas-ion of regret over
the corpse of a dead murderer?”
Interest of the crowded chamber was too
intense for cheer*. The crowd just waited
IU silence. This was broken by new an
ticipations us Mr. Roescli—who siuce, as
senator, passed the weekly payment bill—
so*i to pak. It was kuowu that be
Continued on third i'mjt.
UTAH ONIVEBBITY.
The Corner-stone of the Great Institu
tion Laid.
Ogden. Utah, Aug. 6.—The corner-stoDe
of Utah University, a great Methodist in
stitution being erected here, was laid yester
day with notable ceremonies by Bishop
Vincent, a famous chautauqu&n. Addresses
of enthusiastic congratulation were made
by Bishop Vincent, Gov. Small
and others. Autographic letters of
President Harrison. Vice President
Martin, the members of the cabinet,
Generals Sherman and Howard, ex-Presi
dent Hayes, many congressmen, presidents
of colleges, Sei ator Edmunds and others
were placed in the corner-stone. The mst
notable was a cablegram from Mr. Glad
stone heartily desiring the success of this
noble effort and purpose to deliver fellow,
creatures and fellow -countrymen from de
plorable delusion. The university is splen
didly located, and will be adequately en
dowed. The building will cost $5u0,000,
and tho faculty will bo the best obtainable
in America and Europe.
NATIONAL BAB ASSOCIATION.
List of the Cflficers Elected at the
Session at Indianapolis.
Indianapolis, Aug. 6.—The National
Bar Association met to-day with dele
gates present from thirteen states.
The following officers were chosen unani
mously: President, Charles Marshall of
Maryland; vice presidents, First judicial
circuit, George IV. Chapman of New
Hampshire: Third, H. M. Worth of Penn
sylvania; Fourth, Robert White of West
Virginia; Fifth, E. J. Taliafero of Ala
bama; Sixth. T. M. Kinkle; Seventh,
A. Harris of Indiana; Eighth, W. A. John
son of Kansas; Ninth, James R. Finlayson
of Iowa; secretary, William Reynolds of
Maryland; treasurer. Judge Pike of Ohio.
IOWA’S DEMOCRATS.
Cleveland and Boies as a Favorite
Presidential Ticket.
Cedar Rapids, la., July 6.—The lowa
democratic state c invention assembled to
day. Temporary Chairman G. B. McFall,
in a well-received address, alluded to
Cleveland and Boies as lowa’s presidential
ticket for 1892.
Judge Phelps of lowa City was chosen
permanent chairmau.
Tho following state tickot was nominated:
For secretary of state, IV. 11. Chamberlain
of Independence; H. L. White of Wayne
county for treasurer; George S. Witters of
Idacounty for auditor; P. B. Wolf of Clin
ton for Judge of the supreme cnurt; Peter
A. Dey for railroad commissioner.
Emigrants In a Wreck.
Vienna, Aug. 6. —A railway train was
thrown from the track near Pilseii, in Bo
hernia, to-day. The cars rolled down an
embankment into a marsh, and several pas
sengers were killed and eighty passengers
were injured. The passengers were emi
grants bound for the United States.
SYRUP OF FIGS.
ONE ENJOYS
Both the method and results when
Syrup of Figs is taken; it is pleasant
and refreshing to the taste, and acts
fently yet promptly on the Kidneys,
-iver and Bowels, cleanses the sys
tem effectually, dispels colds, head
aches and fevers and cures habitual
constipation. Syrup of Figs is the
only remedy of its kind ever pro
duced, pleasing to the taste and ac
ceptable to the stomach, prompt in
its action and truly beneficial in its
'effects, prepared only from the most
healthy and agreeable substances, its
many excellent qualities commend it
to all and have made it the most
popular remedy known.
Syrup of Figs is for sale in 50c
and $1 bottles by all leading drug
gists. Any reliable druggist who
may not have it on hand "will pro
cure it promptly for any one who
| wishes to try it. Do not accept any
substitute.
