Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-05-07

spieuous criminals of modern times,
was hanged in the county prison this
morning for the killing of Benjamin F.
Pitezel.
The drop fell at 1912 o'clock, and
twenty minutes later he was pronounced
dead by the prison officials, DR.. Sharp
and DR.. Butcher.
The execution was in every way
entirely devoid OF any sensational
features. To the last he was self
possessed and cool, even to the extent,
of giving a word of advice TO the
assistant superintendent as the latter
was arranging the final details. He
died as he had lived, unconcerned, and
thoughtless apparently of the future,
even with the recollection still vlvidly
before him of the recent confession IN
which he admitted the killing OF Il score
of persons of both sexes and in all parts
of the country. He refuted everything
and almost his last words we're point
blank denial of any crimes committed
except the deaths of two women at his
hands by malpractice. OF the murder
of several members OF the Pitezel
family, he denied all completely, par
licularly of the father for whose death
he stated he was suffering the penalty.
Then with the prayer of the spiritual
attendants still sounding in his ears
and with few low words to those
about, the trap swung and beyond
few incidental post mortem details, the
execution which eliminated one OF the
worst criminal stories known to criml-
nology, was ended.
Many prominent men were in attend
ance at the execution; several from
other cities. Holmes retired about mid
night and slept soundly during the en-
tire time until called at 6 o'clock. So
sound were his slumbers in fact that
twice was he called before awakening,
until the arrival of Rev. Fathers DAILY
and McPake was announced. He
greeted them warmly, but with no
show Of undue emotion and with the
same sir of selfpossession that has
marked his conduct throughout the en-.
tire case. They were come to admin.
lister the sacrament of communion and
every possible facility for privacy was
extended by Supt. Perkins, of the
prison. For nearly two hours they re-
NAMED in the cell within and then
were almost Immediately succeeded by
Lawyer Rotan, the legal adviser OF
Holmes. Pleasantly also, he greeted
him. There were several matters per-
tanning to his worldly affairs that will
have to be settled up after his death,
and this time was taken for giving the
final details and explanations. While.
discussing his affairs breakfast was
served and he seemed to heartily enjoy
the meal, and to the end he maintained
the same stoicism.
When the meal was ended, short
ly before nine o'clock, Holmes pre-
pared to dress himself. Contrary to
the general custom, he refused to don
a new suit, but arrayed himself in
trousers, vest and cutaway coat of some
dark mixed goods of pepper and salt
effect that had been worn by him fire.
quently before. Even in this he was
careful, giving every attention to even
he most minute details of his toilet.
Callar and necktie were, of course, not
worn, but their place was taken by
white handkerchief knotted carelessly
about the neck.
All the details having been arranged
Holmes was marched to the scaffold,
where he spoke as follows:
"Gentlemen, have very few words
to say; in fact [ would make no state
ment at this time except that by not
speaking would appear to acquiesce
in life in my execution. only want to
say that the extent of my wrong. doings
in taking human life consisted in the
deaths of two women, they having died
at my hand as the result of criminal
operations. wish to also state, how
ever, so that there will be no misunder-
standing hereafter, / am not guilty of
taking the lives of any of the Pitezel
family, the three children or father,
Benjamin F. Pitezel, of whose death l
am now convicted and for which | am
to-day to be hanged. That is ALL"
Holmes appeared perfectly cool and
said to the sheriff, Take your time;
don't bungle it," as the official exhibit
ed some little haste, the evident out
come of nervousness.
The cap was adjusted, q low toned
query, fare you ready? and an equally
low toned response, Eyes, good Bye"
and the trap was sprung. The neck was
not broken and there were a few con-
vulsive witches of the limbs that con-
tinued for about ten minutes. The
trap was sprung at precisely 1O:124, and
fifteen minutes later Holmes was pro-
nounced dead, though the body was
not cut down until 10:45. When it was
laid out on the stretcher occurred the
only incident approaching the revolt
ing in connection with an affair natur-
ally gruesome. The knot had become
jammed and the best efforts of the doc
tors failed to loosen tia they attempt
ed to remove the moose from about the
neck. They had was twisted about from
side to side in the unavailing attempt
and finally it was decided to cut the
rope. Superintendent Perkins object
ed, however, and the knot was undone.
The body was taken in charge by I'm.
dertaker J. ]. O'Rourke, and at three
o'clock this afternoon it was placed in a
vault in Holy Cross cemetery. There
were no services.
Indiana Republicans
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, May THE
republican State convention met here
this morning. The situation complete
y changed during the past twenty-four
i "A i ~