Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-07-11

LEAVE-TAKINGS, BIC.
All arrangements were completed at the Jail last
evening for the hanging OF Edward Brce, the COL
ored man convicted OF tue murder of Peter Wash
lngton. at the Baltimore and Potomac depot, on
the 18th OF February last. Brice was to have been
hanged at nine O'Clock this morning. Yesterday
afternoon Brice's wife paid him visit at the jail
and took leave OF him. He told her that he had
no hope. and asked her 70 meet him in heaven.
About O'Clock Rev Mr.. Roberts, OF St Pauls
chapel; Rev. Mr.. Beckett, OF the Bladensburg
church,: Mrs. Roberts, and two other sisters from
81. Pauls. arrived at the JAIL and after visiting
Bfice In his cell held prayer and praise meeting
IL the rotunda Brlce cane out OF his cell into the
fotundsi together with Frank Minor. Who Is await
ing second trial for wife murder Brice led once
In prayer IN a low and tremulous voice, asking God
waIds he led the singing Brice shook hands with
hi, friends, some OF whom shed tears. He said he
was not afraid to die as to go upon the scaf1old
was only step from this world TO the next glo-
rlouS world. He addressed Minor as brother
Minor" and, bidding him farewell, said that he
Only went Il step before him, and they would soon
tc together again. The meeting closed about ~
O'Clock Minor accompanied Brice TO the CELL and
at the latters request was allowed to spend the
night with him Meanwhile events outside The iaiI
were shaping themselves so as to make unneces-
Cution.
AN APPEAL TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Yesterday afternoon Messrs. r. F. Miller c. Mau-
rice Smith, d. f. Cahil, c. A. Walter H. c. Clagett
.'ohn A. Clarke, {. S. Moore, Campbell Darlington
and J. O. Davis. members of the bar, had an inter-
view with the Attorney General, and asked COM
mutation or Br1ce'S sentence. Mr.. Brewster lis
tened attenfiveiy to their short arguments 1t
having been stated that Judge Wylie did not deem
Tie case one LII which the extreme penalty OF the
law should be imposed. MIR. Brewster Told the dele
SatlOn TO prepare memorial and place with 1t
ietler from Judge Wylie TO that effect, In which
case action would he taken ut once The letter
al once pIOcu ed. and the memorial, prepared and
s!gned, was placed IN Nj. Brewster's hands about
O'clock
THE PRESIDENT COMPUTES TUE srSruScr
The President returned from trip down the
river about la45 O'Clock last evening. and Attorney
General Brewster at o'clock presented the papers
In The case OF Brice TO him. At l4 O'Clock Presi-
dent Arthur directed that the sentence be CON-
mUted 10 Imprisonment for life. Two reporters on
learning this at once informed Warden Crocker at
hs RESIDENCE They then drove to the jail, arriv-
Ing there about 315 O'Clock with the news Brice
hau, after retiring 20 his cell sat p in his chair
with MS head Ola his hand Some time About II
O'CLOCK he undreSsed. and after Offering PRAYER Law
down and was soon sleeping.
BRICE INFORMED OF THE CHANGE
About 81 O'Clock the two reporters were ad-
mitted and, accompanied by guard, went to
Brice's cell Brlce was awakened and the fact of
the communication was announced
Brice asked. "IS that sO:''
''What do YOU say To t:r asked ono nj his vfSitors
B11ce replied. In the first place don't believe IT,
ana dol''t Think anything about L." and turned
over again To gcrJ more sleep He however soon
realized the f.CJ. About Tour o'clock Gen Croker
the wlIde arrived at the jail and Brice was cal ed
oCt. N!lt tti. rocker read the official nOtifica-
ton 10 him Grice made no reply, but walking
round the tab.c took Gen. c. S hand and said God
b!ess sou. General. ain just commencing to rea-
llLe H.. ana his eyes filled with tears OF gratitude
Then taking his chair he spoke OF his narrow
escape. saying that he had been right on the edge
but was ready TO drop off.
HIS LIVELY MORNING SALVATION
he returned to his cell about 40 O'clock and
when the guards We're making their rounds at six
O'Clock he Was awakened by the unlocking of a cell
door, lie hoped out OF his bed sprightly and
sfiZng the guards hand said, 81 must shake hands
with you. Indeed / must"
Ihis morning ne was told by STAR reporter the
names oi the gentlemen Instrumental In securing
the cndnGe OF sentence, and he said II have MOTH
Ing but thanks to give in return and INV PRAYERS
gu may tel them that such good deeds will he re-
Warded in Heaven"
A THANKSGIVING SERVICE.
The ministers, RevS. MeSSrS. Roberts Beckett
and Gibbons. had arranged to be with Brice this
morning. MeSSrS. Roberts and Beckett arrived at
io,ciock, and Brice received them with JOY They
entered his cell, and Minor being called they en-
gagged N i service OF prayer and thanksgiving
Dut:hg the morning Brice asked to look at the
ScaiIOlu