The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1869-02-23
The Execution of Whalen.

James Whalen, the alleged murderer
of the Hon. Thomas D Arcy MCGEE,
Minister Of Agriculture for tue new gov
eminent of Canada, was executed upon
the galiows this morning at few min
utes past eleven O'Clock. in the town of
Ottowa, Canada The Prisoner had, up
to g few days ago, conducted himself
with great aaconcern, and even indulged
in ribai1ry and obscene testing in view
Of his end. Il WAS thought that he indul
ged hopes. almost to the very last tha he
would not be hong Early III the morn
ing people began to as sensble outside OF
the Jail in Stewart ST., eager to witness
the revolving scene, manifesting that
morbid curiosity which many, both men
and women, always exhibit on such oc-
casions. BY ten O'clock the street was
CT DIVIDED with heterogeneous mob, and
many persons had perched themselves
on the tops Of the houses in the vicinity
for the parpose OF obtaining better
view. The morning was duh and cloudy,
with drifting snow from the east. At
108 clock 1t was estimated there were
at least 1000 persons in the vicinity.
Disturbance, and an attempt at rescue
had been feared, and precautions taken
to prevent it. Every thing passed off
quietly. Inside the jail q select company
had been admitted, including Sheriff
Powell, Jail Governor Powell, Sheriff
Temple of Fredcricktown, New Bruins
wick; Drs Bell, Van Courtlandt, Como
yer, Sweetland, Mr.. Frazer, and others.
The Sheriff wore his uniform and sword.
The guard, inside and out, consisted of
regular soldiers The arrangements for
queliing any attempt at rescue were very
complete. Various surmjses were freely
circulated in the crowd, as to how Wha
len would deport himself in the emer
gency. Some said he had fully made
up his mind to confess, while others were
sure he would i.nplicate some other par
tY, and furnish the public with another
chapter of horrors It was earnestly
hoped by the more thoughtful and con-
sidcrate tla5 at least some light might
be thrown upon the mystery, and that he
would tell WHO had fred the fatal shot, if
he did not. At 90 minutes tefore Ii
o clock the favored few were admitted to
the landing place opening on the scat
fold. At this moment not an inch of
space within view of the scatfold was
unoccupied. The suspense was intense.
tprp I ~
door Of the corridor opened, and the
soiemn voice Of Father O'Conner was
heard IN earnest prayer for the doomed
man. The prisoner assembled the steps
to the scaffold in company with the of
ficials and three Catholic priests. VIVA
len walked firmly and erect, and seemed
but little moved. He was dressed in a
suit Of black, with boots carefully black
Ell, and his whole ilet made with the
utmost care. He wore a g: cen silk neck
tie. AS he walked up, he was repeating
in unison with his confessor and spiritu-
al adviser, s'Lord have mercy on u.s.
A death like stiffness reigned through.
out the great multitude as Whalen step
ped upon the drop, and remained firm
and upright, almost rigid, while the
fatal moose was adjusted. The execu-
toner stood at his left side, clad in a
blue calico jacket and pants, and red
and white striped cap, his face masked
with black Grape, When the rope was
adjusted, Whalen was asked by the Sher
iff, if he had anything to say, when he
made the following remarks:
81 beg pardon for any offense may
have committed. / forgive all parties
who have injured me, and ask forgive
ness OF all whom l may have injured.
God save Ireland, and God save nv
soulr'
The signal was then given, and the
drop fell at 11:15 A. NJ, precisely. The
wife of Whalen visited him yesterday,