Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-06-30
The Execution Of James Powers.

der of Edward A. Lutz, took place yesterday at
half past 10 o'clock. In accordance with the
requirements Of the law, the proceedings were
conducted 10 an orderly and quiet manner. The
number Of persons present was Of course limit
ed and there were not near so many on the out
side Of the jail as was expected there would be-
Several house however, in the neighoOr-
hood, were covered with men.
The prisoner, though not without hopes OF
communication of his sentence, has been quite re-
signed TO his fate, and conducted himself ia Q
manner that showed that he fully appreciated
his awful situation. When the last hope oil
further eemenry was gone, he seemed to be 0c-
eCipfei only with preparations for meeting his
Maker. The scene between him and his mother,
sister and brother, was affecting beyond dis
cription The mother and sister were the first
to leave, and when the brother was at last per
s;uaded to retire, the doomed man kissed him
and said, "Do as ! told you, and let liquor
alone" What volume was here compressed
im few words. aud how many there are WHO,
if they needed il in time, would now be sought
after and respected, instead OF despised and con
demned.
Al n quarter past l2o'clock the marines we're
drawn up In ranks in front of the Acat0ld, and
few minutes afterwards the prisoner, accom-
panied by Marshal Sslden, Father U Ioole,
Deputy Marshal Phillips, Mr.. King, the JailoF,
Walter LennOx, amd the guard Asssrs. Robin
som, Reilly, aud Wilson, assembled the seaifOid
with finn tread. He was Oh essed IN suit oil
black, with the exception OF the "alsteoat'
which was white, and his face, though very
pale, was SeFenely composed. Alter most ler-
vent PRAYER by Father U IOOe IN which the PriS'
uner joined, Marshal Selden delivered the lo'iO"
ing address:
James Powers As marshal Of this District
II is my duty 10 execute the sentence which
consigns you to the ScatfOd. 1t grieves ine TO
behOld you, in tile morning of life, standing
where nothing but the ignOminy OF the -gRllows
rtfT
ice Tile precePts Of the Bible, the mandates
of the laN, aud the safety of society, require
that ''whoSOever sheddeth mans blood, y man
shall his tic shed"
Reckless passions and violent misdecds haVe
reached fearful point, aud boldly war against
the rights Of the citizens and blessings OF gov
crnment. Unless the career Of crime Is check
cd our country will exhibit extraordinary
| aspect and become the abode of brutal violence
and arbitrary power. Should your mOurnlul
fate be a Salutary warning, aud reform the ~ n,
ais whichled you astray, you will not have lived
and died III vain.
In the presence of that dreadful agony through
Which you are about to pass, you stand erect
| md TRANQUIL For this happy cOmPOsure and
resignation you are mainly indebted To tho
charities Of the Gospel. The sacred volume has
cheered vou even through the gloom of despair.
Your spiritual advisers aud piuns friends, Ike
miniStering angles, have sOitemed your distress
and blessed you with the conscientious OF reiig-
ion.
Even now they are sending up to Heaven
thei! fervent prayers that the Great Being VINO
Dresides over all will beStow5 upon your errors
charitable Judgment, aud be n,ild aud meIciiul
towards you i'll His futu-e dispensati"n oil re-
wards and uuuShmentS. The highest IN ouI
land las sig bed at tile SORROWS you have caused;
and, to prepare your soul for better Woriu'
DELAYED your execution till the present hour
For myself feel the anguish which nature
eli,
closing scene is saddcr 10 my heart than Ian
auage can express. But the wisdom oil God IS
| 81 eater than ours. No SORROW beialls as with
ont n moral use. He knows what Is best for
his falIibe creatures, aI,d seasons his PUNISH
mentS with mercy. .
And now, Jancs Powers, your lamp of life IS
nearly OUT. You are going hence, and we
! shall hehuld you more; but may the peace
and hopes yhu lost ON earth be found again III
the realms of Heavenl
Al the conclusion Of the address, Father
EO"Tnole again prayed with tile prisoner alter
which, he stepped upon the drop. the rope was
placed around his neck, his hands and ieet we're
| uiuiOncd. and the white cap was drawn over his
head At precisely half past II o'clock the
marshal touched the holt with lis foot, the drop
! fell, and the soul of James Powers was ushereh
intn eternity" After few struggles, he APP
Deared 10 be dead, aud at one Ocl"'lS his body
was cut down and placed in cottin 1t was
taken 20 Baltimore last night Speaking OF the
effect of the execution on those present, the
Stntes says:
"rhere were but few persons in the yard ex-
cepting tile military. There was many a wet
! eve as it viewed the solemn scene. Scarcely
was word spOken-alI being duly impress ed
with the sacredness of the occasion. Outside,
in the street, was u little shouting"
The Washington correspondent OF the New
York Herald, tslegraphs to that paper as fol-
lows:
'The young convict, Powers, who murdered
Lutz was hanged at 70 o'clock to-day. Great
Efforts were made up to the latest hour TO Obtain
communication of sentence. understand the
p. esident said to one person occupying. a
prominent position, who was pleading for ner-
cy, If you can show Ine an extenuatinS cir
cninstance, will grant it.. The persOn re-
Hected kome moments, aud inding no other
ground OF appeal, answered, Hts YOUTH your
Excellency' The President replied, Nearly all
the murders aud other crimes Of violence 80
frequent Of latcin the District of COLUMBIA,
have been committed 10y such young men. >"
THR Grand Jury Of Albany comfy, New
York, have unanimously presented the profess
sionai jurors aud lOungers Of the courts as nui-
Sance.
s. AF...t. Vr,sI,;y,foy,4 CoIleya. instituted