The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-07

fairly by everyone and never expected to
come to this kind of death, but as it is rate
was too strong for me. would like for
everyone that ever knew me and those now
present to deal az kindly with me in their
opinions, and try to believe me, as ! claim
myself to be, innocent of the crime of muir
der. want to thank my lawyers for their
efforts in my behalf. They have done their
best. As to the officers having me in their
charge, from them had the best Of treat
ment. They were not only kind to even
me, criminal, but thoughtful and careful
Of my comfort, more 80 than could expect.
They are gentlemaniy and efficient Off
cers.'
just after the reading King drank cup
OF whisky and wine. During the pause
the yard were finished there were many
touching scenes. Under Sheriff Gibson,
Sheriff Halford, Mr.. Greene and several
friends came forward and shook hands with
King, bidding him good by. During these
farewells he showed a slight trace of emo
ton and the others were visibly affected.
The last man to run up the stairs and say
farewell was the Chinese cook, who
appeared really touched over the
terrible situation of his friend:
The under sheriff handed King a small
boutonniere of geranium leaves and bios
| SONS, which he placed in the buttonhole of
his coat. A sudden hustle in the group in
the corridor below betokened the arrival of
the sheriff, Who said that all was ready and
at Six minutes after IL O'Clock the process
sion began moving. At the head was the
| sheriff and then came King and the depu-
ties. Behind was Father Follett and
Mr.. Greene. When King came. around the
corner of the Jail mis- eyes fell upon the GAL
lows. and then for a moment he seemed to
| finch. but ne recovered in moment
and resumed his self-control. He walked
| firmly and without assistance and i'll an
| other moment standing haupafb the
gallows surrounded by Il crowd of anxious
| spectators. While the sheriff and under
sheriff quickly pinioned his arms and legs
\ with straps not the slightest tremor vas
visible on his wel-cut features The
| priest stood near whispering few words
The moose was quickly adjusted and the
black cap was pulled over his head with
swift motion. Just rs King had clenched
his lists anu was Hlurmurlng prayer, Sher-
if Halford gave the signal by pulling q
string connected with the canvas-covered
box. On an instant the ak cut the weight
ind Kings body with a terrible spring shot
| up in the air for q distance of three and
ono half feet. In moment more 1t settled
down from the center of the gallows. After
second there was slight muscular con-
tortion of the hands and the legs were
drawn up, but aside from this there was
no indication of suffering, though one of the
hands was loosened from the strap. DIR.
Fletcher. of Boulder DR.. Keddell, Of Elk
horn, and Dir. Kudd, the coroner of Jetfer-
son county, followed the pulse on each side
OF the body. From 81 beats to the minute
the pulse lowered until at l125, or nine min
utes after the drop, it was no longer dis
cernible. Six minutes later the man was
pronounced dead. just at this point the
crowd stood back to make way for the in
strument of Mr.. John Berkin, the well
twenty minutes after the drop Kings
body was cut down and placed
in plain coffin that had
been wheeled in from without the enclos-
ure. The moose was drawn SO tight that it
| was necessary to cut it off. The black cap
no evidences of pain. One eye was closed
and the mouth was open. but there was nc
distortion of countenance. The physicians
found upon examination that death was
painless. The first and second bones of the
vertebre were partially dis|ocated, render
instantaneous death. 1t was swift and
merciful execution and was admirably
managed by Sheriff Halford and his capable
deputies. Not hitch was made at any
point, SO carefully was the entire affair ar;
ranged. After the physicians had finished
a rough box and turned over to an under
taker, who rejoices in the curious name OF
j. II. Paradise. The interment was made
an hour later in the poor farm cemetery
After the body had been placed away tho
rope was cut into pieces which were
divided among the spectators. The GROVE
then dispersed SO that within half an houl
after the drop the Jail yard had resumed itt
usual appearance except for the presence OF
the gallows. This was removed later. The
execution of King was the first to occur
since tho admission of Montana to state
hood. The next execution will be that OF
Albert Jackson which will occur two weeks
from to-day in Helena unless commuta
tion of sentence is secured.