The Portland daily press., 1882-06-30
THE COFFIN
Will be Stained with the Name of the
Assassin.


Guiteau's coffin was being made last night at
little undertaker's shop in the suburbs, where
the work for;the Jail and the poorhouse is done.
There had been no public announcement OF
the place where the coffin was to be made, and
the Jail officials had endeavored to keep the
matter secret. but the fact became known to
few colored men, and during all the evening
and early this morning scores of negroes sur
rounded the shop. begging to be permitted to
place their hands upon it. The coffin is q rude
pine box, such as is the custom OF the govern
ment to supply to convicts. 1t has been,
throughout, Warden Crocker's purpose to treat
the case of Guiteau as that of any other crimi-
nal, and no exception has been made In the
matter of the coffin. There will be no decora-
ton of any sort upon the rude box. 1t will be
stained dark in imitation of black walnut, and
upon the lid there will be placed metal plate
upon which there will'be this inscription:
"Charles j. Guiteau, died June 80, 1882"
Guiteau is much annoyed by Shaw, the col
in the same corridor. Shaw constantly shouts
to Guiteau as he passes his cell, "How are you,
old inspiration? / guess Crocker will take 1t
out of you pretty" Guiteau is very much irri-
tated at these remarks, but never answers.
In changing the trap OF the scaffold there
" ere a number of small blocks sawed off which
were eagerly sought as souvenirs. Some OF the
workmen, who enjoy joke, got quantity OF
similar ones from the workshop, and scattered
them around the scaffold. Visitors, thinking
they were genuine, picked them up and bore
them away in triumph.
Rev. Mr.. Hicks, Guiteau's spiritual adviser,
is also politician OF note. he was the chair
man of the Florida delegation in the Chicago
convention, and took a conspicuous part in its
proceedings He wos Grant man through
thick and thin, and is the wearer of one of the
Grant medals. Ho is the member of the Ma
tional Republican Committee from Florida. He
came here about year ago and organized a
congregation. His spiritual residence is now
in Washington, but his political residence is
still in Florida.
Guiteau has again said that if his sister
comes to the execution ne desires to keep
quiet, as he does not wish any scene. Although
Warden Crocker and Mr.. John W. Guiteau
decline to make any positive statement regard
ing the disposition of the body, it may be stat
cd as fact that Guiteau will give 1t to his
brother to do with as he pleases. This is his
present attention, at least, and his brother 80
understands it, When questioned as to the
place of burial, however, the latter refused to
talk, saying: 81 can't tell you where we will
bury him, for body snatchers would be after
him in less than no time. We don't want
anybody to know" He also stated that the
Guiteeu and Scovillesfamilies have no estab-
lished and distinct family burial ground.
At the District Jail there will be force OF
soldiers present during the execution.
1t is stated authoritatively that the President
will not see any person in reference to Gui-
teaus case and that it is useless for any one to
send anonymous letters, appeals or petitions to
him ON the subject. There were number OF
"queer people" at the White House to-day, to
see the President in Guiteau's behalf. None
of them were accorded interviews