The Teton peak. [volume] (St. Anthony, Idaho) 1899-1904, 1903-11-05
UNDER DEATH WATCH
MOrtenSen Now Awaits
His Execution.
fut III Murderers' Row Constant
Guard Kept Over the Con.
demned Man.


surveillance until the time of his execu-
tion. He showed no emotion whatever
concerning the action of the Supreme
court, other than surprise that decision
had been reached so quickly A few
minutes after being placed under a
death watch he endeavored to engage
IN religious argument with the guard.
IN MURDERERS' ROW.
Since his conviction Mortensen has
been confined in the second tier north, in
the south dollhouse. His cell was located
in what is commonly known as murder
ers row.. He was removed yesterday
morning and taken to solitary cell in
the first tier north. The cell is isolated
from the Others and prevents any com
munication whatever with other
prisoners. 1t is comfortable, however,
and has an abundance of light. The
death watch sits nearby, constantly
keeping the condemned man under the
closest scrutiny
Guard Ed Naylor was the guard on
duty yesterday. The day is divided in
to shifts of eight hours each. Naylor
was relieved at o'clock in the after
noon by Guard A. G. briggs, who re-
mained on duty until midnight. At
that time Guard w. S. Ferrin was
! ,A1n 1I,fv, ofnl,n t1n ,,,.I,
oner until morning The duty is re-
garded as the most arduous that can be
imposed on a guard.
VISIT FROM WRIGHT.
Mortensen was informed of the ac-
tion of the Supreme court yesterday
morning. Acting Warden Wright Wis
tied him in his cell and notified him of
the decision of his case. He was un-
moved, merely expressing a surprise
that it was done so soon. He said that
he was not disappointed, but rather en-
couraged that the case had passed the
State courts
CONDEMNED MAN TALKS.
is that so?" said Mortensen, when
told of the decision by the acting war
den. Il am surprised that they reached
decision so early, but l am not at all
disappointed. III fact, am glad that
they are through with it, for my only
hope has always been in the Supre me
court of the United States.
Their reaching a decision so soon
will give me more time to take the case
to the highest court. My brother and
brothers-in-law will assist me financially
so as to enable me to have the case
appealed to the Supreme courts of the
United States. They haye expressed a
willingness, and know they will do it
"My only hope has always been CEN
tered there. l have thought and said
that all along Yes, am surprised that
the case was disposed of so quickly by
the courts of the State, but am really
glad that it is now out of their hands
NO COMMENT ON CHANGE.
Mortensen was taken to the isolated
cell soon after, and made no comment
on the change. He was placed under
the care of Guard Naylor, his deatl
watch, and at once began converse
ton. True to the desires which alway
possess him he attempted to open dis
cussion on religious matters He talked
freely and expressed himself as satisfied
with his new quarters. He gave order
that no newspaper men should be per
mitted to see him. He said that he hat
nothing to say and that he did not car
/ to be interviewed. The warden ha
4 issued orders that only his relatives an(
! his attorneys shall be permitted to Sc
= him.
NO PAPERS TO READ.
& No reading matter of any kind will b
permitted him except daily newspaper
Meals will be sent him from the wa
den's table and everything will
closely examined before he is permitte
to touch it. Any wish he may expires
i that is consistent with the managemer
j of the institution will be granted hin
j Until the time of his death, however.
y will be constantly under the eye of Il
u death watch. There will not be
8 moment of time, day or night, that
< is not the object of attention of t
g guards,
q The death watch is placed over t
j. condemned man in order to prevent
Y possibility of self-injury. Even
cigars which are sent to him will
Il examined for fear that outside frier
may desire to thwart the execution
the law.-Salt Lake Tribune.