CALIFORNIA FIG SYRUP CO.
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
LOUISVILLE, KV. NEW YORK. N.Y-
SPECIAL NOTICES.
GREAT HUME ENTERPRISE.
THE SAVANNAH BREWING COMPANY'S
FILSEN —AND— TIVOLI
B E E R S.
—FOR SALE—
IN EVERY FIRST-CLASS SALOON.
We would especially recommend our Bottle
Beer to families, ae
NO ADULTERATIONS ARE NECESSARY
FOR THE HOME TRADE.
CALL FOR THE BEER AND SEE THAT YOU
GET IT.
ff* We pay 15 cents a dozen for all empties
returned to us.
T!:i.FT’H"M No 129
DON'T GIVE IP IN DEM* A IR.
Dyspeptics, you will And a reliable remedy in
DR. ULMER’S I.IVER CORRECTOR.
It is a faultless vegetable preparation, and
indorsed by prominent medical men.
Hilver medal and diploma awarded over com
petitora.
Prepared by
B. Y ULMER. M. D.. Pharmacist,
Savannah, Ga.
Trice, tl per b ttle Bold by all druggist*.
MEETINGS. j
SOLOMON’S LODGE SO. I. F. A A. M.
An extra communication of this Jk
lodge will be neld at Masonic Temple YjT
THIS Thursday) EVENING at 8 o'clock.
The M. M Degree will be conferred.
Memners of sister lodges and transient breth
ren are fraternally mviti-d to meet with us. Bv
order of WM. B. SPANS. W. M
Henry S. Coldino. Secretary.
H VIPT I.ODUE NO. 58, I. O. O. F.
The regular weekly meeting of the Lodge
will be held THIS (Thursday) EVENING at 8
o'clock.
The First Degree will he conferred. Candi
dates entitled to receive the same will please be
present.
Members of other lodges and transient
brotners are fraternally invited to meet with us.
By order of JXO. H. IMMEN, N. G.
A. N. Manccy. Secretary.
801THERN STAR CASTLE NO. 7,
K. G. E.
The regular weekly meeting of this Castle
will be held at Knights of Pythias Hall, corner
Barnard and York streets, THIS (Thursday)
EVENING at 8 o'clock.
Visiting brothers are cordially invited to meet
with us.
G. A. BRECK, S. C.
J. J. Gross, M. of R.
THE WORKMAN’S AND TKVDER'S LOAN
AND ULILDING ASSOCIATION.
The eightieth tßothi regular monthly meet
ing of this Association will be held at the
office of the Secretary. 118 Bryan street, THIS
(Thursday)EVENlNG, at 8 o'clock.
GEORGE IV. LAMAR, President.
J. L. Whatley, Secretary.
SAVANNAH SOAP WORKS.
The adjourn’d annual meeting of Stock
holders of SAVANNAH SOaP WORKS, for the
purpose of electing directors, will be held at
Ford’s O; era House at 4 p. m THURSDAY,
Aug. 7. WM. HONE, President.
Attest: C. Williams, Secretary.
THE EXCELSIOR LOAN AND SAVINGS
COMPANY.'
A regular monthly meeting of this Company
will be held THIS (Thursday) EVENING at 7:15
o’clock at the office of the Treasurer, York
street. R. F. HARMON, President.
S. L. Lazafon, Secretary.
SPECIAL NOTICES.
On and after Feb. 1, 1890, the basis of meas
urement of all advertising in the Morninq
News will be agate, or at the rate of $1 40 an
inch for the first insertion.
PROWLYMVnON.
State of Georgia, Executive Department,
Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 5,1890.
Whereas, The General A-sembly of 1889
passed the following act, in a cordnnce with
the requirements of the constitution, to wit:
“An act to amend Art. 7, Par. 1, of the Consti
tution of 1877, and the act of 1886, amendatory
thereof, so as to include widows of Confederate
soldiers in the aid therein extended, and for
other purposes.
