The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1894-01-18

governor Delng anxious to do the
right thing gave q respite until the
18th day of January, 1894, in order
that ample time might be had for a
thorough investig alton of such papers
as should come before him. And the
final decision of the chief executive of
the state is not to interfere with the
previous renderings of the lower
courts.
Thus we are here to do the bidding
of the law. For we read in II limo.
thy ii, IL, "That first of all, supplica-
tions, prayers, intercessions and civ.
ing of thanks be made for all men.
For kings and for all that are in
authority; that we may lead a quiet
and peaceable life in all goodness and
honesty"
While the decision of the lower
courts have oeen sustained and Ed
Nichols is to swing into eternity, in a
short time the supreme court of
Heaven will be in session. Sheriff
Death on his black steed is but a
short distance away coming to arrest
the soul of this man to meet the trial
at the higher bar where God Himself
is Supreme Ruler, Jesus, His Son, the
| dIlOlA0yi anu Guo I1Oly 0huSV Vllo
prosecutor. While we are weak and
trail creatures, not able to give justice,
Thou knowest the secret of every
heart and will render such decision in
any and all cases as would be
pleasing in Thy most precious sight.
While he be ever so unsound. Let this
execution be warning to the flesh of
sinful men. Because thou hath said,
"a he way of the transgressor ia hard I"
Rape, we are told, is the crime for
which Ed Nichols is brought to the
gallows. We are thankful for his con-
version to the faith of Christ. Be-
cause Jesus said, HE that believeth
and is baptised shall be saved"
"Come unto me all ye that are heavy
laden and L will give you rest"
Though your sin be as scarlet they
shall be as white as snow" The thief
on the cross got hearing; so we are
not astonished when this man tells us
that he has heard from above and ia
perfectly willing to risk his soul
in the care of Him who gave it
We cannot close this prayer with
out asking special blessing upon the
mother of this man. May she take
full as to the training OF those COM
mitted to her care. May there not be
another one raised in this family to
reach the same fate. Train up the
child the way it should go, and when
old it will not depart from it. Let
there be more care among Our people
as to the raising of children. This
man still claims mot guilty" If ever
there were time in the history of life
tor truth, this is the hour.
AS the weight of this occasion
bears upon him may he press
the harder upon Thee for help. Bless
all who have in any way helped this
peor criminal in his distress.
Remember those WAC have admin
istered unto his spiritual needs.
Ed Nichols, who has been taber-
nacling here in this low ground of sor-
row for about 20 years, is about to be
no more. But he says God for Christ's
sake has converted his soul, which
entities him to membership in the
angelic choir, where he can join with
millions of voices in singing:
All hail the power of Jesus name
Let angels PROSTATE fall.
Bring forth the Royal Diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all.
One out of the many mansions will
be mis-. Some of the robes will tit him
and one of the crowns he can wear.
Up there will be peace, happiness and
the full fruits OF the spirit. In all
things, Merciful Father, let Thy will
be done on earth as in Heaven. For
give our sins that we may forgive
those who sin against US. Lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil, for Thine is the Kingdom,
the power and the glory forever.
Amen.
That concluded the religious SER
vices, and it then became the duty OF
sheriff White to carry out the man.
date of the law, which he began to do
by reading the very lengthy death
warrant with its very many legal
terms and phrases, ali of which Was
NEST attentively listened to by Men
OILS and the spectators. During
its reading an interruption
was caused by the caving in OF the
roof on which the spectators were
thronged on the south side OF the
building. A big noise was the result,
but fortunately no one was injured.
At 3:45 in response to motion from
Mr.. White, Nichols arose from his
chair, removed his hat aud yGok his
position upon the trap door. La all
instant almost he had been bound by
Deputy Sheriffs Peck, Meredith and
Thorp, the last named adjusting the
moose. One rope was placed about
his ankles, another about his knees
and his hands were securely tied be-
hind his back. AS he stood on the
trap door his face was turned to the
west, close to him but benino stand
ing Mr.. White with his hand on the
fatal lever which was 5000 to spring
the negro into eternity. Throughout
the time when the ropes were being
tied around his person, Nichols
evinced not the slightest emotion,
being apparently perfectly indifferent
to mis- situation. His unconcern
seemed to be, however, more the re-
suit of nature in which the instincts
of the brute predominant. He aid not
act like hnman being at all. Before
his hands were bound he said good
bye to his spiritual advisers and the
newspaper men on the platform, ex-
tending to each one OF them his big,