The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-01-06
BAT SHEA REPRIEVED.
His Accomplish Confesses the Crime at
the Last Moment.

Albany N Y, Jan. 5.-The climax of
one of the most dramatic and sensational
criminal incidents of the states history
was made public today, when just forty
eight hours prior TO the execution OF the
death sentence upon Bartholomew Shea an
other man confessed TO the murder, and
Shea steps from beneath the shadow OF
death thrown by the electric chair. The
man who voluntarily confesses to the
crime is John McGough. of Troy, now
serving a sentence of nineteen years ami
SIX months for shooting and attempting 10
Kill William Ross, a brother Of Robert
Ross, who was supposed TO be Shea ) VIC
tim. In some way known only 10 con-
victs, McGough had contrived to keep in
formed as TO the success or the failure Of
the applications for Communication made in
behalf of Shea. When Shea was SEN
fenced to die, December g. it is believed
McGough was then ready to confess, but
when he learned that a respite had been
granted he withheld his confession. After
the holidays he learned that the efforts TO
obtain Communication FOR Shea had not Ceas-
ed. and so he made no sign. On Saturday,
when Warden Thayer was made aware
that the governor would not Interfere. and
arrangements were being made for the exc
cutiou, McGough sent for the warden and
told him he wished TO make a statement
concerning the murder OF Robert Ross. The
warden told him 10 put down what he mad
TO say in writing. To the surprise of the
warden and his deputies, the paper con-
taned a decided statement that he. Nc
Cough, and not Shea. had shot and killed
Robert Ross. The statement contained no
details Of the shooting other than the bold
confession OF the act. Warden Thayer at
once dispatched the prison stenographer to
Albany, and Gov. Morton, upon learn
ing the nature of the communication. de-
cided TO grant a respite for four weeks,
during which time counsel could take the
proper means to bring the matter before
the court for a new trial The respite VIII
be issued tomorrow and WI be in force
until February 1.
The confession Of McGough will bring 20
mind the tragic series of events that led
up to the present dramatic results The
conviction Of Shea, and the great public
sentiment against his release. were Tue
not entirely 10 the fact that he shot Ross.
g)ut to the aroused public sentiment against
the disgraceful violation Of the purity OF
the ballot that made the city of Troy a
byword. The crimes occurred on March 6,
1894. Shea and McGough headed a crowd
of repeaters who had worked at almost
every polling place in Troy. They did their
dastardly business by violence, and IN one
melee that occurred, in which twenty or
more shots we're fired, tho two Ross boys
fell II was while Robert lay PROSTATE
that somebody ran up and shot him IN this
head. This crime was finally laid 10 Shea's
door and he was sentenced 10 death
while McCiough was sent 10 prison for nine
teen years for his assault upon William
Ross. Shea case was taken TO the court
OF appeals, which confirmed the conyict.5n
The governor respited him until after the
holidays, but on Saturday refused 10 COM
mute the sentence.
Some idea Of the sentiment IN Troy over
the matter can De obtained when IL is
known the citizens are erecting a monu-
ment 81 honor OF Ross VINO lost his ufe
defending the ballot box against the CT
ganized toughs or the Democracy.
TIE Central hotel. at Altoona. Pa. was
burned 10 the ground last night. and one