The Iola register., 1891-07-17
Comments on warden,Broun,s Course.

''The Sun and every other real
newspaper in the state open
" and deliberately violated that section
OF the electrocution law which forbids
the publication of the details of an exc
cution. This provision is a digrace tc
the civilization of W hich we are proud.
1t is against public policy, it is impossi.
BILE to enforce it and it is defed and
will continue to be defed by every
self-respecting newspaper in New
York on every sucn occasion. The law
defies higher law, namely, the consti-
tuition. which DEGREES that no law shall
be passed to restrain or abridge the lib,
erty of speech or of the press but
the press has another duty to per,
form. 1t must bring about the repeal
of this unconstitutional provision. TC
that end it should devote its utmost en-
ergies at the next election.
Without regard to personal or parti-
Zan considerations, it should support
for the legislature and for responsible
executive posts only such candidates as
are distinctly committed against this
preposterous press gag law. The Sur
is ready. for one, to engage itself tC
support any republican candidate who
shall promise to vote or work next win
ter for the repeal of the law"
Governor Hill arrived in town last
night In reply to a reporter regard
ing the executions at Sing Sing the
governor said: This system of elec.
hos 20 10
ceived an official notice from Warden
Brown merely saying that the execu-
tions had taken place successfully and
knew nothing more about them than
what have learned from the news
papers,"
Several of those who witnessed the
executions were in the city last night.
A United press representative called on
them for information regarding the exc
cutions, but as they are bound to Sc
crecy they were very reticent. Some
interesting facts and opinions were
ELECTED, however.
DIR. 4. D. Rockwell characterized
electric death as being far more humane
than hanging and said that in none of
the hangings he had witnessed did the
men suffer as little as the murderers
who sat in the chair yesterday. All four
died instantly and painleSsly, only ex-
hibiting the gathering rigidity that
marked the work of the current. Dr.
Rockwell denied that any burning was
apparent He said all of the con-
demned men were docile, submitting
without demonstration to the death.
DR.. Daniels said that but for his
promise not to talk he could tell a
startling tale. He admitted that as in
Kemmler's case, it was necessary to
shock the victims twice. He said the
doctors carried away portions Of the
condemned bodies for examination
One physician, whose name can not
be mentioned, said he never saw any
thing so neatly done.
DR.. L. F. Corteliyou said he attended
the execution in the interest OF science
and his mind was made up If he found
any cruelty in the iniiction of the
death penalty by electricity 10 lay a
complaint before the proper state ALI
thorities and to have the law repealed.
Death in every instance was absolutely
painless and instantaneous. Two
shocks were administered simply as a
matter of precaution.
DR.. r. II. Southwick said that the ex-
periments were highly successful and
he feels satisfied now that the electrical
executions have come to stay.
DR.. Franklin Townsend said the ex-
ecutions were perfectly successful.