New-York tribune., 1879-06-10
SENTENCED TO DEATH.
MRS. SMITH AND BENNETT TO BE HANGED.
TIE DAY OF EXECUTION FIXED FOR JULY 20
pITIABLE CONDITION OF IHE PRISONERS.

MRS. SMITH AND BENNETT TO BE HANGED.
TIE DAY OF EXECUTION FIXED FOR JULY 20
PITIABLE CONDITION OF THE PRISONERS.
Mrs. Jennie r. Smith and Covert ID. Ben
nett sentenced to death yesterday Judge Knapp
at the court I'm Jersey CITY, for the murder or
Richard H. Smith, the policeman. When tho court
opened every available portion of the was occu-
pied by excited spectators large number OF women
being present Ex-senator Winfield, exJudge Hoffman
and James Femmng who defended the prisoners, occt-
pied seats at the counseors table, near the witness
stand District-AttOrney McGil and Gilbert Collins,
counsel for Bennett, spent some time IN consultation
with Judges Knapp aud Garretson In chambers where
they prepared the record. Shortly before IL o'clock
the prisoners brought into the crowded court
Mrs Smith leaned heavily on the arm OF Deputy
Sheriff Peel She was dressed in deep mourning with
heavy veil that reached almost her feet. She held
white handkerchief her face and sobbcd aloud Een-
nett was in charge OF Constable Foley, lie very
pale and his lps when he came in twiched with emo
ton. His face much changed and his sunken eyes
and the blue lines about his mouth showed that he has
suffered severely since conviction. His forehead was
covered with large drops of sweat and his lips at times
closely pressed together. Mrs Smith and Bennett
were seated their counsel and the Rev. DR.. Rice
and exJudge Hoffman engaged in earnest converse
tion with Bennett.
At ten minutes of IL o'clock Judges Knapp,
Garretson, Fry and Brinkerboff entered the
room took their seats on tho bench. Their faces
were pale. After brief silence Sudge Knapp said:
"Covert D. Bennett and Jennie K. Smith please stand
up" The prisoners arose, also did their counsel and
faced the Judges.
'You have both been convicted by Jury OF the crime
OF murder in the first degree in causing the death Of
Richard Ii. Smith," said Judge Knapp I'm strained
voice. "Have you anything to why the judgment Of
death should not now be passed upon youp
Neither prisoner spoke. Bennett clasped his hands
tightly and seemed to brace himself for the sentence
n behalf Of Mrs. Smith," said Mr.. Winfield II would
say that she declines say anything at present by adj
vice of counsel" EX-Judge Hoffman made the same
statement in behalf OF Bennett.
1t remains then only TO pronounce the Judgment of
the law said Judge Knapp whose face was very pale
The of tho law is, and 1t is by this Court
here adjudged that you Covert d. Bennett, be taken
by the Sheriff Of this county from the bar of this Court
to the jail Of this county, there to remain In close
nemeu until Friday. July 90 which the year of our
Lord 1875 and that then, between the hours of 10
O'Clock in the morning and o'clock in the afternoon,
you be taken by the shern Of this county to the place
OF execution provided by Inn according to the laws Of
the state Of NewJersev and there you be hanged by
the neck until YOU are dead"
Bennett swayed backwards and forward. and gasped
several times His face flushed aud then turned white.
If his lawyers had not stood closely behind him he
would have fallen Judge Knapp then pronounced the
tion. They were then taken TO the jail Several
n n seSGd 6doT5 n e g hurst ann into on tears m
two moaned, "Uh, the poor boy, the poor bOyn
After Bennett placed IN his cell he threw himself
his bed with deep moan and burst into tears.
His sObs and could he heard all the building.
He visited by the Rev. DE- Rice. During the time
the clergyman IN his cell Bennett was conyuised
with weeping and he refused 20 als cXcept declare that
he was innocent. Mrs smith acted IN very peculiar
manner and as If mind completely daZcd.
she did not appear TO realize her position,
although she cried when she first entered her cell.
Some time ago Mrs Smith wanted TO be baptized but the
ceremony was omitted on account Of the objections OF
her counsel who said 1t would look If they try
ing to influence public sentiment
the Court Of Errors and Appeals, to which application
for trial will BE- made, viii convene at Trenton
Tuesday next week IL VIII least 500 pay
printing the testimony and briefs. OF this only
$500 has been raised Miss Emma Abbott, the singer,
has sent word Rev Dr. Rice that she Is wiling 10
give a concert In aid OF the fund Tor a trial.