Morning journal and courier., 1892-02-09
SHOCKED TO DEATH.
Murderer McBlvaine Rlectroeuted . Sing Sing = Killed in Less Than Wfnuta.

Murderer McBlvaine Rlectroeuted al
 Sing Sing Killed in Less Than .
 Minute.
 SING SING, N. Y., Feb. S-Charles Nc.
 Elvaine was shocked to death in the prison
 here to-day. The first contact was made
 at 11:12 q. m. The duration of the con- tact was forty-fve seconds. In few sec onds after the current was cut of by order of Dr. McDonald, froth issued from the mouth and almost simultaneously there was quick gargling eIhalation and as quick a recovery, like person stranRling of water going the wrong way. The cur for forty five seconds, when the doctor de- clared the man dead.
 The chair used was one never before employed. Upon each side at the arms was jar into which the hands were in- meesed in . solution of salt. The arms wete strapped at the elbows and wrists, and the contact at the head was made on the forehead.
 An electrode as in previous cases here was present for use on his leg in case of failure or mishap at the other points of contact. The first contact was made through the hands and head. The second through the head and calf of the right leg. Rubber sacks of warm water hung with rubber tubes to the electrodes for au- tomatic wetting of the sponges. The doc tors, with one exception, believe life and consciousness were destroyed at enc and the same instant. As compared with the Kemmler killing that of AcElvain was much less distressing.
 Twenty-six minutes elapsed frsm the time the party of witnesses went to the death chamber until the flag was hoisted announcing that McElvsine had been exc cuted.
 HARRIs, SENTENCE.
 The New York wife Poisoner Has
 Life Limited to the Week of March
 21.
 NEW YORK, Feb. s.-Carlylew w. Harris, who poisoned his young wife, Helen Potts, was brought up for sentence before Re- corder Smythe this morning. When he was led into the court room Harris gave another exhibition of his wonderful nerve. No sign of fear, remorse or emotion of any kind could be detected, and he greeted his counsel with a oheery Good morning" and a hand shake.
 When asked by the clerk to stand up and receive sentence of death he arose and looked the recorder steadily in the eye Recorder Smythe sentenced him to die in the electric chair at Sing Sing prison with in the week beginning March 21, 1892. He took it coolly, displaying less emotion than his lawyers, Messrs. Taylor and Jerome. When sentence had been passed he was re- moved to the Tombs, where he will remain until the application of his counsel has been acted upon.
 Before sentence was passed Lawyer Fay Tor arose and asked for a new trial, on the ground that the evidence showed that Mrs Harris had died of sulphate of morphine poisoning, whereas the indictment charged that the murder was committed with morphine. Also because the yer dict was contrary to the weight of evil dence and because of several other minor technical points that had been raised dur ing the trial.
 The grim old recorder overruled the mo- tion for new trial, however, and passed sentence without comment. Harris, act ing on the advice of his counsel, had noth- ing to say in response to the usual ques- ton by the clerk of the court before sen- tence was passed. His lawyers at once gave notice of an appeal, filing their notice with District Attorney Nicoll. This will act ss 6 stay, as it is doubtful if decision will be rendered by the court of appeals before autumn. |