Section 1. Be it Enacted by the General As
sembly of the State of Georgia. That the Act of
188), approved Oct. 19, 1885, amending article 7,
section 1, paragraph 1, of the Constitution of
1877, be and the same is hereby amended by
adding thereto and at the end of said act the
following words: "And for the widows of said
Confederate soldiers as may have died in the
service of the Confederate States, or since, from
wounds received therein, or diseases contracted
in the service; provided, that this act shall only
apply to such persons as were married at the
time of such service and have remained un
married since the deat h of such soldier hus
band. so that said article 7, section 1, paragraph
1, of the Constitution of 1877, and the act
amendatory thereof, shall read as follows: "To
supply the soldiers who lost a limb or limbs in
the military service of the Confedera'e States
with substantial artificial limbs during life, and
to make suitable provision for such Confederate
soldiers as may have otherwise been disabled or
permanently injured in such service; and for
the widows of such Confederate soldiers a* may
have died in the service of the Confederate
States, or since, from wounds received therein,
or disease contracted in the service.
Provided, That this act shall only apply to
such widows as were married at the time of *he
service and have remained unmarried since the
death of such soldier husband.
Sec. 2. “And Be it Further Unacted, That if
this amendment shall tie agreed to by two
thirds of the members elected to each of the
two houses, the same shall be entered on their
journals with yeas and nays taken thereon, and
the Governor shall cause said amendments to be
published in one or more newspapers in each
congressional district for two (2) months pre
vious to the next general election, and the same
shall be substituted to tbe people at next gen
eral election, and the legal voters at the next
said general election shall have inscribed or
printed on their tickets tho word ‘Ratification’
or‘Non Ratification,' as they may choose to
vote, and if a majority of the electors qualified
to vote for members of the General Assembly
voting therein shall vote in favor of ‘Ratiflca
tion,' then this ammdment shal lbecome a part
of said article 7, section I, paragraph 1, of the
Constitution of the State, and the said acts of
1985, amendatory thereof, and the Governor
shall make proclamation thereof.”
Sec. 3. Beit Further Enacted, That all laws
aud parts of laws in conflict with this act be and
the same are hereby repealed.
Approved Nov. 4. 1589.
Now. therefore, I. John B. Gordon, Governor
of said State, do issue this, my proclamation,
hereby declaring that the foregoing proposed
amendment to the Constitution is hereby sub
mitted for ratification or rejection to the voters
of the State at the general elect ion, to be held
on WEDNESDAY’, Oct. 1, 1890. as provided in
said act.
By the Governor:
J. B. GORDON, Governor.
J. W. Warren, Sec. Ex Dept.
ASK A POLICE MAY
howPthe weather.
A nice line of
THERMOMETERS.
All sizes, including
BATH AND CLINICAL.
—AT—
BUTLER'S PHARMACY,
Corner Bull and Congress Streets.
INDUCE TO OWNERS OF DOGS.
City of Savannah, )
Office Clerk of Council, j-
Aueust 2. 1890. (
Notice is hereby given that all persons own
ing or having dogs on their premises, who have
not paid the tax on dogs for the t ear !PGO are
requested to pay same within ten days from this
date. Upon fading to pay said tax, delinquents
will be placed upon the information docket
without further notice.
By order of the Mayor.
C. V. HERNANDEZ.
Acting Clerk of Council.
TO PROPERTY OWNERS.
In a short time my connection with the Sa
vannah Furniture Company will terminate aud
I intend to engage iu the Real Estate Agency
business. I will endeavor to attend to any busi
ness that may be entrusted to me in the most
satisfactory manner, and would be glad to get
houses to rent in ail parts of tne city. Office:
lie* Broughton street A. O. ROGERS.
A CARD.
Whereas, Many of our patrons did not have
nn opportunity to attend our lost Saturday's
half price sale on summer g ode, by request of
I. any we will repent thesa’me on SATURDAY
NEXT, Aug ‘.ah, and us this will he the iiuit
chance tins summer to get goods ut half price
we exiiec: a rush. Come early and avoid sumo.
