The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-06-30
FRANK COOK SAYS
He IS READY TO DIE
Execution VIII Take Place at
Noon Today.
DECLARES HIS INNOCENCE
And Win Do So Until the Last-Sees a
DayofIudgment in Store For all
Who Sent Him to Death
DECLARES HIS INNOCENCE

Frank Cook, the unfortunate negro who
was convicted of the murder of Conductor
John Blackburn of the Southern railroad,
will go to the gallows today proelaiming
his innocence to the last.
1.-The last words that 1 utter he said
yesterday, will be that 1 am innocent, aud
1 would say it if they jerked my head
off,
AL arrangements for the execution have
been made, and the gallows which requires
only to be put together will be placed in
position early this morning under Sheriff
O. Briens personal supervision. Yesterday
Cook was placed in the condemned cell
over the jail office, and when an Age-rier-
aid reporter called in the afternoon he was
standing near the grated window of the
cell gazing blanlkly at photograph which
was resting on the sill.
He greeted the reporter with a smile and
appeared to be perfectly reconciled to his
fate.
Yes, I am ready to co. he said, "but
I am not sure that will hang tomorrow;
none OF US can see that far ahead, and
something may happen to save me. 1 am
innocent, but if must go, am ready at
any time"
He seemed to think that the governor had
acted in bad faith with him, for he said:
1.-THE governor promised to let me know by
Tuesday but 1 have heard nothing from
him. I knew he would do as he pleased
but judgment day is coming, and every
man that had any part in hanging me for
a crime that l did not commit will stand
before just Judge, who will punish him.
I will be there, and they will be sorry they
ever saw me or heard of me.
1.-THE idea of hanging man on the testi-
mony of dogs!' he continued. why,
dog would as soon chase rabbit as man,
and besides, my house was out in the open,
and anybody could pass by or come up on
the porch as easy as not.
God is good" he said, land His words
of comfort have prepared me to go. If He
is with me tomorrow 1 will walk to the gal
lows as strong as L am now"
us that your sweethearts picture you
have?" inquired the reporter.
mo sir" he replied sit is the picture of
a friend of mine who sent it to me-"
The cell was lighted with an irncandes-
cent lamp, and contained only few arti-
Giles. His hat, coat and neckHe were on
the iron cot which fitted in close to the
wall on the south side of thr CELL On
You haven't stopped eating?" inter-
large envelope containing papers and let
tiers, a pipe and a worn bible, which SEEM
ed to be the negro's comforter. His sup
per, the regulation Jail food, was in
pan on the floor.
You haven't stopped eating?" inter
rogated the reporter.
mo, no." he said, I'm going to eat my
supper in a few minutes. No. I'm going to
eat until the time comes"
During the afternoon Rev. w. r. Petit
ford, president of the Alabama Penny Saw
ing bank, accompanied by another minis
ter, called on Cook and offered him spirit
ual consolation. They were with him for
some time, and promised to call again
morning.
Cook passed the early part of the night
in prayer About 2 o'clock he quoted down
and appeared to rest.
The execution will take place in the
rear yard of the county JAIL and will be
witnessed by only few persons.
Sheriff O'Brien has been besieged for
passes but outside of the deputies. doctors,
ministers and representatives of the press
no one will be admitted.