New-York tribune., 1895-08-05

print. suggesting that at one or two executions
death was caused. not by the means which the
law prsscr'bes but by drugs or the surgeons
knife Undscriminating readers are misled by
such stories. and perhaps neither see the printed
denials nor perceive the interested motives which
often inspire these misrepresentation. More
over electrical science is not understood gen.
orally as 1t might be by the public; so that peo-
pie who are well informed in most other matters
might easily be deceived in these. There are
however in this country two experts in this
branch Of study who enjoy international fame
because Of their researches and inventions. The
world recognizes no higher living authorities in
electrical matters than Thomas A Edison and
Niko!a Tesla, and any who does not feel
compete>t to form opinion for himself In re-
gard TO this subject may perhaps prefer to ac-
cept theirs instead.
Mr. EDIsON's EXPLICIT ANSWERS
Mr. Edison was seen yesterday at his charming
home in Lleweyn Park. West Orange. y. ]. To
half dozen questions about electrical executions
he gave characteristicay laconic but explicit an
swers He spoke without hesitation evasion
and with the earnestness Of conviction.
What do you think Mr.. Edison" asked the
reporter about these stories of the resusctation
Of criminals after electricity has been employed
10 infiet the death penalty?'
DO you consider this method of execution as
sure DEATH?
absolutely"
rs 1t PAINFUL"
NO: the action Of the electricity is too rapid
for man TO be conscious of IT, In this respect its
work is instantaneous. although 1t is customary
10 prolong the administration of the current for
several seconds"
What form Of current is most deadly, in your
Judgment
AN intermittent one. such as they in exc
cutions. The current flows first one way and
then the other each change producing a shock
10 the victim which is like iron on an anvil re-
celving fifty blows second from a mighty ham,
mer."
The voltage employed at Sing Sing and Au-
burn is from 1,2OO to LOO; how Mr.. Tesla
In his famous experiments, two or three years
ago. able to stand 250000 volts?'
IT REQUIRES AMPERES TO KILL.
NO amperes" was Mr. Edison's first reply.
and then. by way Of explanation. he added:
There are two things 10 be kept in mind in
talking about electrical currents-amperes, or
volume. and volts, pressure If you use a mis-
sile as slender as knitting needle 1t VIII not
deliver 50 heavy blow as bar an inch thick
flying at the rate. Unless a current nave
certain volume then. II might have pressure
OF 100000 or even 900 volts, and yet be COM
paratively harmless ~
'How nanv amperes are required TO kill?'
with the pressure used at Sing Sing and Au-
burn probably two
What other precautions are necessary
The contacts between the terminals of the
wire or electrodes. and the human body shouid
be good TO insure the passage OF the cu'rent
through the latter About thirty hneineh are
killed every year and these poor fellows usuaiy
touch the fatal wire only for second, are par
italy protected. perhaps by aheT clU,nans San n'e is
employed for executions Yet. even with such
poor contacts see the result, In carrying out
the death sentence, pains are taken not ON! ~
have A suitable current and TO prolong It's ad-
ninistration. but also to see that the contacts
are thoroughly made. Great attention Is paio u
this vital point
Mr. TESLA DECLINES TO TALK.
Mr. Tesla was also requested to discuss THESE
questions with Tribune reporter last week.
But the gifted and enthusiastic lhVeh'oi u
clined courteousy but firmly. to talk for puDh-
cation The refusal was due perhaps, TO scru-
pies about expressing his ideas. and not to any
Uncertainty or doubts existing in his own niiiu' u
Indeed il has been learned that IN prlVa''e eo"-
yersation he has uttered well-defined opinions,
friend and warm admirer of Mr Tesla sald
YESTERDAYS 10 a Tribune reporter: you hlust ~. ~,
misunderstood his reserve. He Is an eAceeuei. -
Conscientious as well obliging ieHoW. - -
well known that some o. his most brilliant eA-
periments were undertaken years ago loI .te
sake Of demonstrating that aiterhatihs rander
could be used in such a manner as " 100
them harmless And he proved MS point ~ ~.
Hence 1t puts him In an embarrassing pos'.ioo'. .ho 40
ask him TO demonstrate the other size Vi '"'
question .
"hr Tesla very well knows. thougn ,,.,oms
tnued the Tr.bune's informant what conu..,u, III,
are Necessary 70 make an electric shock certa'iy M
snd promptly fatal He lays great suess 49,
having the electrodes or terminals OF rn. III ,be
uic current. placed in proper contac. rnn %rn dry
cocy / have myself heard him say ,,,c, Ihv y
skin is a pretty fair insulator, and may oos'1 n
The passage Of the current; but II tne t"o ' .ha
,acts be made with the blood or huids "a "a Low
IA BODY no doubt l0) volts even less woula h 70,
y man out IN instant He Wouio DE h''e" -
sond all hope Of resuscitat ton
HOW HIGH FREQUENCY" CURRENTS "oi'N
In reference to the much-discussed e*Peii
" taking an alternating current throus"
oooy with a voltage Of 100000 without har''' ~
iesla himself explained TO a Tribune repo,'
,so years ago the object and character .,oned :.
pSIormance. AS has been already n. nen' ,Oioht
=" motive TO show that such curfen's md
~ harmless under certain circumstances -
H@ particular means which he empoyeu fre-
su them innocuous 70 Increase III. xnar,-
rasncy Of the alterations. In thosc -atorv
nents by means OF specially devised iapyt ia''sa az
stppafatus his current was made 10 ots.,ans a
s as astonishing rate Of million vipra rS,na Nv
'econo instead Of fifty or 100. the o'"i"