The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1891-02-27

frightened unto death, and drugVed into
almost insensibility, was dragged to the
drop and fell an inert, unconscious mass,
in order to uphold the majesty Of the
law, and expiate a crime that could
never be fully atoned for, no matter
what the revenge.
It was known that the man was
coward, but it was not dreamed that
even a coward would make such scene
as was presented at the hanging. Early
this morning, blood was discovered on
the shirt OF the condemned man. An
examination showed that he had by
some means secreted a six inch piece Of
iron, whetted sharp 10 an end, in his
cot, and while the attention Of the
guards was distracted Tor moment. he
plunged the iron again and sgain into
his throat. Even at such time, 1t Is
thought the mans nerve failed him, and
instead OF stabbing himself to death, he
weakened at the last moment and
created scene that called the attention
OF the guards to his piliable condition.
Toe man had covered himself with a
blanket when attempting to Cui his
throat, but it is thought he was not long
bleeding before his condition was dis
covered. DR.. Ernest F. A,Cheson, with
others, was hasily called in, and worked
with the dazsd murderer for several
hours before ne was aroused from his
coma!ose condition.
Dr. AtCheson WAS Of the opinion,
however, all the time that the enfeebled
condition OF West was not SO much ow-
lng to his ugly attempt at suicide as It
was to the abjtct fear he has shown all
along to dying on the gallOws. The
bulletins issued by the sheriff ag to the
condition OF the man were calculated to
increase rather than diminish the excite.
ment on the Gtreet, as he said several
times it was hardly likely thnt West
would live long enough to face the gnl.
lows.
On the streets were many who actual.
iy believed West an innocent man, and
scores OF negroes walked about excited
ly deuounCing any attempt to execute
one in his condition when they believed
him guiltless. Tho better class OF citi.
zars, however, who had closely followed
the trial from end to end, stated it was
II Casa OF positive guilt, though every
link in the deadly chain OF evidence was
formed by evidence purely circumstan'
til.
Tee excitement abatsd after a while,
and ut 1880, when it was announced
that West had somewhat recovered from
his stupor, all agreed with tho Sherih's
statement that preparations for carrying
out the vengeance OF the law could not
be too hurried. The man had .updoubt-
edly been unconscious, whether from
fear or loss OF blood, and his former i'll.
ness will never be known, as he simply
RrOaned, turned over in his couch, and
seemed for a moment to-recognize his
attendant.
This was the signal for making ready
every detail for the last fearful scene.
The man had simply collapsed, and was
not so nearly dead as he fancled. AT
9 20 p. In. scene occurred in the cell of
the condemned man that is beyond de.
acription. Weakened by his long Ill.
ness, and doubly broken down by his
unsuccessful attempt at suicide, West
was still as strong as lion. He fought
the moment tho Sheriff g party entered
his cell. There WIS little spiritual ad-
vice given the desperate man, who
struck ut physicians, Sheriff aud minis.
ters alike.
AS the hour of 9 had been fixed for
the execution, short parley ensued be-
tween the physicians and the sheriff.
TGe demoraliZed man seemed to realize,
even in half unconscious condition,
what was being done, and fought fear.
fully with attendants aud physicians.
IL was then deCided that he must be
strapped 10 board in order 10 quiet Us
far as possible the fight he seemed de.
ternined to make on the gallows.
An ugly struggle followed the attempt
TO bind him 10 the board, and one
opiate after the other was administered,
Sheriff Lockhart, leading, was closely
followed by four deputies, carrying be-
tween them heavy plank, on which
the murderer lay outstretChed, bound
and, for aIl the world knows, gagged.
After considerable delay the PLANK
with It's PROSTATE form was raised to an
upright position aud the black cap was
drawn over Vests head. The trap was
sprung with little ceremony.
Then another chapter OF this tale OF
horrow ensued. Tue combined weight
OF tue plank and man seemed to have
been too much for tue rope, and 1t broke,
dropping West to the ground, amid a
grOan arose from the crowd al.
ready sickened by the ghastIy scene.
Awakened from his stupOr By the shock,
aud dimly realizing what had happened,
he threw himself again and again against
his bonds, struggling to free himself
from the fetters that held him inexora'
bly, TO the plank that accompanied him
To his death.