Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-09-04
FIFE'S PHOTOGRAPH.
HOW 1T WAS TAKEN.
Calm to the Last.
HIS FATHER WITH HIM-HIS BODY
WAS NOT SECURED.

Editor John Mitchell, Jr called
again at the Richmond City Jail, We'd
nesdsy, 25th ult., the day before JOS
eph Fife was to be executed. The
ministers, Rev. Burrell and Rev Tart
entered the cell and commenced re-
ligious exercises.
George Fife, the father of the con-
demned lad had accompanied them.
THE SCENE SOLEMN.
While they were thus engaged, the
scene in the Jail was sombre and awe
inspiring. In the main office could be
seen about a half dozen long range
rifles in the racks, ready for any emer-
gency.
The announcement that Fife WAS
ready caused a cOmmotiOn. Before he
took his place, white guard stood on
the bridge in order to try the camera
then Fife's father
Here they come, it was Deputy
dellstern. and with him was Joe Fife
tie wore the black suit, but was bare
footed. He placed himself in position
and his father stood beside him. He
was anxious TO have Mr.. Hellstern
photographed with him, but the depu-
ty moved not. He was stationed on
the steps leading down into the yard.
DUTY To GUARD HIN.
He was detailed to guard the con-
demHed lad, and could not have been
induced TO leave that post for a small
fortune.
Fife was smiling. He was thor
ougbly composed and stood without a
culver HIS photograph taken, he re-
turned to his cell He wore no
handouts and was in no way mana
cled.
We stepped out upon the bridge or
stairway whe the youth had stood
A crowd lined the street below. Word
had been passs i'm few moments,
and people had hastened TO see the TO-
rum of him who had lay appoint ed
in which TO die and soon would be cold
in death.
THE GALLows AND ITS HORRORS
Descending to the yard below, a
photograph of the gallows was made
A colored man with antics wierd. aud
q laugh which resounds d through the
prison stood on the death-trap, appar
emily enjoying the performance
The other prisoners got at "A respect
iul distance, none seeming to relish
bel g taken or seen in such grim p. G.
ture.
THE BODY NOT SECURED
The body of Joe Fife was not secur-
ed by his relatives Rev S @ BurrellI
said that DIR. Matthews told him that
the colleges were much in need of
subjects and would not give them up
without struggle. They paid some
times as high as two hundred or three
hundred dollars for them.
THAT PECULIAR STATEMENT.
This statement was rather remarka-
ole ana re must have thought that the
person with whom he was cOnversiap
slept Oh the grass and had become as
green as the sod upon which he rested
Mrs. Fife was much worried and suf-
fered from Mysteries. 1t was some
time before the truth couldbe told her.
She is anlmOst an invalid as it is and
her recent troubles have aggravated
her ailments.
The last statement of Joe Fife made
TO Deputy r X. Ralston, when he told
. him, Il will serd you a telegram
March IA" has awakened untold inter-
est
There is much speculation as to-
the youth meant. 1t has caused con-
sternation among the superstitious.-
the believers in luck and chance.
Some think that it means that the
winged messenger of death will come
W INC ucput4 soon, OJherS that some
thing dreadful will overtake him or
his and still others decline TO
discuss it and nod their head onumous-
ly with the remark, Il wouldn't like
for it to be me-"
Il will send you telegram March
H." is a significant expression. Why
should File have selected March?
The ides of March" were the warning
words TO Julius Caesar. But perhaps
after ali it was chance remark of the
lone youth ere he was launched into
eternity
Mr.. Ralston arranged the straps, pre-
paratory to the final plunge. Twas to
hlm he gave the message. Time and
time alone will demonstrate its signi-
tcance.
Il will send you telegram March
land.