Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-07
THE ELECTROCUTION.
Kcmmler Killed In Due Accordance
With Law.
A BUN GLIN CT JOB i.
A Brutal Execution, Reminding Wit
neSSeS of the lnquiSiilOD.
An AWFUL SCENE.
Merry Reporters and Doctors Made Weak
and Sick--Thrcc shocks Found Neces-
AN AWFUL SCENE.
Merry Reporters and Doctors Made Weak
and Sick--Thrce shocks Found Neces-
sary To the Taking Oh-1he
Details-The Dead Mans
Crime.

AunuRS, n. Y. August G. civilian
Kemmler, the murderer Of Mrs. Illlie
2oieler. was killed by electricity at Gas
TINS morning. and from the reports OF the
scene In the death-chair, the agonizine
struggles Of human being with an I'M
Known death-doalcr, there viii in allproba-
iility not be another execution Of this
ilud. at least until some one understands
more about the fatal fluid"
IL WAS not a single paralyzine shock
which took his life away, but succession
g awful rending throbs as II the nerves
vre being torn piece by piece from their
ntros.
THRFT CURRENTS FOUND NECESSARY.
Three separate currents were turned INTO
the poor wretchs body before he had
ceased 20 breathe. When the first bolt
was thrown convulsiye struggle shook
lis frame, and II was thought by every Wit
ness that Kemmler was dead. But it had
merely stunned BIN and in a moment he
began 10 move uneasiy as far as the bands
would allow him. The switch was quickly
turaed IN again and tins time 1t was
thought IL had ~ last done It's work.
CONTINUED IIFT.
Scarcely bad the current been removed
when again appeared signs Of continued
lfe. The mans chest heayed, froth
gathered on his lips, and it seemed as II
Dis struggles might almost break the stout
straps which held him 10 his fate. Hastily
the word was given 10 the exccu'ioner III
the next room and the terrible current was
again turned on.
~ AWFUL SCENE.
Then the poor frame ceased 10 struggle
Little by little the heavy twitching be-
came weaker. and the odor Of burning
flesh filled the sitting, hot death-room,
causing the witnesses % grow weak and
SICK. but % gaze WITH riveted eyes upon
ttoawiul scene. Smoke issued from the
diving mans mouth. and ncrvy reporters
and old doctors who have witnessed
lozens of hancines felt dizzy and faint.
When the current was at last turned OF
Kommler was dead.
10 was lunglng. brutal job-an exc
rution which rivalled those Of the time OF
the lnqui.ition.
lbs Associated Press.l
Arprnv. y. Y. August f.-Bctween 6 and
+ o'clock this morning, m the basement OIL
ihp state prison IA tins CITY, Mllllhm
Kcmmlcr WAS killed under the law 10y the
Use of electricity.
on March ~. 1850 he murdered his mis-
tre--. "1ilhe" Xeigler, and his death TO-
Iqv was the re0aration for hrs crime. lie
lr.aRfa-tpd lightly between and 8. Re
hrious services were held. lie made ms
own toilet
cHFEErUL AND COOL.
He WINS cheerful, cool, and without ap-
pqreut dread. tie entered the death
chamber about half-past Is. lie assisted IN
ureparing himself for death. lie was
rlacel ma an ordinary chair bv the Warden.
who introduced hun 90 those present. lie
made brief farewell remarks. There were
mo- PRAYER, m the death-room me man
was evidently devoid of nervous tension.
HIS voice. while speaking, had no tremor.
Hc submitted 10 the straps quietly lie
directed the adjustment of the electrodes.
Tie made suggestions TO the Warden. and
finally sat without a tremOr 20 await the
stroke
THE ESD.
couvul,ion marked the application Of
el.ctricitv. He was SAID 10 bee dead IN
seventeen seconds. and the current was
stopped. Later respiration was resumed
+ha current was AGAIN applied, and IN thir-
t.cn minutes from the first stroke he was
.,Uu declared dead. The flesh OF ms back
was burned. alsoa spot on the top OF his
head.
AZ AUTOPSY.
an autopsy wa, begun three hours after
1a'l. aud ts superficial disclosures were
noted hy 900 the doctors present. j he mi
,ro.,opc later must determine the exact
conditions.