The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-08-19

prison yard one-story brick building has been
erected. The interior is divided by a parti-
ton. One has three steel cages the other has
the hanging machine. The warden was de-
Slrous OF obtaining the most approved gallows
After considerable correspondence lie decided
that the Colorado system OF executing crim-
nails was FAR ahead OF all others. He obtained
model, which was not entirely satisfactory,
Notwithstanding il worked to perfection. II
was hydraulic arrangement, the heavy weight
being released by a mechanism worked by
floats in a tank In which water was forced, the
condemned mans weight opening the valve.
Win the assistance OF Prison Engineer Gid
dlngs the warden set about improving the ma
chine. Tests have shown 1t perfect
BY reference to the accompanying cut the
WORKING OF the machine can be easily under
stood. Through the doorway can be seen the
steel cage (g) IN which the condemned man
passes his last days. (A) is the platform under
the moose. 1t is raised an eighth OF an inch
above The level Of the floor, hardly enough to
be noticeable by the man as he steps upon il.
Immediately three deputies will pinlon the
man eilegs place the cap over his head and ad-
just the moose.
directly IN front of the condemned man. In
this position he will have a clear view OF the
prisoner, and also OF dial over the door
through which the man Will pass.
Instantly tile platform settles a lever is
worked which releases an adjustable sliding
valve al the bottom OF cylinder (c), containing
fifty pounds of shot. Like the sand in an hour
glass the shot runs out Of the opening. This
allows plunger (b) TO drop slowly into The
cylinder. AS this fails il pulls cord (e), at
tached TO which is compound lever q, and
also WORKS the dial, giving warning as 10 the
progress of the machine. This mechanism eau
be set for any time desired.
IL is believed by the tests made that forty sec
onds Will be ample time. As the cord Iigbtens
aud is pulled downward by the plunger it slowly
opens the compound lever, which at a certain
angle, perfectly adjusted. pulls bolt and the
great dead weight (d) is released. This will
weigh twice as much as CroDln. or 500 pounds
As the big weight falls down the grooyed
track 10 the ground under the building the
hempen rope, running over pulleys on a cross
beam ~, VIII quickly jerk the condemned man
seven feet into the ali. On the drop there will
be a rebound, and the man Will be suspended
with his feet about TWO feet from the floor
That there may be no bunging work OF
delay Warden Woodbridge has arranged for a
shutting oil OF The mechanism. or he can hurry
il along. BY pressing his foot on a button In
The floor he can close the cylinder containing
the shot, while by pressing another button lie
can pun out the sliding valve, releasing all the
shetland dropping the dead weight instantly.
AS soon as he has a signal from the man ad-
1usting the moose be will cause the weight 10
drop.
The mechanism Will be enclosed by partI-
lion along the entire side, that nothing can
be seen by the condemned man except the
moose. The machine works noiselessly, and
the weight falls upon soft dirt The Warden
has drilled his deputies in the part that each
may rake until there is almost perfect work.