Re- 1 11 .‘lfully. 11 II LEVY X BK‘>.
all T. r. RODEKHUN
• DENTIST
ODD FELLOWS BUILDING,
Corner Barnard and State htrusts.
EXCURSIONS.
EXCURSIONS
Steamer CRESCENT CITY
wili make trips to
wAR BA\V
and WILMINGTON
EVERY DAY
(Except Mondays.)
Leaving wharf at 9 a. m., connecting at Thun,
derbolt with train leaving city at 10 a. * a "
FAKE 50c | CHILDREN . . .[gj-
Fish Dinners at Warsaw
Trains connecting with steamer at Thunder
bolt leave Coast Line Depot, city, 10 a v
Sunday an extra trip is made connwim.
Thunderbolt with 2:3* p. m. tram fmtS 8 ac
Excursion ticket-, are good on either brim
tram from or to Savannah. Doat or
. A. G. DRAKE, Manager
_Offlce on wharf, foot of Ab-rcom street.
HOUSE FURNISHING GO4JDs~^
BOARDING
=HOUSE
and HOTEL
OUTFITS.
Stoves,
Ranges,
Cutlery,
Crockery,
Glassware,
Etc., Etc., Etc.
Chandeliers, Lamps,
Kitchen-Wares
—AND—
furnishingsgenerally
Cor. Barnard and Broughton Lane
SUCCESSOR to J. A. D £ CO
JAS. DOUGLASS
PUBLICATIONS.
.A. M A P
OF
SAVANNAH.
SIZE 30x34 INCHES.
SHOWING THE TRUE STREET AND PRO"-
EBTY LINES OF THE CITY.
T>RINTED ON BOND PAPER and putup-i
x book form. Every property owner aau rail
estate dealer, and every other person interested
n the city should have a copy.
MICE ONE DOLLAR.
FOR SALE AT
BILL'S NWS DM,
CIGARS.
THREE LEADERS
Quality Improved! Prices Same!
LA BELLE CIGARS: all Havana Filler and
best 5-cent Cigar in America. Ask your
dealer for La Belle.
LA ESTIJJADA; choice Havana Cigar.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS; a good Cigar. Oar
leading brands and worthy of trial
A. EHRLICH & BRO.,
Wholesale Grocers and Liquor Dealers,
153 and. 155 Bay Street.
oItOCERIEn’
CONSIGNMENTS TO ARRIVE
THURSDA V. -A.TJG. 7.
23 crates HAMS
I(scrate3 BREAKFAST STRIPS.
24 crates BONELXSS HAMS.
13 boxes DRY SALT SHOULDERS.
6 boxes FAT BACKS.
16 boxes BELLIES.
28 sacks COW PEAS.
8 sacks CROWDER PEAS. ,
Cal early. Get bargains. Consignments or
Cabbage. OntODsand Potatoes bv every steamer.
A. EHRLICII &. BRO..
Wholesale Grocers and Liquor Dealers,
lfiM and 155 BAY ST MEET
~PRINT. NG AND BOOKBINDIN<>•
/~1 ET YOUR BLANK BOOKS J)
Ny ONE BETTER THAN THOSE MADE BY | >
VICHOLS. HE HAS THE BEST PAPERS j
IN STOCK, AND YOU \
QAN MAKE YOURSELF AND HIM
J J APPY IF YOU WILL
ONLT0 NLT GIVE HIM AN ORDER FOR A SET. y
J OTS of BANKS and BUSINESS HOUSES
c END TO HIM FOR TIIEIR BOOKS. M
BAY i>T
BANKS. ,
I SAVINGS MIC
SAVANNAH BANK & TRUST CA
4°\o .
Deposits of SI and Upward RecsiTei
INM RAM &.
C' HARLES F. PKENDERGAST
f (Successor u> K. H. Footman ®
FIRE, MARINE AND STORM INSURANT
108 HAY STREET.
[Next Watt of tbe Cotton Exclude” 1
Telephone Call No. at Savannah.
