The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1871-08-25
INsrRuMENrs OF TonrUnn.-In no line

INSTRUMENTS OF IORTURE.-In no line
has more devilish ingenuity been mani
tested than in constructing instruments
or torture. The rack, wheel, boot and
screw Of the medieval ages, far from
having exhausted the resources OF inyen-
ton, have been supplanted in our day by
the crucifix and shower baths used for
the punishment Of criminals in various
penltentiaries. About year ago, the
horrible inhumanity of this method Of
punishment was exposed, and in fit Of
righteous indignation the Legislature of
New York abolished them from her State
penal institutions. It was thought at
the time that this prompt action would
ameliorate the condition of prisoners by
enforcing q more humane system Of
treatment, but it would seem the hope
was destined to disappointment. Cruelty
IS never at loss for weapons, and SO
when the ''shower bath" aud s'crucifix"
were trundled out of Sing Sing, the
''trapeze" and the s'bed of roses' we're
brought in. The first is described us a
harmless looking contrivance. It con
slsts Of two thin tarred ropes run over
pulley. The ends of these ropes are
fastened to the thumbs of the convict
who is to be punished. Then one pull
and the victim is lifted of his fcot. Az
the pan bangles in mid-air, his entire
weight depending on his thumbs. his
snfferings are really horrible. The most
excruoiating pains are felt in every part
OF bis body, and every fibre quiyors with
keenest agony. The tendons of the
arms are stretched to their fullest length.
and seem like red-hot wires in the mans
desh. Elbow-joints and shoulderblades
snap as If ready to separate, and the
thumbs, swollen and black, with com
pressed blood. often actually slit open.
At this point, the miserable wretch.
hlled with terror happily sinks into in
senslbility. When released, he is gene
rally unable to walk, by reason of tenn
porary paralysis.
The 'bed of roses" is still worse, mas
much as it's effects are often lasting, and
leave the victim to drag out miserable
existence after being subjected to it's
horrors. Think of dark, unventilated
stone dungeon, seven feet long, three
1eet wide, and six feet high. in which is
Kept the bed OF roses!' This luxurious
oonch is stout wooden flooring, which
covers the cell bottom. Upon this frame
is fastened half spheres of hard wood
about the size Of billiard balls cut in
nalves. These are secured tightly, with
the rounded surface turned upward.
The prisoner to be punished is forced in
upon the ''bed." after he has been de-
prlved OF his coat, shoes and stockings.
A few days in cell containing this |
worse than stony bed, and reeking.
poisonous atmosphere, reduces the vic.
tim to state of utter physical and men !
tai weakness. In vain, he seeks for rest
IN sleep, or for position of ease. The
hard knobs press into his flesh, and fill |
his body with thousand pangs; eyery
motion increases his tortures, but his
cries for mercy meet with no response.
When he leaves his dungeon it is with
blinded vision and unsteady gait, with
limbs bruised, and body lame and sore
throughout.
Yet, while this Ubiquitous semi-traeedy
is enacted under cover and authority OF
the law, Mr.. Bergh and his friends are
being daily lauded by the New York pull
pit and press for their services in ameli-
Grating the condition of dumb animals.
and volumes of pious indignation are
daily poured out from the same sources
upon the devoted heads of Southerners
for Ku Klux cruelties, which exist only
in Imagination. humanity, like other
shining virtues, should commence at |
home. "