Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-06-25
NEWS BY TELEGRAPH
TO THE
Daily Kennebee Suarnal.
WAGNER and GORDON,
Preparations for the Ey-
ecutiOn.
CHE CONVICTS CONTINUE TO
DENY THEIR GUILT.
The Gallows and its Surroundings.

THoMASToN, June q.
Prepal atoms perfected for the execution of
Wagner and Gordon, tomorrow afternoon.
Since these persons have been in prison Gordon
has been at work industriously in the blacksmith
shop, and Wagner in the harness shop. Both have
conducted themselves well, and have never shown
any disposition to break over the rules; but they
have kept indusriously to work without giving
the prison officers any trouble whatever. The
first sign Of any change was in Gordon, who
when the gallows was being erected last March,
began to be extremely restless, passing sleepless
| nights and being very respondent while about his
work. He complained of bad sensation in his
head The repreye, however, had good effect
upon him. But Wagner never lost his cheerful
ness, even in view of death, maintaining that he
was an innocent man, and that God would inter-
pose tie prevent his execution
On Friday last, the 18th, the prisoners were
taken from the workshops for the last time, and
conducted to their cells, where their fate was com
municated to them by the Deputy Warden.
Warden Rice then came in and told them that
they had received their last reprieve, that their
cases were hopeless. and that they must make up
their minds to suffer death the galows This
awful intelligence communicated to each Of
them in their separate cells. For moment Wag
ner lost his cheerfuness and tears glistened in his
eye. ooh, my God can that be so. Can it be
that the pcogle of this country will hang an inno-
cent man. Gordon received the news of his fate
with great emotion, and has since been fairly
broken down lie said, II was in hopes they
would let me live, because am sure that, in time,
| Inv ,,na bo t.
said, while pleading for his life "What do they
expect to gain by hanging me; VIII it make me
guilty" Between an outburst Of tears he inQuir
ed what motive could any one think he had in
numbering that little child, that he had so often
taken upon his knee and fondlcd He had loved
it as though it were his own.
Gordon looks like bad man, bearing a coward
ly, craven countenance that impress you with the
guilt of the poor trembling creature that crouches
before you, with half-closed eyes. But Wagner
impresses you favorably. Let him tell his story,
while standing before you with his erect, manly
form, and handsome, expressive face and flashing
eyes, and should you forget the testimony elected
at the trial, you will be half inclined to believe
him innocent, and that it would be wicked to hang
such man. He is evidently smart villain.
The prisoners cells arc located in the upper
corridor of the old prison, Wagner having cell
No. l46, and Gordon No. l5l. Since Friday no
one has been allowed to visit them except the
Warden or Deputy Warden, and attending clergy
men, Every precaution has been taken to pre-
vent suicide and close examination has been
made each day.
The galows has been erected in the huge ex-
in tl,n ry,,n WI hatxr aar,
the two new workshops. The execution
cannot be witnessed by any one on the outside of
the prison walls, even from the highest adjoining
buildings. The spectators at the execution, con-
sisting of the legal number of witnesses and news
paper reporters, will stand upon the platform lead
ing from one shop to the other, and will look down
upon the galows. The gallows is entirely new,
with the exception of the cross beam from which
the ropes are suspended, and the drop These
were the same in the execution of Harris The
drop rests in the centre of the platform, and is
supported by hinges and a lever. The pressure
of the foot upon one end of the lever, and the
trap down will fall. The two men will be hung
at the same time; will stand shoulder to shoulder,
clad in black gaib, and will pay the penalty of
| their great crimes at the same instant.
Up to this evening, there are no signs of con-
fession from either prisoner Gordon has given
up all hope, and is entirely Frustrated that it is
thought he will need to be helped to the gaows.
1t is expected that Wagner will meet death with
out any show of weakness. He still asserts that
he is innocent, and God will not allow him to be
hung. After the execution Gordon's body will be
passed over to his relatives while Wagner's will
be given to the Maine Medical School as sub
ject.
Wagner received q note from his mother several
days ago. 1t is written in German and he was
asked to interpret it, but he sent the following
note to the Warden:
81 cannot bear ii to copy that letter. 1t is from
my mother. There is nothing in it TO hurt any
bodys feelings except my own.
LOUIS WAGNER"
lie continues cheerful, and shows no signs OF
anxiety or fear in view of his dreadful fate. He
has faith in the Lord, and is confident that he will
not be hung. He has received a letter from a
Catholic priest in Boston, absolying his sins, but
has not been visited by any priest here. lie reads
his Bible, and said to-day, 81 shall live many
years yet" He rested nicely last night, sleeping
from half past to o'clock. He says he tried to
dream, but slept 50 soundly that he forgot all
about it.
Gordon has given up all hope and is compare
lively resigned Two of his relations visited him
this evening and were with him until 10 o'clock.
His mother believes him innocent, and the pros
pect of his death wears upon her that it is
thought she cannot survive her son but a few
days. Gordon has been engaged to-day in writing
farewell letters to his friends. He says that he
breads death not so much on his own account as
that of his mother and other friends. No one is
allowed to see the prisoners but their keepers and
| the prison chaplain, Rev. j. X. Mason who spent
some hours with the prisoners this evening.
| The Sheriff has not been here for several days,
but is expected tonight.
Associated Press Despatch.l
Rockand, June "a. The programme for the
execution of Wagner and Gordon, at Thomaston,
tomorrow, has not yet been definitely arranged.
Both men are apparently in good spirits and evil
IDENTIFY prepared for the doom awaiting them on
the morrow. They are allowed to hold converse