The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-10-30
THE KGRNER MURDER CASE.
Petitions for Communication of the Sen
tence Pouring in Upon the Governor.
Little Probability of Executive Interference
How the Condemned Feels and Acts
About the Matter.

A motion for rehearing of the appeal for a
new trial in the Kprncr murder case was argued
in the Supreme Court yesterday morning, by
Judge Claypool, the counsel of the condemned
man, and was taken under advsement. The
court will probably rule upon the matter this
afternoon. 1t is the last move that can be made
in the legal proceedings, if there should be an ad
verse ruling, and the mans only hope for life
will then be through the appeal to the mercy of
the Governor
Since the decision of the Supreme Court
affirming the sentence of death General Herman
Sturm, Daniel Moninger and several other we'll
known citizens who believe that the penalty is
unwarrantedly severe, have circulated petitions
begging the Governor to commute the sentence,
for the reason that 1.-THE evidence against him
was entirely circumstantial and there is room
for grave doubt about his guilt and it seems
very clear the murder not premeditated"
Two of these petitions, bearing the signatures
of 157 reputable and well known citizens, were
fled in the Office of the Governor yesterday.
The petitions unusually strong, and they
bear the names Of several persons of more than
local prominence. The Governor is absent from
the city, but be has been notified by Mr.. Frank
H. Blackledge, his private secretary, that
the petitions have been filed, and last evening
Daniel Moninger went to New Albany to urge
him to grant the condemned man a respite
KGRNER's CONDUCT
Koarner was somewhat gutter and less demon
strative yesterday, and talked composedly with
his minister his brother and some relatives who
called He is not yet reconciled to his fate,
however, and confidently expects executive
clemency in his behalf He arose at the usual
hour yesterday morning and ate a very hearty
breakfast, although he had previously said that
he could eat nothing. He asked for the German
papers the cannot read English) and eagerly
read the accounts of his case that they contained
During the day he saw his minister twice, his
brothers and two or three friends. He insists
that he does not want his sentence committed to
imprisonment for life saying, II was not made
for that; and constantly repeats that this couD-
try has no right to treat an innocent man as he
is being treated. Last night he ate supper al
o'clock, and went to bed early. He remains
IN his cell all the time, and is attended
and watched by j. H. Beeber,
United States Court prisoner whose term has
about expired KGrner is not disposed to be
communicative and talks but little and then
only ordinary matters His two little chill
dren will be brought to see him this morning.
WHAT HIS MINISTER SAYS.
Rev. Peter Seuel. pastor of the German Lu-
buCIdn IIiulNy OuulCL WIZ ilda NSCAL III ALGqutllb
consultation with the prisoner for several days,
was seen by Journal reporter yesterday. He
SAYS that he has been earnestly striving to i'm
press upon Kerner the necessity of thorough
repentance and a belief in the teachings of the
Bible, and he is sure that he has finally sue
ceeded in doing this When first approached on
the subject the man did not seem to understand
that he had been sinner, and that there
necessity for reDeutauce. Since then how
ever ne has been brought to realization of the
error of his ways The consultations regarding
his spiritual welfare have as yet been only gen
eral i'll tia cir character, ana the minister has
reserved for to-day the unpleasant
duty of strongly urging upon the
man the necessity for full and free confess
sion of his guilt, if he is guilty, Incidentally,
however, i'll these conversations kprner has re
iterated, timo and again, that he is innocent;
that he did not kill his wife, and that he does
not know who did. Mr.. Seuel believes that the
man will not weaken and break down. is
ticipated by many when the final test comes,
but that he will meet his fate calmly and com
posedly
Mr. Seue will attend him on the seaf1old, and
perform the last services. He says that the
published report that Knrner did not want
Catholic minister to attend him, because he
would then be almost forced to a confession, is
mistake. Formerly Kerner had some connec-
ton with the Catholic Church, but at the time
of his marriage he had difference with priest,
and the ceremony was performed by a Lutheran
minister. His wife was a member of the
last-named church, and his children
were baptized in that faith. When
he was asked what minister he wanted, he ex-
pressed desire that Mr. Seuel should be called
in, which was done.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE EXECUTION
In the meantime preparations for the eXeeu-
ton are going briskly on. The scafold is com
pleted and yesterday afternoon ''Uhe drop" and
the various mechanical appliances connected
with it, tested, and worked satisfactorily.
To-day the ropes will be tested. The sheriff
yesterday issued cards of admission to the hang
ing, They are printed heavy card board,
about four by two inches in dimensions. with a
black mourning line around the edge and bear
ing the words;
Execution Of Andrew Korner indianapolis Ind
Oct. 81, 1884, at l o'clock A. NJ. Admit -. Not
transferable j. w. Hess, Sheriff
Mr. Hess has received about /, 800 requests for
tickets, but only 125 will be issued, as the Jail
yard cannot accommodate more people than this.
A high board fence has been put on top of the
Jail wall, but above this an almost unobstructed
view of the scaffold can be obtained from the
upper floors of the east end of the court house.
To remedy this, muslin screen will also be put
up. Mr.. Hess yesterday telegraphed for Sheriff
Mussey, of Parke county, who has had expert
ence in hanging men, to come over and assist
him, ard he will be here o-day
Sent Over the Road. ,
Harry Devene smooth young man who was