The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-08-05
FROM NEW YORK.
The Execution of John Real for che Murder of
Police Officer Smedicl.
New YORK, Aug 5.


Police Officer Smedick. |
New YORK, Aug. 8.
The Inst 'RelIRious Rites.
Real retired at half-past ten last night,
and after sound sleep woke this morning
soon aftes Ave o'clock and prepared for
mass. The rite was administered by Father
Rankin. He was shaved by Thomas Sheridan,
Reals fellow prisoner, also awaiting execution
The Prisoners Composure.
During the ceremony as well as during the
remaining hours of life Real maintained the
same calm and composed demeanor and apparent
resignation to his fate which have characterized
the whole term of his imprisonment. This
morning, however, he was unusually reticent
and was little disposed to converse either with
the officers or his spiritual advisers.
The Procession to the Gallows.
Shortly after the prison clock struck 9, Real
came from his cell and out of prison into the
open court and walked to the gallows erected
in its usual place in front of the south wing of
the female prison. He was pinioned, and in his
clasped hands carried cruciix, on which hs
kept his eyes intently fixed while constantly en-
gagged in prayer. He was neatly dressed in light
pants dark frock coat, and polished CATERS, but
wore neither collar nor cravat. His appearance
indicated health, aud his presence of mind and
fortitude sustained him so that he walked
steadily and without apparent emotion or fear
to the gallowss Two priests attended him, re-
peating passages OF scripture and words of
last consolation, while strong force of Deputy
Sheriffs closed in the rear of the procession.
Scenes mt the Scahold.
Real kneeled on the floor of the gallows, the
priests beside him, and during the few moments
in this posture the moose was adjusted about his
neck and the knot properly arranged. The
priests then rose and Sheriff Stevens gave the
signal 20 the eXecutioner.
, The Final Act.
The body of Real rose instantly, and with q
lurch, four feet into the air, where it remained
suspended. A slight convulsive movement of
the limbs followed, but no other motion, death
having resulted almost instantaneously. After
hanging o few moments the body was lowered
and the black cap which Real had worn from
prison, but which through some oversight had
not been properly placed, was drawn down over
| his face.
| Life Pronounced Extinct.
| DIR. Ghive soon pronounced life extinct, and,
after the lapse of the usual time, the body was
| cut down, removed and given to his relations.
| Perfect Order Preserved.
| No demonstration of any kind was made at
the execution, which was conducted in almost
perfect silence, and witnessed by but few except
| Reals former friends and the city officials.
! large force of policemen, under Captain Ken
nedy, was on duty without and within the
! prison, and the tops of the houses, and all
available outside points of view were also care
| fully cleared of spectators. Superintendent
Kennedy and manyof the city authorities were
in attendance and witnessed the spectacle
Sheriff O'Brien was also said to be in the Tombs
but did not see the execution.
Notwithstanding the police precautions, and
the impossibility of gaining sight or admission
within the prison walls, the adjacent streets out
side were filed with thousands of people, whC
remained until all was over.
| Testimonial TO the Postmaster eneraI.
NEW YORK, Aug. 5.-A paper is being signet
by some of our leading citizens expressing ap
proval of the efforts of the Postmaster-G Genera
to eradicate the abuses of our postal system, ant
to introduce reform and Improvements. Whel
signed it is to be sent to other cities for NOR
signatures.