The daily morning journal and courier., 1897-07-09
KIPPIE BREAKS SILENCE
TnE CONDEMNED MAN TALKS OF HIS
 CRIME TO MRs. FEATHERLR.

Says He is Innocent of Intent to Marder-
 Biames Ills Wife for Her Couduct--Is
 Cheerful In the Face of the Galiows.
 For the first time since his convic- tion Thomas F. Ripple, who murdered his wife in this city, and Is to be hanged next Wednesday, has spoken of the crime. Ever since his arrival at the state prison the condemned man has been talkative upon every other sub- ject, but it was not until Wednesday that one word in reference to the crime could be extracted from him. He would discuss everything or anything else, but upon that topic his lips were sealed.
 Since he was placed in the condemned cell last week Wednesday Ripple has been allowed to see no one except inti- mate friends. His sister and his sister in-law have been his only visitors until Wednesday afternoon, when his old friend, Mrs. George Featherly of this city, went up to see him. She was sent for when Ripple was first incarcerated, but was in delicate health and could not make the trip. When her name was brought to Ripple he was greatly pleased and asked that she be at once admitted.
 The meeting between the condemned man and his friend was an affecting one. though there was little display of emotion.
 The Hartford Post says of the inter view:
 In response to inquiry as to his health Ripple said he was feeling well and had nothing but kindness from all who attended him. Then the subject of the murder was approached and for the first time Ripple spoke of it.
 Annie did not think it would end up this way he said, .-..
 'sNo, indeed" replied Mrs Featherly,
 There is one thing about it, any way" said the condemned man. T feel that I die innocent of any intent to murder. I was out in the west when I got letter telling me how my wife was going on. I was crazy when I got that letter I drank lot, and the next I remember I was somewhere in Ohio. I was on the way east. I drank more, and the very next thing I can recall was when I was arrested. As God is my judge do not know anything about killing her.
 s'I am glad if you can feel that you are innocent" said the visitor. Tt must be a great relief to you"
 Tt is," said Ripple, and then the con- versation drifted to his wife, whom he believes the one really guilty of the crime in having provoked it by her conduct.
 Nipples sister Annie. and his sister in-law, Mrs George Ripple, were with the condemned man all Wednesday af- ternoon. They spend much time with him and will do so until the execution. Ripple is attended by Father Lynch of St. ,Patrick's church. He does not seem to dread the fatal day much. He has his ups and downs; is nervous one day and cheerful the next. He does not sleep much in the early hours of the nights, but rests well after midnight and until late in the morning He eats we'll and has anything which he fancies for the table.
 Wednesday morning when Warden Woodbridge went to see him Ripple said jokingly: T believe in a week from to-day"
 T believe SOL replied the warden.
 "Along about 10 or II o'clock" said Ripple.
 The warden made no reply and the condemned man does not know the hour of the execution. The day death watch on Ripple is kept by one of the regular prison officers and the night watch by Frank Reid and Ellsworth.