Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-05-08
EXECUTION OF THE MURDERER
WALTZ.
A COndcmned Murderer Murders his
Kcener In his CelI... lIia Execution.

the closing scenes in the life of a man who
had apparently become dead to all human
feelings, except those of revenge and hat
red, and who just before his death on the
galows, added another horrible crime to
that for which he was under sentence of
death. Tho name of the criminal was Joseph
Waltz, familiarity known as the scissors
grinder murdcre'. About one year ago
Harmon IIulcher, an Albany scissors.
grinder, entered the house of Waltz's faith.
err, on lonely road north Of the village,
and secured lodgings. In the night Joseph
Waltz entered his bed chamber and with "a
Ratchet smashed his skull in, and taking
the body, buried it on the promises, and he
also buried all evidences OF the crime and
cleaned the blood of the murdered man
from the floor as best he could. The where
abouts of Hulcher became a mystery for
several days, till finally he was traced to
Watz's house, and there all trace ended.
Waltz was arrested on suspicion, confessed
the horrible deed and pointed out the spot
where he buIied his victim. The body
was subsequently found, and Waltz was
lodged in Jail 1t was thought by some
tested his sanity both before and after the
trial, some declaring him sane, and others
pronouncng him q confirmed lunatic. He
was put upon his trial, which lasted week,
was found guilty and sentenced &c be hung
After his sentence he acted strange
ly on several occasions, as though he had
something further to reveal. On Monday,
the 29lh ult., he made a statement that he
had also murdered an organ-griuder some
three years ago. At his own request Waltz
was taken to tho ditch where he stated the
murdered organ grinders body had been
placed, on Tuesday last. The place is COW
cred with water; it is being drained pre-
paratory 10 digging, in order to verify his
story. An organ whecl-crank, oil can, and
a full suit of clothing were found in the
places he had pointed out.
On his return TO his cell Waltz was not
ironed as usual, but was allowed more free
dom, which resulted unfortunately, in the
murder of still another victim, the faithful
keeper, Charles Ernst, the particulars of
whose death are as follows: Ernst had
been frequently cautioned against placing
too implicit confidence in the murderer,
who had repeatedly threatened his life, but
always answered the suggestions of caution
By saying Joe won't hurt me-" He was
the officer who arrested him, and the muir
dCrer has on several occasions shown special
antipathy TO him and the man who made
the shackles with which he has been bound.
Waltz succeeded in tearing up an iron bar
from the floor of his cell, and he muffied it
with paper so as to deaden any sound that
might he made by striking with ii. This
bar be secreied under his bed, and when
Ernst entered after dinner, he stole up be-
hind him while he was lying on the sofa,
and struck him four blows on the head,
breaking in his skull with every ow.
Any one of the blows would have proved
fatal. He then dragged the body Of his
victim into a remote corner, out of sight,
secured the key of the cell and his victims
revolver, and covered up the blood stains
with paper. He then endeavorcd 10 unlock
the door Of his cell, thereby hoping 10 gain
his liberty, which result he would have
easily attained but for the fact that at this
juncture reporter rang the bell Of The
outer door, thereby alarming Waltz, who
retreated into the further corner of his cell.
The hell was answered by a deputy sheriff,
and together they proceeded TO the door OF
the doomed mans cell, and immediately
heard groans from his poor unconscious
victim. Receiving no reply to their calls
to Ernest, they burst in the door and foI nd
Ernst we!tering in his life's blood in the
corner to which he had been dragged.
They Immediately carried the dying man
into the hall 10 examine his wounds. II
was thea discovered that Waltz had tie
officers keys and revolver. Waltz was at
once disarmed and ironed. lie manifested
i stold indifference in regard 10 his crime.
Ernst was n tirst-class officer, and was
highly respected. The excitement among
the people when this murder became
known was intense mob gathered, and
it was only by the greatest exertions that
the officers kept them from breaking open
he Jail and lynching Waltz. To keep the
peace The Governo: WAS obliged 10 order g
company of militia TO the place.
The last night of Waltz on earth was
wakeful and uneasy.
The prisoner was disrobed at an early
hour, and alfred in fresh suit of clothes
lie then SUNK away into a corner OF his
cell, his conntenancc displaying the SAINT
morose and sullen look noticeable during
the last days Of bis life. The father, mother
and sister of the man were IL an adjoining
room, awaiting an Interview. Shortly af
ter A. NJ, the mother OF the culprit en-
tered his cell. Not sign Of recognition
was then upon his countenance. His star
= i Il t..
absence Of reason. Suddenly the culpri
gave vent TO Il succession of maniac bowls
and neryously seized his mother by tn
hand. The officers interfered, fearing tina
he would do her bodily harm. The siste
of the tulprit also had an interview witt
him, and implored him in pileOus terms I
speak even one word, and say that he wa
sorry for his crimes. Waltz did not ute
word, but made grmaces at his keeper
while his sister was speaking.
At 10 A. NJ, the relatives of the murder
er, led by Father DriscOll, entered the Gel
the priest reciling the Catholic Church sci
vice for the dead. All then retired but tn
priest, The latter stating that Waltz wa
not a fit subject for receiving the Sacra
ment. Wallz's arms were then pinione
by Constable Whitcomb, aud the signi
WAS given for the death march. The plaC
of execution was located on the first foo
in cell in the north east corner OF the jai
and the gallows, which had been CAREFUL
erected and tested, were in readiness it
the fual scene.
The shrrin's jury and members OF IL
press ranged themselves around the room
The department Of the prisoner at III
time was noticed by all. When Sheri
C3onlcy had read the death warrant, Wal
arose from his seat. The priest next q
Lnrnl a nm var and rnlirnl- Hhn Shpri