The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-07-24
Is KEMMLER BREAKING DOWN.
It 10 Said He Now Realizes the Full Tor
rOr OF His Position.

HI 10 Sald He NOW RenlIze9 the Eull Tor
rOr of His Position.
AUBURN. July 23.-The Advertiser this even
ing contains an account Of a recent change in
Reminders condition. Kemmler is weakening.
The awful fate that has been hanging over his
head like Damocles's sword, has at last
touched his etolid nature, and he fears death.
For over year the condemned criminal has
been in the shadow of death without finching.
The newspapers called 1t stupidity; the off,
Gals declared that 1t was Christianity. What
ever the cause of his stolid demeanor. 1t has
passed away, and In its place appears a hope
less realization of his lost condition and q
wholesome dread OF the coming execution
Kemmler is nervous. He is excited, and under
the influence OF his newborn lear no has be-
come sick. He no longer retains his ruddy
complexion. His features are palid and wan
His appearance Is unkempt; his appetite no
obtained from, the prison hospital and, the
once daDper fellow now cringes under the blow
which ia about to end his existence.
kemmler, the murderer OF Title Liegler will
have eXpiated his CRIME within TWO weeks. and
the thought has at asst been driven SO forcihIy
into his mind that he can no longer bear the
strain. 1t is true he once stood nearer TO the
chair OF death than he does to-day, when only
would be pulled, aud when a lease OF life came
in the form Of habeas corpus. But his APP
parent passiyity then had some foundation, ~, IN
appeared. and he stands on the awful precipice
with full realization II its horror.
The change came last Saturday evening.
The full terrors OF his position seemed to come
upon him Mt once. A nervous fear possessed
him which he could not master. He told
Keeper McNauRhtOn. who, unable to calm the
excited man. sent word TO Mrs Durston. The
Wardens wife was in her room, about TO retire
for the night. but she quickly responded TO the
call OF the messenger and went to the murder
ers cell. 1t was not the time for reading the
not want He was In need OF some one to talk
to. some one to soothe his nervous feelings
and to talk in sympathetic tones. The War
denis wife administered 10 kemmler to the best
of her ability He complained Of q headache.
and she ordered some tea Then she spoke 10
him in a quiet manner and urged him to bear
up under the burden. until ut last the prisoner
seemed TO regain q little composure. Then she
left him-leit him to his thoughts again and
TO uneasy dreams. lie tried TO sleep. but ali
night long the low means from his cell gave
evidence OF his suTerings even in sleep.
Since that night he has RAPIDLY broken down.
He is no longer the devil may care fell ow who
used 10 express childish pleasure In hearing
the Bible read. He does not request even the
presence OF his former spiritual adviser. All
hope has fed. and with It all the bravado.
stoicsm, stolidty.. stupidity fortitude. or
whatever 1t was. that has characterized his
stay in Auburn prison.
The Rev. o. II Houghton said to THE Sun
correspondent tonight that there is no truth
in the above statement. He saw Kemmler and
talked wi h him this afternoon. and he is lively
in spirit and very resigned to his fate A day
or two ago he WAS troubled with q 81 light dlsar-
rangemeit OF the stomach, but he Is now well
and is eating three square meals q day.