Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-10-30
BRITISH COLUMBIA.
Execution of Sproule, an American, at
Victoria,

VICTORIA, October 29th.-Robert Evan
Sproule was executed this morning at $40
O'Clock, at the Provincial jail, in the pres
ence of about twenty persons. The crime
for which Sproule suffered the penalty OF
death was the murder of Thomas Hammill
on the Sd of June, 1885, on the borders of
Kootenai lake. Strenuous efforts have
been made to delay the execution, and
numerous reprieves granted, several being
at the request of the United States Gov
ernment. To the last day Sproule was
hopeful, and expected that the sentence
| would be commuted. Yesterday, however.
he appeared to give up hope and prepare
himself to die. During the night he slept
well, and this morning partook OF sub
stantial breakfast. His demeanor was that
of man who had made his peace with
God, and was reconciled to the fate that
awaited him. His advisers, Revs. Fraser
and Percival, endeayored to draw from
him confession, but he persistently said
HE HAD NOTHING TO CONFESS.
The gallows was erected in the jail yard,
and was provided with two traps resting on
beam, which was thrown out of place by
lever. As the clock struck jailer Hutch
inson appeared at the cell door and said to
the condemned man, The time has ar
w
fulfilled" Sproule arose in rather a Ierv-
GUS manner, and bidding good-by to his
spiritual advisers, passed out into the cor
ridor with firm step. He walked ahead
of the jailer, and seemed determined to die
bravely. On entering the yard he glanced
searchingly at each face present, in the
hope of finding friend, but aside from the
sympathy expressed there was no sign of
recognition, and the unfortunate man
walked resolutely up the steps to the scaf-
fold and took his place upon the trap.
Again he looked intently on the few per-
sons present, and then gazing upward at
the sky he seemed TO realize that its beauty
was to be taken from him forever. He was
followed up to the trap by Rev. Mr. Fraser,
the jailer and the executioner, the latter
wearing the customary black mask. There
was
AN AwE-INsPIRIYG SILENCE
For moment, when Sproule said, -" Can l
the affirmative, he continued Mr. Sheriff,
you have not read the death warrant yet" !"
1t is not necessary" was the reply. Can
| speak a few minutes further?' he asked.
Yes, if you wish ii" replied the Sheriff
Sproule hesitated for moment, and then
speaking in low, deliberate manner, said
My friends, this is very solemn situa-
tion-to pass ont of the world in such a
condition. trust this will be an example
and warning to all who commit sin. The
| charge that has been preferred against me
was wrong. | was not guilty of the crime
of which l was accused. Eight of the wit
| nesses who came TO Victoria bore false wit
ness against me, which led to my convic-
| tion They knew as we'll as | the wrong
they had perpetrated. | have nothing
further to say, only good-hy 10 you ALL"
THE VICTIM wEAKEYs.
I He seemed at this point 10 be overcome
| with emotion, though not by fear. and sew
eral spectators were visiby affected. While
Rev. Mr.. Fraser prayed tor the condemned
man, the execuiioner stepped i'll front of
him and adjusted the rope around his neck.
Don't strangle mel Don't strangle me :"
he cried, and then stood motionless, with
his hat in his hand, awaiting his DOOM
The Sheriff ascended to the gallows and
pulled the cap over the prisoners eyes, and
the next instant the trap was sprung,
and Robert Evan Sproule was hanging
lifeless. The fall was eight feet
and his neck was broken, death being in
stan taneous. Il was his last request that
he be buried on American ground, and he
gave the American Consul Testament to
be delivered to Miss Eta f. Garlick, of
Oakland, Cal. There is diversity of opn-
ion as to his guilt or innocence. 1t is be-
lieved that a Communication of his sentence
to imprisonment for life would have Justly
satisfied the majesty of the law His will
makes his two brothers sole heirs.