New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-05-27
THE COURTS.
FOSTER SENTENCED.
uE IL To DE HANGED JULY 4-AFFECTIN'
SCENE IN COURT-IN THE TOMBs.

SCENE IN COURr-IN THE TOMBS.
The second act of the Putnam tragedy is
The fiat of the law has gone forth, and William
Foster is to expiae crime the scaold the 1th
of July. Every knew what his sentence must be
the law allows none othcrand yet there was no dminu-
the crowd OF eager sghteers who focked to the
Court. An came TO gaze upon the miserable man who
the chief actor in the scene and then TO go about
their ordinary avocations they had swallowed
and dgeSted the sensation. For weldressed crowd,
they heartless they could well be, Not few
jokes uttered in Fosters prcsencesome must have
almost reached his ears-whie comments the proba-
bty OF his hanging in several instances but the
precursors OF wagers,
when first brought into Court Foster exhibited his
usual air of indifference; but he became impressed
with the increasing excitement OF the scone he betrayed
signs OF nervousness He somewhat paer too, and
his features evident of the disappointment
which the verdict had brought TO him. Some women,
relatives of his, who occupied prominent seats were
greatly affected and their sobs, every now and then'
caught his ear causing him start and shift uneasily
on his chair. At 1925, Judge Garvn rose and moved
that the Court pass sentence Foster asked by
the Clerk OF the Court he had anything TO say He
looked up sorrowfuy at Judge Cardozo his whole body
slightly swaying from agitation, and with an effort, de-
cared that he had been drinking good deal that day,
and meant to kin Mr.. Putnam. The unhappy man
could say no more. His features began to work conyu
svely and he burst into tears hiding his face in his
face flushed deeply he drew before him the written
Judgment which he had prepared though his voice was
firm and clear he pronounced the sentence Of the law
Disirict-Atorney Garvn-I move now that in accord
with the verdict OF guilty of murder in the nrs de
gree. rendered by the jury the Court proceed to pro
nounoe sentence OF the law upon William Foster Tor
the murder of Avery d. Putnam.
Judge Stuart-My learned associate and myself had
purpOsed TO arrest OF Judgment before your
Honor, but consulting the case Of The Feope agt:
Appel with which your Honor is entirely flniar as
know satisfied that this Court has moi the power
20 afford any relief TO this unfortunate man under the
present circumstances and in his present condition. ana
the motion, If fayoraby entertained ana indeed guogi
TO the prisoner and doing perhaps no justice TO the eo
pie and we therefore have concluded not TO submit
that motion to your Honor this morning bat 10 rely
upon writ OF error. and as We know ana as your
direction until after Judgment Only on the Judgment
can writ of error proceed Therefore we are copeea
20 pursue the course have suggested ana we now Ieau
fly and Willingly, and with great humility and sorrow,
await the Judgment OF the Court.
Mr.. Ysndevoort-the clerk)-PrisOner rise. Foster
stood up William Foster, you may remember that you
by you done and committed Upon that tment you
arTaigned upon your arraignment You pleaded not
that country has found you guilty What have You now
10 say why Judgment of death should not be pronounced
William Foster-I had been drinking good deal that
day and night. had intention Of killing Mr.. Pat,
not know at the time what was doing,
Judge CardozO (after painful pausc) have no wish,
by any words of mine, to increase the anguish OF your
present situation. Yours trightfu crime, and you
Are to expiae H. SO far as this world is concerned by
laws hut as terrible warning to the vicious which it
will be well for them heed, TO desst from deeds Of
violence and blood The public excitement which your
crime evoked has been shut out from the temple OF JUS
tce and calm, patient trial. in which every point IN
doubt in your favor, has been given YOU
Counsel most learned and faithful have urged every
thing which ability and zeal could suggest on your be-
half intelligent and impartial jury, substanti-
ally of your selection have been your trieTs. But
the was too forlorn for human effort almost even
for hope. Influenced doubtless only by mat tenderness
which rghtminded men generally feel in respect to NE
the jury recommended you to mercy That matter
belongs only t. the Executive; but let me caution you
against foudy INDUCING the hope that your life may
he spared Rather let me admOnish you 10 prepare,
through the instrumcntaty OF the religious lalth III
which YOU were educated, TO meet the dread change
which awaits you. 1t is not likely that human mercy
will be accorded you-appeal speedily to HIM who Is an
mercy. The solemn duty alone remains for me 10 de-
clare the sentence which the law prescbe 1t Is that
YOU William Foster taken hence To JAIL and there on
the ilth day OF July next be hanged by the neck until
you dead. May God nave mercy upon your soul
AT the conclusion OF Judge CardOzOs remarks fOser
took his seat but again directed TO stand up by Mr.
VandeyoOr who read to him the death warrant black
bOrdered document, containing the following: -
Tl pspk Of Of $50 the sheriff the City
i9 SGs9 SS and for Se @ and COUNTY Of EcTSo Sc civ
M Of n. AZ city, on IaDay the 2S'a Gay Of May ~ the year o.
Que form Of law convicted Of the mgre IN tie tsi degree Of
year aors at the said Court Of oyer Termnsr
s sa S iSd cos 3 Wnlm Poster o
ss5 ifSng 1,oIed day the said William Foster was sentenced
70 Be ss9 , to lS SS oT he y Of SsTea 'Is
1asa % ne nf's gI' D, Ss ,tcr ommp3c to cause
Be upon the said lam Poster according to law ana
a OF july next day which the said shall be executed
C the STATE Of New and Justice Of the nd
constitute Court and the presiding Judge thereof have lgreiaio
subscribed ms name day Of May the Of our Lori l5l
CARDOzo Justice OF the supreme Court
Attest: HENRY NANDEYOoKr, Clerk
At the conclusion Of the reading, the warrant was
handed 10 sheriff Brennan, who in attendance, and
Attorney Garvn then moved that the prisoner
be rmandcd After the doors had been locked to pre-
vent a rush by the crowd in Attendance, Foster was
taken out at a side door.
Those who could not gain admission were anXiously
waiting for Fosters exit in order, if possible 10 get
glimpse Of him. descending the steps on Chambers
st. he was greeted with few Kisses from the dense
thronC which subsidized as he stepped into the
carriage The vehicle proceeded up Broadway followed
by crowd On arriving at tie TOmbs, IL was with dill
Guilty the carriage could be drawn up TO the sidewalk
although Capt Kennedy and large police force used
every effort clear passageway. Foster was placed
in the condemned cell, No. the lower corridor He
said but little and evidently felt his awful position He
was visited by Sister OF Mercy, who remained Tor
more than half hour in earnest conversation with
him when remanded 10 his cell, Foster immediately
donned light Summer suit. His wife visits him very
often and is overcome with grief but lis father has
only called TO see him once
PRIZE-FIGHTERS IN COURT.
COLLINS AND EDWARDS COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.