Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-02-09

information that since Mr.. McCue's con-
viction he has exhibited several symp-
toms of insanity, and has written num-
Der of letters which indicate that he is
not, at this time, sane. So far as we
know, he is not aware that any further
efforts are being made in his behalf, and,
therefore, there is no reason to think
that he is feigning insanity"
With but one whole day left in this
world before his execution some time
before sunset tomorrow, McCue awaits
bis doom without seeming tremor Of
fear, but with apparent nervousness.
He was more ''shifty" yesterday than
be has been since he was arrested, and
talked with his visitors with less CON-
posture than formerly. Among bis visi-
tors we're the pastors Of two churches OF
Charlottesville, including bis own He
was inclined to talk much of spiritual
matters to all visitors, bnt to no one, as
far as can be learned, has he referred
again to his guilt or innocence. Specu.
lation as to whether or not McCue will
make or has made a confession continues,
but pothing definite can be learned.
When the Court of Appeals refused the
condemned man writ of error in answer
to appeal of his attorneys and he was
moved from his cell to a steel cage for a
few days, McCue took from his trunk a
paper and placed it in the inside pocket
Of his coat. This was reported as hiss
will, but many persons have advanced
the opinion that it is a confession that
he will give TO some minister and have
made public after his execution. But
few will witness the execution--s COM
mittee Of twelve reputable citizens, in
Guiding physicians, the newspaper men
and few others.
Charlottesville, Feb. 9.--The eve of
the execution of ex-Mayor j. Samuel
McCue finds his relatives making q last
despairing effort to save his life. The
governor will be asked, today, to stay
the execution on the grounds of the in
sanity OF the condemned man, aHd the
United States Supreme Court will be
asked to grant writ of error according
to statements made by attorneys for Me-
Cue. The three youngest children of
McCue, Sam, Harry and little Ruby,
are circulating petitions for clemency.
Several lawyers are making tour of
cities from which the trial jury was
drawn, asking them to sign petition to
the governor which reads as follows:
'That had the plea for insanity been
made the verdict would have been diff
erent--not murder in the first degree "
SO far as known only one or two jurors
have signed. Before retiring last
night, McCue sang the old hymn: 81
would not live always" his death
watch Jeffries, joining in the song.
The belief that McCue will yet confess
is strong, and grows from the prisoners
constant repetition of the fifth verse of
the thirty-third Psalm which relates to
confession to God aud not 10 man. The
hour of the execution has not been fixed
by Sergeant Rogers, but twill be in the
forenoon. Two ropes have been pro-
cured One is brand new and comes
from Philadelphia. The other was used
in Augusta county, in the execution OF
negro. The hanging tomorrow will
be witnessed only By the few persons
designated by law. 1t is said here that
Messrs. Walker & Sinclair are not ac-
quainted with any efforts that may be in
progress to secure apostponement of the
hanging by making an appeal to the U.
S. Supreme Court
Richmond, Va. Feb Ex-Governor
Montague underwent the most try
ing ordeal OF his life, at noon,
today, when Ruby McCue, the 10 year
old daughter OF the condemned Char
lottesvile man, made personal and
fearful appeal for her fathers life. She
was led away by an aunt and her uncle,
L. o. McCue. The governor was deeply
affected He indicated in a most deli
cate way TO Mr.. McCue that he would
not interfere with the sentence of the
courts.
Washington, d. c., February g.
Attorneys Machen and Smithy, for !
j. Samuel McCue, of CharIottes-
vile, sentenced to be executed to-
morrow for the murder of his wife, to- f.!
day filed with Chief Justice Fuller, of |
the Supreme Court of the United States,
application for stay of execution and |
writ of error. The Chief Justice has
taken the matter under advisement.
Especial dispatch to the Alexandria Gazette
Richmond Va, Feb. &c. o. Nc
Cue, Mrs. Rhodes, McCue's sister, and
little Ruby to-day presented petitions
from citizens of Charlottesville, asking
that the Governor commute McCue's
sentence to life imprisonment The
Governor took no action, but listened at
tentively to the petitioners. Messrs.
Machen and Moncure will present their
papers this afternoon. Indications point
strongly to McCue hanging tomorrow.
Dr. Snowden returned to his home in
this city from Charlottesville this even
ing. He says that the Alexandria at
torneys did not put in an appearance in
and that after an inter-
view with the local attorneys it was de-
cided to do nothing at this time. The
doctors up to the time Of his leaving
had not made an exami.
nation of McCue as to his sanity.
General Miles Again.
In a statementissued in Boston yester-
Law concerning the recent discussion of |
he imprisonment of jefferson Davis at