Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1882-10-20
THE GOVERNOR MAILS A
REPRIEVE WHICH DOES
NOT COME.
BUT HE ARRIVES HIMSELF
JUST IN TIME.

Preparations for the Execution-Th
Prisoners Dying Statement to
"Times" RepOrter-Hc Claims to Hay,
Killed Sherwood in Self.Defense-
Deceased Followed Him Up to Xii
Him-The GallOws.
The general topic of conversation,
on Wood River, yesterday and to-day
was the expected execution of Samue
Ridgway for the murder of John (''Cur.
ley'') Sherwood, near stage barn, on
the lava fields, at a place about a
quarter of a mile this side of the ferry
crossing on the Snake River, on the
kelton road, few months ago.
Samuel Ridgway was arrested for
the crime, and brought to Bellevue,
where he was lodged in Jail. A few
days thereafter he broke jail, and took
to the hills, but was recaptured and
brought to the county Jail at Haley.
His trial took place at the July term
of the District Court in this city, and
resulted in the conviction of Ridgwav
and sentence that he be hanged bv
the neck until dead, at Haley on the
22d day of September last A few
DAYS before the date set for his execu.
ton, the Governor repricved him I'M
til the goth Of this month-to dav.
Since the reprieve public opinion
has been much divided. both on
the merits of the case, and as to
whether or no his sentence would be
committed. Many who dcplored the
necessity of executing fellow being,
yet held that Ridgway had forfeited
his life by killing Sherwood; while
Others expressed the opinion that
some testimony that might have
cleared the accused had not been forth
coming at the trial because cf his lack
Of means. Others again opposed his
execution on the broad ground of OPP
position to the application of capital
punishment. As usual in such eases.
few cared to assume the responsibility
OF advocating the death of man,
however guilty they might have con
siGered him; while those who favored
his reprieve were more outspoken.
Up to yesterday second reprieve
or communication was undoubtedly
expected by the majority Of the resi-
dents of Wood River; but when the
Boise coach came in without the docu-
ment, it began to be believed that
Ridgway would hang. News came
that Governor Neil was about to leave
Boise for Wood River, but he was not
expected to reach here until Monday,
Late last evening news came from
Bellevue that the Governor was on
the way and would arrive this morn
ing. There was an immediate change
III public sentiment, and wagers Of 10
to | were freely offered in favor of
reprieve. People went to bed expect
ing to hear in the morning that the
Governor had brought reprieve or
Communication of sentence.
This morning, people were surpris-
ed to hear that no reprievc had been
received, although the Governor was
known to be in Bellevue. But he
was not to be found. About s O'Clock
horseback riders came up from Belle
vue looking for the Governor, while
at lie; $. a dozen had left HALEY for
that place on a similar Grand. John
H. Harris, Ridgway's counsel, was
among those who came here in search
of the Governor. After remaining
here about half an hour he fastened
back to Bellevue, satisfied that there
was the place to look for him.
THE REPRIEyE RECEIVED.
Shortly after 10 o'clock the Gov
ernor drove in from Bellevue i'm bug
gy, in company with John II. Harris
end Mr.. Haight, of the Boise Land
Office. Hating their team in front of
the Grand Central Hotel, the Govern
or called Sheriff Gray, who was across
the street, and asked him if he had
not received a second reprleve? The
Sheriff had seen nothing oft.
II mailed it with my own hand, in