The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-09-18
HTSLAST NIGHTON EARTH
.foRgA-KIGCaEN TO SUFFER THE
DEATH penalty TODAY.

rna Murdsre Baptized and Prepared
TO Meat His Doom-rhe Arrange
ments for the Execution Complete.
The Moose Tested-The Hanging TO
he Witnessed by Less Than a Dozen
people.
To-day is Albert Morea Grant Kitchens
last on earth.
Between the hours OF 10 and o'clock the
murderer of Rhena Kitchen, in Yamacraw,
last April, and Rhena Morea. in Gwinnett
street lane in November, 1899, will expiate
his crimes in the gallows room of the county
jail.
Since Kitchens conviction in August he
has taken lively interest in religion, and
has been visited daily by Rev. Alexander
Harris and other colored ministers. He has
read q great deal of the Bible and put in a
considerable portion of his time singing
hymns.
THE MURDERER BAPTIZED.
Yesterday afternoon at 4 O'Clock Rev,
Alexander Harris, assisted by Rev. E. f.
Washington and Rev. e. K. Love, baptized
Kitchen,
The ceremony took place in the bathroom
on the third floor Of the jail. Kitchen was
immersed in the tub. Then Kitchen was
taken back to his cell He said he felt like
A new man and was satisfied that God had
forgiven him for his crimes and would save
him. Rev. Harris remained with the con-
demned man awhile and prayed ferventiy
with him, advising him to be steadfast and
trust in God.
About o'clock Kitchen ate hearty
supper, and after praying for couple of
hours retired at 9 o'clock and slept soundly.
DOES NOT DREAD DEATH.
He hes no apparent dread of death, and
the officials expect that he will meet his
fate without G tremor. He has repeatedly
announced since his conviction that he is
not afraid to die, because he believes he is
prepared.
Kitchen had his photograph taken in his
cell by Photographer D. L. Waters a few
days ago, and sent copies to his friends.
One was sent to the MORNING NEWS. 1t is
an excellent picture Of the condemned man.
Kitchens brother visited him yesterday
afternoon and had lengthy interview with
him. He also attended the baptism cere-
mouy. He will pay him a farewell visit
this morning.
THE DEATH ARRANGEMENTS.
The hanging will be strictly private in
accordance with tina law. No one will be
allowed to witness it except the court Off
GERS, two physicians, and representatives OF
the press. Rev. Harris and Rev Washing
ton will attend Kitchen on the gallows.
All arrangements for the hanging are
completed. The black cap has been made,
and the rope with the fatal moose has been
tested and will bs put in place in the coll
this morning. It is a %-inch hemp rope
and will give the murderer about a six
foot drop
To-day's will be the first execution in the
new Jail. The gallows room or cell is in
the extreme southeastern corner of the main
corridor. In the ceiling, through one of
the iron girders, is a stout, wrought,iron
ring, through which the rope is passed.
THE FATAL TRAP.
The floor of the cell is the trap door. It is
hung on hinges and is divided in the middle.
At the signal the bolt is shot, the trap sepa-
rates, and the condemned man shoots
through to the first floor. The trap is in
trst-class working order, and there will not
be toe slightest hitch II carrying out the
sentence of the law.