The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-03-20
Neither Jackson Nor Wal1ing Show
Any Signs of Weakening.

NEWIoRI, NY, -V.-lHe Olu-
fashioned clock in Jailor Bitzer's office has
just chimed midnight and now the moments
are ticking away on the beginning of the
last twelve hours that Scott Jackson and
Alonzo Walling will have on earth. 1t is
understood that they will hang not later
than noon to-day. There is sign Of
fatigue on the part of the two condemned
men Ind as they have developed the habits
of night owls since their Incarceration, they
will probably not take TO their berths un-
til nearly morning. The death watch has
been more strict here than during the easy
times spent in the Alexandria jail and the
men are left alone in separate cells. They
will yet have a few hours to reflect on
the errors of their young lives, but there
is nothing to indicate that either will break
down or fall to sleep on tear-damp pillows
1t is possible that they will tell another
story in the morning, but every one is of
the opinion that they will walk firmly to
the gallows and die with their lips sealed
They are not the ordinary weak-brained
criminals who fall down at the last mo-
ment and blubber like towards. No towards
heart nerved the arm OF the man who
cruelty cut off Pearl Bryans head and no
towards brain planned the coid-blooded
murder in the first place.
for the excitement and interest is SO great
that many will likely remain up all night
so as to be on hands early in the morning
and not miss any of the dramatic sequel
10 the murder OF the ruined, yet still con-
hding, Indiana girl The Jail has been sur
rounded since the arrival OF the prisoners
this afternoon, and the crowd did not begin
TO thin out until a late hour.
The final word from Governor Bradley,
indicating that he would not stop the execu-
ton, has only increased the excitement. In
addition to the town people many have been
arriving from the country tonight. n
hanging In this county is rare event. 1t
will be a milestone in the lives of the in
habitants, as it is twenty-five years since
the last murderer met his doom on the
gallows in this old jail.
The condemned men are not at all con-
cerned about the crowd that surrounds the
Jail. The militia arrived tonight and are
on duty Their presence insures an or
derby execution. Sheriff Plummer will not
vet announce the hour of execution, but 1t
is thought that the men will be hung to-
gether tomorrow morning early.
AT las d. m yesterday the sheriff ar
rived in Newport with Jackson and Wall
ing. who had besa brought sa from from Ale4an 1ane
| taken TO their cells. in which they will re-
main until the final summons. Inc leaving
05 afc AeNaHaIiT hrff II PIummer entered the cell
and said TO Jackson You'll have TO come
| with me-" -
sheriff nut the handouts on and Jackson
said. No danger of my escaping from
| these
| Walling complained that his handouts
| were too tight Loosen en-" he said.
Il guess you'll have to hang said Sher-
| iff Plummer.
''Tll be there with you at the last" said
| The party started out Alexandria pike.
| The first two miles they were jovial. but
| they grew silent. At Cold Spring stop
| was made and cigars were furnished the
prisoners by Shereif Plummer. They did
not light them, but chewed them nervously.
All along the route the farmers were out TO
| see the condemned men pass.
| two daughters were standing on the spot
where Pearl Bryans body was found. The
curtains of the bus were UP and Sheriff
do you recognize this place, Scott?"
| turning to Jackson This is where you
Il don't recognize the spot" answered
| Jackson, looking around.
When the Alexandria pike was reached
| Jackson got up, saying: Hold on a minute.
| This is the road we took" pointing toward
| Fort Thomas. He then sat down.
If his statement is true he took the body
through Fort Thomas and back in a round
| about way to Locks farm.
| On reaching Newport at o'clock a crowd
| of 5000 or 10000 people were found to have
| gathered around the Jail. The prisoners
| were frightened and their faces blanched
| visibly as they stepped from the bus. The
officers had considerable difficulty in reach
| ing the Jail with their charges and once in
| side the prisoners breathed sigh of re-
| lief
| reporter was the first to give them the
| news of the Governors decision.
Its all UP with you, Lon,' said the re-
| .'How's that?" asked the prisoner
| why, the Governor has refused 10 inter-
fere."
Well come up and see me after awhile"
! and Walling walked sadly to his cell.
Jackson heard the talk. and said He's
making a mistake.
| They then went through the Jail gate and
/ past the inclosure containing the scaffold
| They did not look up. On arriving at their
! cell on the second floor they were
searched. walling said: Il guess we shall
| not be here long and when the end comes
/ il will be quick.
| Jackson said: I'm glad TO be back Mr.
Bitter; you treated me well.'
The arrival of Jackson and Walling
caused intense excitement After many OF
| those who had surrounded the jail had
taken their departure Jackson took of his
coat and vest and began TO pace up and
/ down his cell in a nervous way.
Wallng. who Is confined In the south cell
/ of the corridor. some feet away from Jack
/ son. quietly lighted a cigar after he had
| been locked " and began 10 smoke I'm a
| compacent manner. as III he was only an
ordinary prisoner in Jail for some petty
| misdemeanor. Several times ne walked
| over TO the window in his cell and looked
| out upon the hundreds who Were in the.
! CONTINUED ON second PaCc,l