The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-07-06
EXECUTION OF GUITEAU.

little rest to the assassin, and he slept but
little. Between 2 and A. M, he dozed at
brief intervals, but he was in condition of
nervous excitement that prevented him from
sleeping. Attired in his undershirt and
drawers he paced back and forth within the
bounds of his sell like tiger in his cage
He frequently tossed his hands forward with
an expression of vehement rage, and snarled
as cat whines while playing with rat
His eyes giowed with excitement and they
were set far back in his head with heavy
black lines surrounding. The skin was
drawn over the. cheek bone like stretched
parchment and his fingers worked convuls-
lively as he placed them upon the bars and
faced his visitors. Before a word was said
to him he burst forth into a volley of exple-
tives, cursing President Arthur, Justice
Bradley, District Attorney Corkhill, War
den Croker and other officials who have
been identified with his prosecution and i'm
prisonment. He called upon Almighty God
to curse and kill them, and became so vio-
lent in his expressions OF rage that they had
to leave the corridor. About six o'clock
Guiteau sat down to breakfast He started
in with an apparently good appetite. but
it was evident he was feigning an unconcern
that he did not feel, and he did not feel,
and his stomach refused to sustain him in
the attempt to deceive, for after hurriedly
swallowing few mouthfuls he dropped his
knife and fork and stopped in his meal.
About II 80 preparations began to be made
for the execution. At ll:50 detachment
of artillery was formed on the east side of
the rotunda aud brought muskets to parade
rest. At that time about $50 people were
in the rotunda DIR. Hicks was with the
prisoner engaged in prayer.
Shortly before II o'clock Guiteau seemed
to break down completely and burst into
tears, and sobbed HISTORICALLY. DR.. Hicks
sat by his side tanning him and vainly try
ing to calm him.
Guiteau showed great nervousness and ap-
peared greatly startled when he heard the
the rattle of muskets on the stone floor of
the rotunda, aud from that moment Guiteau
appeared thoroughly overcome with emotion
wept freely and seemed to be in great an
guish.
The scene in the rotunda, while waiting
for the prisoner, was long to be remembered.
Soldiers were drawn on one side, and a long
line of spectators facing them on the other.
1t was understood that Guiteau was very
much depressed, and it was expected that
his passage to the gallows would present a
very distressing sight. The movement of
the officers about the jail was watched with
eager attention. After the death warrant
was read BY the warden the prisoner became
more composed, and turning away began to
brush his hair. At 1921 loud steam WINS
tie was blown at the workhouse, which is
near the Jail. This whistle usually blows at
IL o'clock, and by it Guiteau was in the
habit of guaging time. The delay to-day
was by special arrangement, so thatits start
ling summons might not come before the Of
fcers were ready Two minutes later the
iron gate at the end OF the corridor clicked,
and then Warden Crocker made his appear
ance and moment later the familiar face of
Guiteau was seen. The face was pallid aud
muscles about the mouth moved nervously;
other than this there was no sign of falter-
ing. The procession moved quickly to the
scaffold and Guiteau assembled the some
what steep steps with as much steadiness as
could be expected of a man whose arms were
tightly pinioned. At the last step he fall
tered for a moment and was assisted by Of
ticers who walked on either side. Upon
resching the platform he was placed immedi-
ately behind the drop facing the front of the
scatfold. Capt. coleman stood upon his right,
Strong upon his left and Woodland directly
behind him. Jones took position on the
north side, near the upright of the beam,
and Warden Croker took his position at
the southeast corner of the structure There
was slight delay while spectators were
pushing and jostling through the door lead
ing from the rotunda to the corridor at the
lower end of which the gallows was placed,
and Guiteau meanwhile gazed upon the
crowd, looked upon the beam over his head
and quickly made a survey of all the dread
paraphernalia. As soon as the crowd gained
access Gen. Croker waved them to uncover
and all heads were barred. DIR. Hicks then
prayed.
During the prayer Guiteau stood with
bowed head. At conclusion DIR. Hicks opened
the bible and Guitean in firm tones said:
II will read a selection from the 10th chap
ter OF Matthew. from the 2Sth to the 4lst
verses, inclusive" He then read in clear,
strong voice and with good intonation, show
ing little il any nervousness. DR.. Hicks
then produced the manuscript which was
prepared by the prisoner this morning and
held it before him while Guiteau read. While
DR.. Hicks was arranging the manuscript
Gui;eau exhibited slight nervousness and
moved several times from one foot to the
other. He soon recovered his composure
and looked over the sea of upturned faces.
II am now going to read to you my last
dying prayer" He then read in loud tone
and with distinct and deliberate emphasis a
lot of balderdash which he was profane
enough to designate Is prayer. which of
course ended up in the usual murderer's
style. that he expected to meet everybody
in heaven
When he had finished reading his prayer
be again surveyed the crowd and said in .
firm voice: II am now going to read some
verses which are intended to indicate my
feelings at the moment Of leaving this world.