Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1880-04-09


in the guard room of the prison. and at 1870
the iron doors were opened and those present
were admitted to the hall of execution. The
members of the press took positions in the
gallery, and the remaining witnesses then
prepared to see the last act in the terrible
tragedy.
TEE FINAL SCENES.
At 1:5O the procession emerged from the
hospital door, al the end Of the corridor, in
the following order; Sheriff Simpson, De-
putty Sheriff Amsden, Chaplain Mick, with
Superintendent Rice, Deputies Afford and
Lowell supporting Tatro. The prisoner walk
cd with firm tread, mounted the scaffold
unassistcd. and prayer was offered by the
chaplain. after which Rev. Mr.. Mick
shook hands with the prisoner and
stepped down. The sheriff then read
tho death warrant to Tatro sitting
with fingers locked. The words hang
cd by the neck" etc, made him shud-
der and pass his hand over his face During
the rest of the reading Tatro gazcd round the
corridor, and, discovering Butler, looked
steadily at him. After the sheriff had fin
ished he asked Tatro if he wished to speak.
The prisoner advanced to the rail and said
in substance:
TATEO'S LAST woRDs-HE ACCUSES ME-. BrT-
LER OF INsrIGATING THE GENIE.
Il done the Decd following with words
to the effect that Butler furnished money to
get him drunk for the purpose. Then step
ping to the corner of the scaffold, he pointed
at Butler and said, 81 face you Mr. Butler"
Further on and again, before closing, he
said, Il own the deed, but did it at his in
sigation" In closing he sad; Good bye
Mr.. Butler, I've prayed for you" Then at
1:57 Ta,ro Offered short prayer, in a clear
voice, closing with, ''Oh God, forgive me
for Jesus sake" After his hands were pin
Toned he held them up 10 Butler, saying
''See that, Mr.. Butler" and smiled. Al
1:59 he stepped on the trap his legs were
quickly pinioned, the black cap drawn, and
after the final words by the sheriff about
executing him, the drop fell at three minutes
past two Tatro being of light build, the
fall of elk feet failed to break his neck and
he chokcd to death with terrible struggles.
Talro's pulse at the moment of the fall
was 6S, and decreased steadily til death took
place. in fifteen and half minutes. After
placed in coffin and the funeral took place
at four O'Clock in the corridor. where the
execution occurred, Chaplain Mick otic-
ating, and the relatives attending. The remains
will he buried in the cemetery here. Some
scveniy-five persons witnessed the execution,
and all, including the prison officials, were
astonished at Tatro's collected manner; and
his calm and solemn arraignment of Butler
in his speech on the gallOws is subject of
much comment by all present.
TATRJ'5 WRITTEN CONFESSION, GIVEN TO sUrEn
INTENDENr RICE on THE MORNING OF IFS
EXECUTION.
At the time of the tragedy had been at
work for Mr. Butler about two and half
years. On the second day OF June, 1876, |
had worked all day ploughing for Edward
Haskin's, arriving home at 6p. m. Lad
pint Of liquor with me and drank of it
quite freely during the day. Mr.. Butler was
at home when got there and left soon after,
saying he was going to IIighgate Centre.
Before going took one or two drinks Of
Ii qucr with him. Shortly after was taken
sick from the effects of the liquor and
Law down on the lounge. Mrs Butler gave
me some saieratus and water which drank
and was relieved considerably, after which
Mrs Butler and drank some liquor which
we found in the buttery. Mr.. Butler always
kept liquor in the house. We then went into
the bed room off from the dining room for Il
few moments and then went up stairs to my
room | was SO much under the influence of
liquor II, that time that | could hardly
go up the stairs. Very soon she came up
into my chamber and sat down on
the side of the bed. | was partially
undressed at the time. sat down by her side
for few moments and then went into the
chamber that adjoined mine. have no dis
tinct recollection of what happened while We
were in that room, but think tried TO have
connection with her. but she resisted. | re-
collect of having squabble with her and Of
our falling down stars. | have no recollec-
ton of anything that happened afterwards,
till found myself under arrest at the Town
House, next morning. | have no doubt that
| murdered Mrs. Butler, but | have no re-
collection of striking her u blow and don't
know what instrument | used. | never
attempted to have connection with
Mrs. Butler before that night. and
and never believed could. believe she was
virluous woman. Rum was the cause of the
deed and it must be the cause Of my not re-
collecting the deed. In the morning when
| found was under arrest | did not know
what it was for. Mr.. Charles Miner and
Mr.. o. L. Sheridan told me it was for kill
ing Mrs Butler | would not believe it until
Mr. Butler told me it was true