New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-10-02
"To BE HUNG TILL YOU ARE DEAD

The shadow of the gallows blackens The civilization
Of the century. Nothing is more shameful than the
moral Of the old story of The sailor, who wrecked on
what he feared to be desolate isle, fell his knees
upon behoding gallows, and cried "Thank God
Jack-we're in Christian land" With so much that
is holy in our creed liberal in our modern spirit and
Just in our law it is monsrous that we should still
build the gbbet by the side Of the church.
Every execution of which We have read is disgust
ing but few equal that Of Allen p Eggeston, at New
port, Ky, on Friday last. This criminal shot Capt.
Almon P. Menter, last June, while attempting to
escape from the house Of the latter, which he had en-
tered to rob- Fifteen thousand people witnessed his
execution, which took place in the open air, ION
knoll which, "says the report, seemed TO have been
designated by nature for just the dismal purpose it
was about to serve" Only one bred In jail could
make green fields and woods the accompices Of the
barbarism of man. Eggleston, pallid and weak, I'M
able 10 walk without aid from the wounds his chains
had inflicted but calm and resoute was led upon the
scafold. He looked around at thevast crowd, with
an expression of weakness and resignation, a
troubled look, a shade of sorrow, not untinged
with disgust" aud then he fixed his eyes on
the bright sky and the forestclad hills. The death
warrant was read, and Eggleston supported by two
men, rose to make his dying speech. 1t was the old
story. Bad company, bad life, protestation-in
this case true we think-that murder was not in
tended, repentance, and willingness TO die. lie was
not drunk as are usually the victims of the scaod,
for no drunken man would have thus gently rebuked
the crowd, eager for the horrible tragedy. feel
truly sorry" he said to so many people here,
for feel that most Of them came here through idle
curiosity. / feel that they don't realize that they
have got to die themselves and that many may die
on the gallows, like me, just am about TO die
am very very sorry to see so many here to look at
this, and to see 50 many women and children here
to-day" We question If the prayers which CLOSED
with religious ceremonial this strocity had the solem
nifty Of these words.
Eggleston's arms were now bound and the rope
placed around his neck. The white hood was drawn
over his face and still unable to stand strong hands
supported him on the trap. As he said GOD bless
you to his e1ecutioners the drop fell and the body
flashed In the air. What followed was more horrible
than death 1.-The body fell through with great force
the knot slipped, aud with fall of eight feet the
wretched mans body struck the ground, his head
humping against the woodwork with thug that
could be heard 100 feet Off The scene Of horror cleo
trfed the 5000 spectators murmur of horror and
disgust went the length and breadth Of the crowd
and they moved forward with motion ike that Of an
immense wave 70 see what would follow 1t was at
five minutes after O'Clock that the horrible event
occurred. The officers quietly raised the man, all
stunned aud bleeding from lis terribly acerated neck
as he was carried him up the steps to the delth-hole
again. and gave him some water. Without word Of
complaint or an expression Of pain with the odd look
OF meekness and resignation lighting up his face, and
saying simply Gentlemen, dOnt let that oceur again.
be submitted to the preparation Cor his execution
And then be was again liiled on the gallows, and
this tlme-t is pitiful that we should have il TO say
was mercifully strangled. What became Of his soul
we know not, but the crowd went home TO dinner.