The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-09-20
4 Doomed Mans Frenzy.

OoVohoo VA OvOAJ SAAS' ~'As~ "s'NA>~~~ $500
4 Doomed Mans Frenzy.
A Philadelphia telegram of the 9Th
says: There was very remarkable
scene in . condemned murderer's cell in
Moyamensing prison this afternoon.
More than a year ago John McGinnis
WAS convicted and sentenced to suffer
death for the deliberate murder of Mrs.
Reed, his wife's mother. Every legal
effort to save his life has been made by
his counsel and failed. His death war.
rant, signed bytbe governor, reached the
sheriff this morning. This afternoon,
accompanied by two deputies, the sheriff
went to the prison t. read the death war
rant to the doomed man, as provided by
law. McGinnis had been told to prepare
himself for bad news. The superintend-
ent and one of the prison physicians ac-
oompanled the sheriff and deputies to
the murderer's cell. As the turnkey I'M
bclted the lock and threw open the door,
McGlnnis rose from the bench on which
he was half veclining, half sitting. He
was very pale aud nervous. When he
saw who his visitors were his emotion
overcame him and he fell upon his
knees. Raising his hands, he repeated
earnest and fervent prayers in loud
voice. This lasted few minutes, and
then he was somewhat cslmer, but still
very pale, and a nervous twitching was
noticeable ut the corners of hi' month.
"McGinnis," said the sheriff, with con-
siderable feeling, II am truly sorry that
i am the bearer of bad news for you
The sheriff paused. McGinnis' face
had turned to the color of ashes; his jaw
fell, he staggered. and had to place his
hand against the wall to steady himself.
In moment, however. he recovered
control of himself, and in low voice
said: Go on, sir; l can bear the
worst"
The sheriff proceeded with his
melancholy task. II suppose you
understand what has caused this painful
visit. The governor last week signed
the warrant for your execution, and it
was received by me to day"
my God" the doomed man MUIR
INJURED hoarsely. aud then he said more
distinctly, go on, sir; l understand
yon."
1T is now my painful duty" pro.
ceeded Sheriff Keim, "to read the war
rant to you" The sheriff went through
with the task As soon as he had read
the Introductory phrases, McGinnis
dropped on the bench and buried his
head in his hands. For few seconds
ne shuddereI violently, but after that he
remained quite motionless.
When the sheriff had finished he lifted
his head from his hands and got upon
his feet. For a second he gazed steadily
at the little group, and then he dropped
on his knees again and began to shout
and yell. my God! my God" he cried,
lam / to die in this way? call upon
you to protect me. AZ Christ was crucifed
by Pontius PLATE, so am to be cruel
fed by these men. 1t is
shame. an outrage" and he arose,
fiinging his arms wildly in the
air for a moment. Then he beat the
walls of his cell and shouted like q man
bereft of his senses. Superintendent
Perkins took him by the arm and whis.
pered few words Of consolation in his
ear, but the man would not be CON-
forted. He was wild and threw the
superintendent from him. Mr.. Perkins
then took hold of him in manner which
plainly indicated that he was tired of the
scene, and McGinnis Gained down suffi
Cl6utly W llStcl W Wudt ouotiA IAic0A hoo
to say. The sheriff said if there was any
thing he desired. not forbidden by the
rules of the prison, it should be fur
nished to him, and every effort made to
make his position as comfortable as pos
sible. At first he said there was nothing.
Then he thought moment and said:
Eyes. there is something would like. 1
would like to have a smoke and some
tobacco" This was promised him. and
preparations made to retire, when he
broke forth again, calling upon God to
protect an innocent man. When he had
Gained down again he said: "Oh, yes, l
would like to be hanged upon my
knees" The sheriff shook hands with
him and bade him good.by, and tbs
heavy door WAS closed upon McGinnis.
(,r1mN In fhA RlOnh