The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1891-06-30
CROWDS ABOUT THE JAIL.
Hallinger Cool and Collected While
the officers Appear Anxious
-Disgusted HaDgman.


arising out of the dilemma the Sheriff
was in, as to whether the notice OF appeal
served upon him by lawyer Peshall acted
as stay of execution, was the one topic
of conversation in all parts OF the
city. Nothing else was discussed
on the horse cars and the thorough
fares and the wealth of legal opinions
that was lavished broadcast by those who
knew nothing about it was something
marvellous to hear. Sheriff McPhillips
went down to Trenton on the eight
o'clock train on the Pennsylvania Rail-
road to consult the Governor as to what
he should do in the premises. He left
word that the preparations for the hang
ing should not be relaxed until word was
received from him.
The drab galiows still stood In the cor
ridor of Ward and Just before nine
O'Clock Van Hise. the hangman, arrived
at the jail with the fatal moose in his
pocket. When Mr.. Van Hise was ac-
quainted with the condition of affairs he
was the most disgusted hangman that
time. and he expressed his opinion Of
Lawyer Charles j. Peshall in all but COM
plimentary terms.
soon sfterward the ury that had been
appointed by Judge Knapp 20 certify to
lin that the execution hau been accom-
plished according to law, began to arrive
ut the County Clerks Office. They mad
seen the reports of the appeal In the
newspapers, anu they knew that the
they dropped in to make funny
remarks before going away.
They were much surprised when they
were told that the hanging might take
place after all and nothing remained for
them 10 do but wait around until some
definite information was received from
Trenton. They scattered about the jail
and grounds in groups ana discussed the
complications which had arisen in the
case.
THE SCENE ABOUT THE JAIL.
The announcement III the newspapers
that the execution had been postponed
had preceptible effect upon the pubic,
and the crowds about the jail were no
larger than they have been of late.
Those who remained in front OF
arabs. Every time horse car
passed every passenger, twisted his or
her neck into all sorts of painful twists
IN an endeavor TO catch a glimpse Of the
dusky murderer. No one passed the jail
on foot without gazing attentively at the
DdEtCQ WluQOW OcuiuQ w aACu oAc COn-
demned man Is supposed to be incarcer-
ated or stopping TO gaze intentiyely at
the window In hopes of seeing Hallinger.
Inside the jail yard there was throng
of newspaper men whO.eagerly accosted
each official they met in hopes of obtain
ing some Information from Trenton The
jurors, lawyers and men having business
at the Court House fingered upon the
Court House steps. Telephones were
jingltng in almost every office in the
Court House and there was an air of sup
pressed excitement and anxiety about the
place such as seldom disturb the peace Of
quietness of that pretty spot.
HOW HALLINGER ACTED.
None of the hustle and excitement pene
trated to the northwest corner of the
third floor Of the jail wDere Hallinger sat
in a cell thinking over the events which
kept him still alive. whea few days ago
he believed that at that time he would be
among the dead. He had slept soundly
and undisturDed throughout the night.
He retired about quarter before
nine o'clock last evening. aud he
slept until seven this morning.
The interview he had yesterday after
noon with Mr.. Peshall had enlivened
him very much. and The nervousness he
has shown for several days past disap-
peared.
Constables Ryno and Wise, who
watched the condemned man, said his
sleep must have been u dreamless one. it
was SO peaceful. This morning Hallinger
requested the papers as soon as he
awoke, and after carefully reading the
account of the efforts of Lawyer Peshau
In his behalf. he said to Constable
Wise:-
al amt going to feel satisfied until l
see the papers In the hands OF the
Sheriff"
He meant by this the official announce
ment that he would not be. hanged to-
day.
AS the day wore on and he saw 20 signs
of preparations Tor the hanging he be-
came reassured and began TO think that
MIR. Peshall was right when he said that
il was all right.
Ii was twelve O'Clock exactly when
there was a stir about the Sheriff's Office.
messenger boy had left a dispatch
there which was eagerly read by deputy
sheriff. IL was from Sheriff McPhlllips.
and he directed the deputy TO dismiss the
Jury, that the Attorney General had do
cided that the appeal acted as a stay.
The news spread quickly and the crowd
soon disappeared.
MR. PEsHALL WAS CONFIDENT.
Mr. Peshall WAS acquainted with the
decision of the Attorney General but he
expressed no surprise. He said that it
was AS he expected as the United States
statutes were very explicit upon the sub
were several other good points upon
which the case could be taken to the
United States Court and that there were
not twelve lawyers II the co1ntxS WHO