The Washington times., 1905-02-10
Murderer's Last Day
In the District Jail

Seated on q rough wooden bench in
his wire cage in the rotunda OF the
jail, Shaffer spent most Of his time yes
terday morning and afternoon trying TO
console his mother, sister, and brother,
who sat in chairs which aad been pulled
up to the wire grating which separated
him from them.
The disgrace which his crime has
brought and viii bring upon his ,reia-
tives seemed TO worry the condemned
man more than anything else. This is
the only worldly matter that seems to
interest or bother Shaner.
Skaters brother. DR. William z. Shat
fer. called early yesterday morning to
see the prisoner. The latter seemed
pleased to see the druggist. but motto
ing the troubled look on his face told
him 90 bear the inevitable with more
fortitude and not take the matter to
heart so much. Shaffer said he had CON-
mended- his soul into the keeping of
God and would be better off in the next
world than in this where he continually
brooded over his disgrace.
The Family Gathers.
At 10 O'Clock Dr. Shaffer left the jail
and returned shortly afterward with the
other members of the family. Shaffer
talked cheerfully with them and chatted
about various things and made efforts
to keep his own and his relatives mind
AJff the execution. The thought of his
end had come some time before the
parting and when it did it was most
pathetic and touching. With tear-be-
dirnmed eyes and a heart torn with an
guish the prisoners mother placed her
face TO the grating. and Shafer arose
and kissed her good-by. The woman left
the Jail, unable TO bear up under the.
strain. The brother remained and talk
ed until after O'Clock in the afternoon.
viii, said Shaffer, as Dr., John
Roberts, a negro preacher, who has been
the comforter of thirty-fiye men who
have been executed at the District jail,
came up to the cage, "fet me introduce
friends. He's been a lot of comfort to
me in my trying hours and the Lord
Will bless him for it.
Friend in Rotunda.
A friend of Shaner when they were
boys was in the rctunda and Shafer
recognized him, bowed several times and
beckoned to the visitor. The prisoner
continued to rock back and forth on his
crude seat and smoke a cigar. He ap-
peared somewhat nervous. This was
not noticeable in his speech. because all
Of his thoughts seem TO be above the
world. He knocked the ashes from his
cigar, rocked the bench, turned his head
from side to side to keep from looking
his visitor in the eye. and ran his fingers
through his short beard and bushy black
hair.
Il am not afraid to meet my Gre
ator, said the prisoner. If there ever
was a truly penitent man who Is sor-
ry for his actions it Is j, and have
asked God to forgive me for that which
/ did when not myself and I feel con-
hdent that He will answer ny prayer.
The Lord is mighty to save He Is good
and all love. He will save me like lie
has millions of other sinners who re-
pented- Father Mcguire has proven a
stanch, true friend and he has promised
10 be with me when the end comes. T
see no reason why l should become I'M
neryed or break down. for / have Hight
ened my burden. become reconciled to
my fate and this is only justice, "
A Special Guard
A special guard was at the cage with
the brother OF the condemned Elan and
three others sat In the center of the
rotunda to watch the other prisoners.
No special attention is paid TO Shat
fer except when visitors call to talk with
him and spend some time. This is an
ordinary preeaution taken in the cases
of men incarcerated for the larceny Of
q peck of coal or less.
1.-THE Jail attendants have been kind
and considerate To me, a spilIer OF hui
man blood said ShaffeT, and I have
asked my brother to thank them one
and all for the courtesies extended. To-
morrow the end will come ard hope
that my fate will be a warning and an
example TO others. But / have great
comfort in knowing that / nave done all
within my power to make atonernent Tor
sny actions. except walk the narrow path