Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-07-18

been hanged. He died as he had lived
brazen, bold and without feeling. Never
has he exhibited the slightest sign that
would lead to the belief that he possessed a
human heart During his three trials he
laughed and ioled, and never for moment
seemed to realize that his was tho most seri-
Gus offense known to man. When he was
convicted and stood up to receive the just
sentence of the law he was stolid and totally
unmoved
What wonder that there was no sympathy
for such MANI What wonder that there is
sigh OF relief, now that he is hanged, and
that it is known that at least one of the Kirk
murderers, the infamous partner of the more
infamous Berner, whose escape from justice
brought on the riot and its attendant evils,
has been justly punisheds
Palmer yesterday ate, drank and was
merry. He slept we'll Nc dreams troubled
his peaceful mind. Palmer awoke of his
own volition at $50 O'Clock. He remained
in bed, however, until nearly O O'Clock,
when the arrival of his spiritual director,
Father Brady, caused him to get up and
dress himself. Lighting the candles on the
little white alter in the cell, the reverend
father and the condemned man knelt down
and passed half an hour in prayer, Palmer
joining in very heartily.
Att o'clock Jailer Williams sent up his
last breakfast 1t was most substantial
meal and Palmer enjoyed it. After finish
ing his repast Palmer lit cigar, and thrust
ing his hands in his pantaloons pocket, paced
leisurely up and down in his cell, putting
his cigar as calmly as if he was free man.
At o'clock Sheriff Beresford and Chief
Deputy Frank Kelly entered his cell with
the death warrant Palmer halted in the
middle of his cell while the Sheriff read it.
After its conclusion he merely bowed his
head ana resumed his walk.
After the sheriff and his deputy had de-
parted a number of Palmer's fellow inmates
came in to bid him good-by. He received
them all with the same easy, good-natured
way that has characterized him since his in
generation in the jail
Each in his turn was created with smile
and kind word. Especially kind was his
reception of Antonio Bacciocco, who has
been his friend i'm confinement At 1920
Jailer Billy Williams brought up the clerk
from Mableys with the suit of clothes in
which he was to be executed.
''Try these on, Joe, and see how they fit,n
said Mr. Williams.
'All right answered Palmer, as he at
once prepared to undress
Hadn't better change my underclothes,
toor asked Palmer
"Certaisly, you had, replied the jailer,
and Palmer made the change
The clothes fitted perfectly, and Palmer
expressed his approval of their quality.
The procession to the gallows from the cell
was as follows:
Sheriff Beresford and Deputy Frank
Kelly, Jailer Williams and Deputy Tom
Taylor, Criminal Bailiff Joe Moses and Exc
cution Deputy Taylor, with the prisoner,
accompanied by Father Brady, thirty dep
uty sheriffs and bailiffs, two by two.
Hamilton county has had its last hanging.
The death of Palmer on the black scaffold
leaves it relic of an old law which has
been in force for many generations.
The future executions will be held in the
penitentiary at Columbus, and it is con-
sidered relief to Cincinnati, and more TO
smaller towns in the state where morbid
curiosity brings in crowds Of every fiber and
inclination.
Probably thinking this their last chance,
the crowding of people about the doorways
of the famous jail, indicated in respectful
manner the interest in fellow-beings sud
den and strained departure from this world
of woe and ropes.
He walked the floor of his room, his hands
behind him, his thoughts being such that he
did not talk.
His surly, disagreeable manner was never
more manifest He did not soften in de-
meanor or acquit himself with good grace
There was no sympathy in the crowd which
waited for his march to death. There was
callous joking in the yard and in the cor
ridors, and many an expression was made
that "Berner ought to be with him"
After the reading OF the death warrant
Mr.. Kelly took charge Of matters down
stairs Sheriff Beresford was also on hand
70 see that his deputies took charge Of every
thing properly.
His own duty was the most unpleasant.
~ have an unpleasant duty to perform,
Palmer" said Mr.. Kelly, as he went into the
cell, accompanied by Sheriff Beresford, Joe
Moses and Deputy Geo. w. Long.
Father Brady was also there to administer
the last consolation. Palmer got up with
that peculiar looSin his eyes for which he
has always been noted.