The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-10-28
CRIME IN NEW YORK.
Sentence or George Wagner Ia be Exc
cuted for the Murder Of His Wife-An-
other Alleged Wife Murderer-A Batch
of Thieves Sent 20 the state Prison, sc.


Before Recorder Hoffman.
Before the calendar called yesterday the Recorder
proceeded pass sentence upon those prisoners who
had pleaded guilty during the week. and who were re.
manded In order that his Honor might make some in
quiries in reference TO their previous OF life
Andrew Mckay, who pleaded guilty to robbery, and
against whom indictments for larceny and burglary,
was sent TO the State Prison for years.
Henry s,oidt who pleaded guilty 10 attempt at burg.
larry was sent TO the Penitenary years and six
months. A. W. Aear Jointly indicted with him, was
sent to the House Of Refuge.
Belshazzer Hidcbrand, who was convicted Of similar
offence sent TO the Pcnitentary for year, his
previous character having been good.
james Dayton, who pleaded guilty to an attempt ut
grand larceny sent 10 the Penentiary for
VIM Campbell who was tr ed and convicted OF steal.
ing half barrel Of French brandy from Theodore Stehn
was sent to the State Prison for two years.
Elizabeth Roake, who pleaded guilty to an attempt at
larceny sent to the State Prison for two years.
The next prisoner called 10 the bar George Wagner,
tried and convicted Of murder IN the first degree As
ssant District Attorney Hutchngs moved for Judgment
Exudge Stuart said that his associate desired 10 say all
that could be said for the unfortunate prisoner.
Mr. Cohen sai-fyour Honor please, counsel for the
unfortunate prisoner who, far as your Honors court is
concerned Il about TO receive the fatal sentence which
tells him that his days earth are numbered; and,
speaking for him. he has but little TO say We have i'm
pressed his mind the solemnty Of the ordeal through
which he Ia about to pass nor have we failed to excite
in HIM consciousness OF the doom TO which your Honor,
George Wagner behalf desires TO say that tho
crime for which his life Is called TO pay penalty was
never for instant, premedated by him. IL was
done In a few brief moments, when reason had LETT
her throne, and frenzy had usurped her
place. The occurrences immediately preceding
and succeeding his offence are to him a per.
him 10 the deed ncomprehensibe to his mind. This
much all he has to ray In extenuation, not vsndca-
ton u crime the sequel TO which and its consequences
are likely to be fatal "a him they 70 her whom
he has slain He desires express his gratitude TO your
Honor the District Attorney and his counsel for the
very fair in which his trial was conducted.
George Wagner, the felon and outcast whose name VIII
be handed down az byword reprosch and fearful
example, has concluded his appeal TO an earthly ribu.
nal His next appeal must be made TO that tribunal su
preme 70 US all
The Recorder In passing sentence spoke a. follows:
George wagner-Twice already, within the present
year has been my painful duty to pronounce upon
prisoners standing where you stand, the terrible
Sentence OF death In the II was upon crmi
nal who had plunged his knife to the ht In the neck Of
his fellow man; in the other upon one who had muir
dered his wife, you murdered yours by dnshing out
her brains with In the last named case and
yours there are features Of striking similarity but
will not pause to speak Of them. IL appears by the
evidence taken your trial that you and your
wife were living together In apparent peace and
harmony The Witnesses all in saying that you
had been industrious and inocnsve mana journey
marcabinet maker who had earned the good opinion o.
your employers Shortly before that fatal day which
ushercd In her horrible death and your ruin you bad
commenced business for yourself in the house In which
you and she were living. You had employed workmer
10 make the needed repairs While they were at work
YOU lef the house, and while they were still worknt
YOU returned You passed through the basement wher
they were, and went mp stairs where your vile was ID
reciIy scream Of woman in agony was heard, and 20,
werc seen standing knecling her holding In you
hands tho handle OF an axe, the head OF which wa
deeplv mbedded In her BRAIN You had killed her. sen
her into the presence OF her God without momentN
warning You passed out OF the house. and when ask
why you had done the Decd replied trouble IN th