The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-07-10
CRITICISED BY DIR. sHRADY.

Science Not Benefited When Witnesses of
EiecrrOcutions Are Sworn to Secrecy.
NEW YORK, July 9.-When Kemmler was
electricized at Auburn, DR.. George f.
Shrady was one of the States invited wit
nesses. In asking DR.. Shrsdy TO be pres
ent, Warden DurstOn not only acknowl-
edged the ability of the eminent physician
who prolonged the life of General Grant,
but he thereby recognized the right of the
medical profession everywhere to know
what transpired. DIR. Shrady was present
not only in q personal capacity. but he rep
resented his profession, being the editor of
the Medical Record. When DR.. Jenkins
began the autopsy on Kemmler's body. Dr..
Shrady. who Is a shorthand writer. made
the running notes of the progress of that
inquest. The same night DR.. Shrady. hav-
ing been left alone In the work, reduced his
notes to writing, II thus the Associated
Press was enabled to lay the description of
the autopsy before the public, with the
story of kemmler's execution.
DIR. Shrady was not present at the Sing
Sing executions. Warden Brown 10 re-
ported as having said he did not think to
ask him. In this weeks issue of the Record,
however. DR.. Shrady has editorial reference
to the Sing Sing executions, and the follow
ing extracts are most PERTINENT:
1T is with a feeling of great relief that
one hears that success has this time offset
the horrors enacted last year at Auburn,
and that science. which heretofore has so
nobly lent its best efforts to saving and
p~rolonging life. has at last succeeded in
showing Its power to Kill effectively.
quickly and almost pleasantly. There was
a grim humanity about the proceedings of
repeating the shocks In quick succession,
which relieved the minds and consciences
of those who guaranteed the criminals
against unnecessary suffering. 1t Is as
serted that no burnt sacrifices resulted.
mo official report has yet been issued re-
Rarding the details of the killing. and there
is nothing beyond the mere results in death
which have at present any scientific inter-
sent the expression of independent personal
views will necessarily detract from the
value of the verdict when finally rendered.
The forced secrecy OF the proceedings will
strike every fair minded person with q sur
prise and suspicion which it will be ex-
ceedlngly difficult to offset by any care
fully worded official document. 1t can
scarcely be believed that q party of scien-
titic gentlemen could submit to be gagged
by a prison official and be prevented from
expressing an opinion regarding scientific
phenomena of which they were the selected
and skilled witnesses. They ale placed in
the humiliating position of a jury having a
nominal power without q voice. and pre-
snmably helpless In combating foregone
conclusions.
But if we must have capital punishment,
what advantage have we gained by elec-
tricity over hanging! We have seen that
it may fail horribly unless extraordinary
precautions are taken. 1t has been claimed
by those who appear to know that the
torture of/Kemmler was grossly %eXagger-
ated. We can testify to the contrary, and
assert that no sdjectives are strong enough
to do Justice To the dreadful scene. The
most that We can hope is that history may
never repeat itself in that direction"