Morning journal and courier., 1881-01-07
NEW JERSEY.

Jersey Justice-A Woman on the Gallows
 Two Lives Given for One-Remarkabl ble
 Double Execution.
 NEWARK, Jan. 6.-The execution of Frank Lammens and Mrs. Meierhoffer for the mur- der of the latter's husband took place this morning in the county jail. Lammens, who has been heretofore almost uncontrollably violent, became more subdued and rational this morning, showing no signs of excitement in his demeanor except when the watchers made reference to the murder. He received kindly the ministrations of Father Ziliox. whose overtures he had resented all along. To his counsel he renewed the declaration of his innocence. Mrs. Meierhoffer's conduct has been in marked contrast with his. Though protesting her innocence she has made no ef- fort to escape the gallows, and has been calm and religious during her entire Imprisonment. She passed some days in repairing the under clothing which she was to wear on the gal lows
 An arrangement had been made with the Executive at Trenton by which action could be taken to prevent the execution of either culprit should the other make an exculpa confession, but neither made any confession. Mrs. ,,Meierhoffer was pinioned at her cell door, the black cap was adjusted on her head and the procession took up the march to the gallows at exactly half past 10 o'clock. As they passed through the sheriff's office in full view of the reporters, through the iron-b barred door admitting to the corridor she was death ly pale, but walked firmly. Her suit of black made her face the winter by contrast Her lips moved as though she was muttering prayer. Sheriff Van Rensselaer, led the procession. Fol lowing him was Under Sheriff Davis. Next came the Rev. Father Walter, prior of the Benedictine order, in citizens dress. Fath- CT Girard, wearing his vestments, and the doomed woman came next. The rear was closed by two deputy sheriffs. She was led at once under the gal1ows The black cap was drawn down, the rope around her neck fastened to the hook above, and a minute later the drop fell. The body sprang into the air The neck had been broken by the fall of the weight. There was one convul- sive movement of the body and all was over. The body was allowed to swing for nearly half an hour, the priests meanwhile kneeling and praying. DTS. Dougherty and Korne- man felt her pulse occasionally, and reported it's beatings from time to time. At II o'clock the body was lowered and removed out of sight into an apartment north of the corri- dor and preparations were made for the ex- ecution of Lammens.
 It had been feared all along that Lammens would give way to his fear, and that it would be necessary to carry him to the gallows. But this morning. the change in his conduct gave rise to hope of more resolute behavior. He received the announcement that his time had come with composure. He asked whether Mrs. Meierhoffer had yet been hanged, but the sheriff and the deputies returned evasive answers. Shortly before half-past Il o'clock the black cap was placed on the crown of his head, the moose was adjusted about his neck, and sa procession marched to the gallows. Sheriff Van Rensselaer, and Colonel Davis, the under sheriff, were first; next came the Rev. Father Walter. Father Zilliox supported Lammens, who walked firmly and bravely forward. Lammens took his position be- heath the transverse beam, the rope was fixed to the ring, and minute later bis body leaped into the air. There was but slight movement perceptible afterward. The chest heaved heavily few times, and then all per ceptible signs of life were gone. The body hung for twenty minutes and was then cut down,