Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1881-05-12
TOrturIng by Electricity.


Pilrk Benjamin. said recently the idea OF
torturIng criminals by electricity is not
original with the Russians. Il is q British
Invention, and was first suggested about
five years ago by an English mechanical
| journal, In commenting upon the execution
of criminals by electric shocks instead of
by hanging. The English writer wanted
10 do away with the cat o. nine tails, which
is administered in England to garroters and
other criminals of certain classes, and use
the electric battery, as he somewhat grim
ly expressed 1t, so as to produce absolutely
indescribable torture (unaccompanied by
wounds or even bruises) thrilling through
every fibre of such miscreants. There was
an American inventor who had a design
for lnflctng this species OF punishment.
He fitted brackets of iron on the arms and
thighs Of the criminal, and placed in them
wet spongers. When connected with a
current OF electricity the shock would by
this system pass thr lugh the legs and
shoulders and avoid the vital parts of the
body.
The torture inflicted by electricity is OF
two kinds-by contraction OF the muscles
at rapidly recurring intervals and by burn
ing with sparks. The tortures OF old days,
when not done by fire or compression, were
the strainlng and tearing asunder of the
muscles. Of this kind were the rack,
scavenger's daughter, and the cages OF
Louis XIV, in which q man could not
stand up or lie down. The electric shock
exactly reverses these conditions. 1t pro-
duces an enormously rapid contraction in
the body Of the muscles at very short inter-
walls. The degree OF pam produced is shout
the same. The force OF the electricity has
to be nicely graded, as a too powerful shock
would numb or kill man.
"The other method is by condensing a
number Of intermittent sparks on the flesh.
This burns the skin, and at the same time
produces contractlons of the muscles. If
put TO the side of the jaw it would make
every tooth ache"
A distinguished surgeon of whom dues-
tions were asked concerning the machine.
said: The best way to explain it is to give
you actual experience; then you will know
exactly how 1t feels Here is Faradic in.
duction coil pull out this tube a little
way. Now let me place tins electrode to
your hand. There"
Oh! +" exclaimed the inquirer, as a ting
ling. thrilling sensation ran through every
finger, and his hand closed in an involun-
tary grasp.
docs it hurt?" asked the doctor.
ga little"
"WelL Wen try sgain. Now, you see.
pull this tube further out 1 again touch
it 10 your hand and
"Whoopl" shouted the victim; 'stake II
awsy!" The feeling was as if the hand
was crushed in wise. Every nerve ached
and trembled with pain.
THAT hurt, did It9 Why, that's moth
ing. Here's something of very different
sort.
lie fastened TO one wire q small wet
sponge, and 70 the other wire something
like pant brush, with the brush nari
made of fine wire. He put the sponge in
the visitors hand, and then touched the
back of the hand with the wire brush.
The pain was unbearable. The surface of
the skin was scorched and the muscles of
the hand were contracted In a violent man
ner.
THAT is called the electric scourge,"
SAID the doctor. ''n it were dark you
could see sparks fly from each wire.
Imagine the effect if the electricity we've
lO times more powerful"
Gould any man bear that torturefs
II think not; any man would confess
under it, but it is question what conf
dence could be placeo In such confession.
A man would confess anything to escap5
the agony"
what could you compare the pain D."
1T would be the same as burning alive.
'Would 1t injure the man?"
"No--not unless the pain drove him in
sane. If the battery was too powerful it
would kill at once. Applied to some parts
OF the body the scourge hurts more than on
other parts"