New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-08-02
TESTIMONY IN THE REMMLER CASE.
THE WARDEN OF AUBURN PRISON DESCRIBES
THE APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL
EXECUTIONS.

Buffalo, n. Y, Aug 1.-The inquiry before Referee
Becker in the of Kcmmler and the methods OF
electrical execution resumed to-day. Dr. HOT
man Matzinger, of the State Asylum. was the FIRST
witness He gave the results of the micOscopical eX
animation of the tissues taken from the body of Isaac
Moult0n
Charles F. Durston, warden Of Auburn Prison.
then called by Mr. Cochran District-Attomey Quinby
having rested his case He said that the parapher-
MALTA was prepared by II. p. Brown It was ordered
under contract with the Superintendent of Prisons
The contract accepted in evidence by Mr.. Cock
ran Mr. Durston also stated that the contract called
for alternating current, dynamo, elec trodcs and
everything required except the lamp board. This Is
an attachment for the wall. with about twenty weight
lamps, to indicate the force furnished by the exeter.
The apparatus furnished viii be used for Kemmler' If
it works well.
VIII you use it," asked Mr.. Cochran.
After It has been tested
What test do yon propose 2" asked Mr. Cochran.
Mr.. DuIston admitted that the only test would be
that on Kemmler lie said the lamp board would
be an additional precauton. The wires are placed
in position, but the apparatus has not been started
He had not examined the electrodes. They had only
lust arrived. lie did not know how they looked.
He understood that the contract required Mr. Brown
conduct the execution, but he had an idea that The
time of the original contract had expired. He sup
posed that the law would rely upon himself to touch
the button. He admltCd that he was sclenuncaly
ignorant Of the effects of electricity Tho appliances
furnished by Mr.. Brown would be used unless he
was satisfied that other appliance was better
He did not regard Mr.. Brown volunteer He
had been employed, and would be paid. expert.
Mr. Brown would get pay until the apparatus
was put up and ready for operation. He thought
the amount to be paid Mr.. Brown was $1,000.
II. p. Brown was recalled and examined by Mr.
Poste 10 experiments made I'm the Edison laboratory
He said the measurements taken were made very
hurriedly He went at the request OF Referee Becker
the application Of the Whoatstono bridgc. lie
did not take the measurements. They were taken by
Mr.. Lams0n, Mr.. Noble and others. lie considered
the measurements reliable. They did not show the
minimum of resistance In contacts. The time I'm which
limited Mr.. Cochran asked
% Is there such thing as minimum resistance OF
the human body ?"
Mr. Brown said he believed there was. but that
il would vary Just mans weight would vary.
1t was agreed between Mr.. Hatch and DistT1ct-At
torney Qulnby that the evidence Of the boy who was
shocked at the time the negro MOulton was Killed
should be taken here later IL was also arranged
10 have taken the testimony, in New-fork of a man
now IN the hospital who had his hand burned by a
contact with electric wire The referee Will revise
the testimony and submit II 10 County Judge Day OF
Cayuga County. and the Will be argued on sepem-
ber 4, unless the Judge orders otherwise.