The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1876-08-25
IVA ~ TX IL liza ~ Ot hAOs
CLOSING SCENE IN A DRAMA OF CRIME
The Dawson Murder and the Parties Con-
nected with 1t.
TIE Last Nleht, the Last Day and the
Farewell"
HE COME SSES THE CRIME.
Horrible Scene at the Execution The
Rope Breaks.
LE COME ssEs THE CRIME.

| Special to the STAR.
DAYTON, o., . August 25.-James Muir
ply, who murdered Col. VIM. Dawson
on the morning Of september 1, 1876, anC
who is condemned to be ha nged to-day
slept well last night and arose at
| O'Clock this morning.
At 10 O'Clock Father Murphy admins
tered the last rites TO the prisoner, wht
during the ceremonies bore himself il
a perfectly cool manner, and read the
responses in a clear, though subdued
tone. His calm, uurufied exterior under
such trying circumstances is regarded
by all as wonderful.
The priest was visibly affected
throughout the ceremony, and towards
the close urged the condemned witt
warmth and eloquence to confess the
terrible crime for which he must die
closing with the words, "My child
prepare TO meet your Maker at half past
O'Clock this afternoon" The priest
withdrew and was succeeded by two
Sisters OF Charity, who remained with
the prisoner for an hour In prayer.
Murphy ate but little at noon, but still
bore himself manfulIy, betraying by
no outward sigl the anguish OF his soul.
Sheriff Patton by Lhe remonstranees Of
the prisoners counsel revoked the
great number of tickets of admission
previously given out, and aside from
members Of the press, Il large represent
alton Of whom are present, there were
not over q dozen Sp .ctators. The scat,
foid is erected at tue farther extremity
of the long narrow corridor in the third
story OF the Jail.
The Farewell.
AT noon the prisoners father and
three sisters (Gis mother is dead) took
an affecting isrewell of the prisoner
the latter deporting himself throughout
the trying ordeal in his usual Indifferent
manner, and holding In his hand the
stump of cigar which he had been
smoking while conYersing with the
priest
At twenty-five. minutes to 2 O'Clock
James Murphy ascended the soaffOld
with four priests, the Sheriff and dep
uty. He was still calm, and stepping
to the front of the platform, he said;
81 told lie in the Courthouse by
saying that another man was guilty.
1 am guilty, and l think 1 am for.
given. 1 return thanks to all those
who have been Kind to me.
forgive all my enemies, and 1 ask
their forgiveness. That is my last re-
quest, gentlemen. want all the young
to take warning by me. Ii |
ion would not be here here
now. Drink and bad company has led
me to This. was in a passion when l
did the deed. ask pardon of the widow
of Mr.. Dawson.
II believe that Jesus Christ has saved
me.n
Stepping q few PAGES to the rear, the
black cap was adjusted.
Father MurpDy read a prayer for the
dying; the attendants r6treated to the
sides OF the scafold, and Deputy Sheriff
Freeman sprung the trap.
The rope snapped in two like piece of
twine aud the victim tell to the floor
with dull thud.
The spectators we're Mortified at this
calamity, and mutterings We're heard at
the carelessness display ed in using such
q rope.
No sound escaped Murphy in the
space of a few minutes. He was again
led on the platform.
His face pale and red streak around
his neck, he was still able 10 stand with
slight assistance.
He said, "Wnat are you going to do,
anyhowp He then caught in vice.like
grip the coat of Freeman, and held on so
that the Deputy could with difficulty
break loose. -
Two ropes were then used, and at ex-
actly twelve minutes to q O'Clock the
drop tell, and the life of James Murphy
was ended.