Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1888-03-09
HUMANE EXECUTIONS.
The O'd-FAshioned Drop Means Instant
Relief From Suffering.
Ulncinp ati ENQUIRER

The o'd-Fashioned Drop Means Instant
Relief From Suffering.
Cincinnati Enquirer.
COLUMBUS, March 4.-The bill intro
duced in the Senate by Mr. RsnDells, hav-
ing for its object the more humane eXecu-
tiOn of criminals by the use Of electricity,
has attracted no little attention. The bill
does not prescribe the exact method, but
it has been suggested that the most APP
proved way would be to seat the criminal
in 3 chair connected with powerful bat
terry which would be completely under
the control of the operator. In view OF
this bill becoming part Of the Ohio laws
Deputy Warden Cherrington, who has had
considerable experience in the execution
of criminals, was sought for information
on the subject. He does not pose as
making specially of this line of bust
ness, but his duties have plsced him in
line where they were necessary part OF
his ONCE. AS he said, he did not seek
them, neither would he shirk them" The
deputy was found st his post of duty at
the penitentiary, with all the responsible
ties of that Immense criminal settlement
resting upon his shoulders, Warden Cot
IN having gone to his home at Springfield
for short visit. At first he was not in
clined to talk on the subject, but on be-
ing asked his opinion on Mr.. Ranrells'
bill he said:
al read the bill before it was intro
duced but not since, consequently do
no: know whether there have been any
material changes made. l question
whether it will pass for the reason that
few of the members of the Legislature
will coincide with the suthor."
as there any objection that can be
urged against it?"
"Not any that know of. 1t would do
away with the chances. OF bunglirg exc
cutions, which sometimes occur by rea-
son Of inexperienced executioners
"Do you regard this as an improve
ment on the present system-hsngiDg?"
"That is mooted question. | believe
that as soon as a man falls the knot in the
rope striking the spinal column causes
complete and instantaneous paralysis,
which, of course, means instant relief
from suffering by the criminal"
Show many executions have J0u as
sisted at in an official wsyI"
"Four in jackson county and one since
1 have been Deputy Warden of the Ohio
y
this NUMBER l have only seen one that
moved after the drop, aud in that case the
muscles of the chest heaVed; but have
no idea that there was sense OF pain, 10
say othing Of suff ring"
"Have you heard any expressions on
the subject from the prisoners2"
"It is well known that the life men
hgfe horror of the disseCting knife, in
{k t. ,5if
have heard several of them say thSt they
wanted their bodies decentlV buried. In
speaking on this subject l have heard
men and women say they wanted to
know where their relatives are and where
they ere buried. The Runells bill, how
ever, has one feature that 1 indorse to
the fullest extent, and that 1s to the quick
destruction of the body, but don't be-
lieve in making executions any easier
than they now are, unless"
"Uoless WHAT"
"UUless murderers csn be induced to
make death little easier for their VIC
Tins"
Charles Morgan, who is known
throughout the country as "Biinky''
Morgan, is generally recognized as one
of the threwdest, keenest men in the
country. He was found in the annex OF
the panitentisry shortly after having hsc
an Interview with his attorney, Mr.. Sam
Eddy OF Cleveland, in which he had been
assured that the courts would most GER
tsinlY grant the application for = new
trial. Morgan was, therefore, feeling
quite happy over his bright
ened prospects, for he has
always insisted that public prejudice
ran so high st RaVenns, when bis case
was being heard, that fair trial was 81
impossibility. After 8 few explanations
he was asked if he had seen Mr.. RannelPs
bill, and as to his opinions on its pro-
visions. He replied:
eyes; have one Of the bills here now.
However, do not believe 1 am in po-
sition to express an opinion on this
matter"
"Do you believe that electricity would
e more humane way OF executing pris-
onersP"
ayes; believe it would be 6 little i'm
provement. But man who WAS afraid
to die would, of course, struggle and
skull-drsggle, and 1t would be necessary
to force him 20 the chair and tie him
down. II the object of this bill is to in
vent humane way Of killing people, it
can be improved upon"
"Have you any suggestions TO make in
this liner"
eyes. When the time comes to put the
man out Of the world they could give
him dose OF morphine or some other
powerful drug in his supper, when he can
lie down and sleep himself away"
"But suppose the man refuses to take
the medicated food?"
"Then he would voluntarily staTve to
death, and that would be better, for fast
ing and prayer usually go together"
"Are there any Objectionable features
in the bill, in your opinion?"
"Oh, yes. That feature which forbids
the mother, wife or relatives from receiv-
ing the remains to give 1t Christian
burial is especially Objectionable. That
is about the only point in the bill that is
worth mentioning"