Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-03-17

terized every movement of the con-
demned man since the matter OF his
sanity first became the subject OF ln-
vestigation. But us the night wore OF on
the prisoners attitude changed sulli-
GENTLY to warrant the belief that the
efforts of those who have been trying
to bring him to full sense OF his POSI-
ton were beginning to have their Ell
feet
Schneider passed his last night on
earth quietly and peacefully, bidding
his relatives ard friends farewell, ana
receiving religious consolation from his
ministers,
He slept several hours, but his rest
was broken, and full realization of
his position dawned upon him when
his brother VIII bade him farewell.
As darkness began to fall last even
ing quiet crept over the jail, and
schneider sat in his rocking chair and
gazed at the floor, dreaming, perhaps,
ofthe happy life he led before he al,
lowed his evil passions to take control
of his nature. About 8 o'clock he
ale beef sandwich and drank milk
punch.
The Stiffness became more deathlike
inside the Jail us morning broke.
Schucider's appearance this morning
was not at all prepossessing. His face
was, if possible, paler than it had ever
been. He wore the dark suit of clothes
given him by the Jail officers few days
AGO, and an outing shirt, but no neck
tie. His eyes were swollen from the
weeping last night while talking to Dr..
Parson. He ran his fingers through his
hair nervously, aud continually scratch
ed his arms, as he had done ever since
last summer.
Promptly at Z o'clock two slices OF
buttercd toast and cup OF tea were
taken to Schneider's cell this morning,
but he declined to touch it. He was
very taciturn. refusing to answer any
inquiry relative to his health. No
change at all was visible in his de-
meanor except as TO his decllnatlon TO
talk, and he seemed no more intelligent
to-day than at any time past. AS the
time for the execution approached the
excitement and hustle increased.
AT $50 o'clock Warden Burke, ac-
companied by old Bob Strong and
Others marched out into the northeast
corridor where the machine was erect
ed. Bob Strong carried an ominous-
looking white canvas bag. 1t contain.
ell the black cap. the hanging rope and
the cords which the arms and limbs Of
the unfortunate were to be bound.
Under the warden's directions the
scatlold was given last inspection
The rores were adjusted, the hinges o
the drop thoroughly oiled, and the
draw-bolt and cords placed in position
Then Strong tested the drop. 1t work.
ed perfectly. The drop was then placed
back in position and the guards return
ed to the main corridor.
DR.. Parson returned to the Jail short
" after s O'Clock and went inside
Schneider's cell. The condemned mar
recognized him Immediately and shook
hands with him. DR.. Parson spoke tc
Schneider of the hereafter. He ther
read to the condemned man a farewell
letter from his family. Schneider
heard it with downcast eyes
which were sutIused with tears a:
Il portion of the letter from hi:
mother telling him of her great aflec
ton for him was shown him. After
the reading of this communication DR.
Parson read the Bible to him. Schnei
der listened attentively, the tear:
coursing down his cheeks. He repeat
ed the words after Dr. Parson but made
no remarks. At the conclusion of the
Bible reading, Drs. Parson and Rob
erts, the latter having entered the cell
began to sing Jesus Save Me.
Schneider lay reclining on his cot with
his face buried in his hands. Join in
Mr.. Schneider" said DR.. Parson
Schneider groaned, 81 don't want &c
sing" he finally said. Then he began il
a quavering voice repeating in q chant
the words of the two preachers
Schneider sang fully five minutes
then he broke down and began to sol
like a child. The singing ceased in
about fifteen minutes.
Shortly after o'clock Capt. Torrens
took q glass of milk punch ITO the cor
ridor aud handed it to DR.. PArson, who
asked Schneider to drink it, The latter
refused to do so until Mr.. Parson bad
first taken a mouthful, and then he
swallowed the remainder with seeming
relish.
Schneider was still weeping, his limbs
were trembling and he eagerly drank
the many milk punches which were
brought him, and the jail authorities
gave him a good deal of stimulants.
The procession to the scafiold, which
was finally formed, was small one
Mr.. Burke went to Schneider's call and
standing by the door read the death
warrant. Then he turned and Schnei-
der was led out from his room. They
started on their short and distressing
walk. First came the warden of the
Jail. Beside him walked DIr. Strong,
the guard who adjusted the rope about
Schneider's neck. Then came Schnei-
der himself, staggering along and SUP
ported on either side by one of the
guards of the jail. Then came the min
lister, followed by two guards in case
their services might be needed.
There was but the briefest of delays
when the scahold was reached. This
was q wise provision of Warden
Burke, for he knew that the last few
moments before the drop fell would be
almost uncomfortable. There was q
brief prayer. The warden had arrang-
ed with the clergy that 10 more than
a few minutes should. be consumed.
The signal was given. The rope in the
cell was pulled. The trigger snapped.
Tho dron fell and Howard J. Schneider