The Republican journal., 1876-09-14
Hanged for Hayes.

Hanged for Hayes.
1t is Il strange and dreadful story that
comes from Cincinnati in regard to Gov
Hayes connection with the execution of
James Murphy at Dayton, o., a few days
since. II would be incredible did not the
circumstances point strongly to its truth.
1t appears that Murphy, who was only
nineteen years Of age at the time Of his
execution, killed one VIM. Dawson, q year
ago in street-fight growing out Of a ball
room quarrel. Dawson was member IN
high standing, of a secret society upon
which the Republican Party depends for a
great deal Of help in the coming elections.
After two trials, the jury disagreeing on
the first, Murphy was found guilty Of mur-
der in the first degree and sentenced to
death. Petitions for Communication of his
sentence to imprisonment for life were
numerously signed. Among the sigma
lures were to be found the names of some
Of the best citizens Of Dayton and vicinity !;
also the names OF many from adjacent
counties. Indeed, the entire bar Of Darke
County united in a petition for commuta-
tion and il protest against execution. The
reasons assigned for asking Executive
clemency were: First, the youth of the
condemned; second. his lack of education
and early moral training. and third, the
fact that the evidence did not clearly dis
close prcmeditation-the essential element
of murder in the first degree When the
petition was presented to Coy Hayes he
was disposed to act a merciful part and the
friends Of humanity began to hope that the
boys life would be spared Unfortunately
for the youthful criminal, rumors of the
Governors intentions reached Dayton and
| reused the Indignation and resentment CT
the members OF the secret society referred
to. They openly threatened to use against
Hayes the power Of their organization
throughout the country il Murphy was
permitted to escape the death penalty.
This soon reached the ears Of the local
managers Of the Republican machine, and
they straightway proceeded to protest
against clemency to the culprit on polili-
cal grounds. They presented to the good
Goyernorthe argument that while he could
not lose q single vote by permitting the
law to take its course, he could, and prob
a 4
citulIy a thousand votes in Ohio or even
u hundred in Dayton might turn the scale,
lose Ohio and, $ a natural consequence,
the Presidency Moved by these potent
considerations, the Governor hesitated,
but finally, at the last moment, ambition
conquered humanity: clemency was de-
nied, and the order for the execution of
the sentence issued. The details OF the
execution are not entirely new. but as
they fifty end this story Of political rea-
sons overcoming mercy, we append them
| rs follows:
At the hour appointed two priests, accompan-
| led by y deputy sheriff and il tair-haired, blue
| eyed boy. made their appearance aprn the scaf-
| fold. The boy was placed beneath the fata
| moose that dangled from the cross beam above
| the holy men said the prayers for the dying
| the moose was placed around the small, fair
neck, the horrible black cap was drawn oyel
| the pleading eyes, the Sheriff touched the
| spring, there was II crash, sharp report like
| the crack Of a Whip-lash, a dull thud, and the
| boy lay lacerated and bleeding ON the floor be
meath the sca1od. The rope had broken. While
strong men, fascinated by the terrible scene
I quivered, and others, surteited with horror
| turupu from the Sirkpninw SiUht the sheriff anl