The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-12-23
home Hang no good. My country no hang. Bad

home. Hang no good. My country no hang. Bad
for poor Belo."
Beo was unable to speak good English. but made
several motions as Though to sab himself. nodling
all the time IN a audatory sort of manner. HIS in
tenon doubtless was to show his choice OF death Dy
the knife.
William Poole was found in cell No. So. Together
with Joseph II. Font lac killed man with club IN
April 1877. He is opposed TO capital punishment,
and among many reasons offered this. that no man
has right to judge whether life is the only repa
ration for great crime. Imprisonment for
lie is terrible enough. 81 have got life
sentence and am becoming an old man quick.
Oh. il my little girl again" and the prs.
eyes. life would be an agony. These walls have
nothing in them that is bright or lovely. try to
compose myself but cannot II l had to choose my
Way OF death should prefer suhocaton by gus. 1t
IL the only nerciful aud respectable means OF exc
the name OF Justice" The prisoner here began to
assert his innocencs in earnest voice. but. not
wishing to excite him. the reporter withdrew.
'EvERY MURDERER SHOULD lie HANGED.
The next cell visited was that OF Joseph Lo Font,
poole's accomplice On being asked II he was OPP
mo- sir; am in favor OF hanging every MUIR
derer. am here under sentence for life for u MUIR
der OF which am innocent. II man has clear
case Of murder proved against him believe he
ought to be hanged. It's all nonsense to talk
about mercy to man who kills another. An eye
for an eye and tooth for u TOOTH am in favor Of
Quartering the fends. They say death has no
terrors, but tell you it makes them trcmble ut
night in the cell. Let man prepare for mis- God
after he has been sentenced here is moro time
given him than he gave his victim. Tho effect OF
the ignorant classes from which murderers come"
The reporter next went down stairs to interview
two men condemned to death, Chastine Cox and
Petro Balbo AIurderers Row decorated with
Christmas wreaths. to remind the condemned men
o, sns season OF universal re5oic ti when
softened voice; poor Balbo is at his prayers. The
condemned man was on his knees In the darkened
CELL with his eyes turned upward and his lips NOV
ing silently. When tho reporter approached and
asked him il he believed murderers ought to be put
to death he chung 10 the bars like wild ANIMAL his
lie Cried "me want 20 live"
A pIrEous APPEAL
Balbo then held brass crucihx through the iron
bars and said in trenuous tones. II nobad. my wife
she makee me XIII. Me only twenty-four year old
cheeks. he covered against the cell door, his pale
face raised to the light: crying. "Me pray all the
Christ; He makee Me too young to die
Keepee me in Jail long time. makae good. Me
The scene terrible and tragic that even the
Warden. accustomed to the most touching spectaces
Dalbol man that shows much feeling must
have some good in him!"
'If me die" the prisoner went on. 'me wanta
water But me pray to Jesus Christ. He keepee me
all the time. You like to die. for you have some
friend. But me have no friend but
The prisoner raised his eyes, soft smile came
his face. and he seemed forget the presence
Of his visitor, who withdrew.
Chastine Cox was next interviewed. The con-
and he directed the reporter to place his against
the bars SO that he might hear clearly. f,
"Now, you sec," said he changing is foolish In
most cases. believe in hanging men over nifty
years OF age call them gray-headed sinners. But
young fellows like you and me are tender hearted
aud we would be likely to repent and reform. You
and not hardened old rascals We have feelings
and hopes. Hanging does not prevent crime. When
man kills another the thought that Is fartnest
from his mind is the penalty. He is either willing
to bear the penalty or has no fear Of detection.
don't want to die at oil But IL had to die, give
q rife ball through the head heart II Is sol
dier's death and the quickest one know OF.
COULDN'T SHOOT DEsERTER.
II was in the army and used to see them shoot
deserters Whenever was sent ont with firing
party for that purpose refused. In Italy they used
to bleed to death. That was good way, be-
q man became unconscious. But hanging and
drowning dogs Deaths and not 1T for human
beings I believe man should be put In prison for
life and given chance to prepare himself for his
end. What ia three months to man who has led .
wicked criminal lifeY Nobody become .
Christian to order. wonder how the judges Of the
courts would feel in q murderers place, counting
the days and hours which bring him to the gall
lows"
Cox then gave quite q scientific lecture on the
various modes of hanging which have been prac-
tised in Europe which subject he seemed partic-
ularly well informed, when the reporter left the
corridor. Warden Finn spoke very feclingly of the
murderers. but gave opinion the subject ofcap
tai punishment. Thomas Whalen and John Msdill.
two OF the Tonbs murderers refused to talk at ALL
Mndill said lie afraid Of exciting hssr snd in-
Turing his reason.