Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-07-29
Chicago blue Beard"
Given 4 Weeks to Appeal.
Attorneys Succeed in Raising
Money for Costs in Case.
Gov. Deneen Grants Stay---The Woman Un-
derstood 10 Be Miss Cora Wilson.

Chicago, July 28.-Johann Hoch, con-
fessed bigamist and sentenced to be
hanged, today, for poisoning one of his
wives, was, this afternoon, granted {
reprieve until Aug. % by Governor De-
neen. The stay of execution followed
hours Of anxiety on the part Of Hoch
who had never given up hope and was
allowed by the governor orly after the
latter had been assured that the neccs-
raised. The amount, $500. vas given by
an attorney and friend Of Hoch's coun-
sci.
An incident at the Jail during the
preparations for the execution was the
appearance Of Il physician and wom-
an who told Jailer Whitman that they
wished to raise the funds for the con-
demned man and asked the jailer to de-
lay the hanging as long IS possible.
Hoch's attorney, however, had al
ready been in communication with au-
thorittes respecting the stay of SEN
tence
About the time set for the execution
the attorney who furnished the money it
was said, telephoned Hoch's lawyer that
the former had 500 to give toward aid
ing to appeal the case. The two law
yers hastened to the Jail, told Jailcr
Whitman of the money secured and ar
ranged with the jailer TO postpone as
long as possible the execution Of Hoch.
Meanwhile, they sought States Attor-
ney Healey and had him arrange a con-
ference with Governor Deneen over the
long distance telephone. Hoch's coun-
sci told the governor that there was
lacking only a small sum of the amount
necessary for review Of the case. At
ter discussion the matter with the state
attorney, the governor finally consented
to stray for the condemned man and
then notified Hoch's counsel.
Hoch. even within a few hours of the
time set for the hanging was quiet con-
fident of executive clemency, although
ut times. he seemed TO dispair Of recciv :
ing a repricve. He had retired early in
the night and awoke at o'clock. this
watch of two guards and talked with
them for some time He changed his
clothes and seemed resigned to the fate
that awaited him but he assured his
few visitors that there might be a
chance Tor MN yet.
Meanwhile, unknown to Hoch. nego-
tiations for the reprieve were progressing
1t was at noon and the delay up 10 this
time inspired Hoch with renewed hope.
He smoked a cigar and read. Half an
hour later through the window of his
qulrters, he having removed from the
Cell he had occupied. he received the
news of mis- reprieve. 1t was conveyed
to him by spectators of the proceedings
in the states attorneys office which
adjoins that of the jsil building. When
the news was brought to him also by
the ministers. he was overjoyea. He
clasped their hands and declared that he
was the happiest man alive. The crowd
about the Jail sent up a shout that was
heard for blocks. The prisoners joined in
the demonstration and Hoch was almost
overcome.
Hoch's attorney Announced that the
would at once prepare to appeal the
case.
At 2 A. NJ. JailOr Whitman was
aroused from his sleep to answer a tel
ephone call. Some person who refused
to give his name announced that he
would appear at the Jail at 10 A. NJ,
prepared to furnish money, the lack of
which it has been alleged, prevented
Hoch from appealing to the Illinois
supreme court. The records cost $11O0.
Hoch had 800 and a conditional prom
Use of 500 additional. At the hour
named DR.. Montgomery with Mrs. Will
son appeared at the Jail. They con-
WINGED Whitman they were in earnest
and steps We're at once taken for new
appeal to the governor.
Mrs. Wilson said she stood ready to
advance q portion of the money neces-
sary to enable Hoch to carry his case
to the supreme court and that three
persons had last night also agreed to
advance a part of the sum necessary.
Mrs. Wilson departed TO see these men
and if possible to appeal to the COVER
nor herself. Meanwhile Hoch, who had
about given up all hope, paced his cell
nervously awaiting the outcome.
DR.. Montgomery and Mrs. Wilson left
the Jail together. Mrs. Wilson chung
tenaciously to her anonymity. She said:
IT am interested in the case solely be-
cause think the man ought to have
chance-an equal chance"
pr. Montgomery refused to reveal his
companions identity. He took occasion
to class as absurd" the deduction
made by experts as to how Hoch ad-
ministered arsenic to his wives.
After DIR. Montgomery and Mrs. Will
son left thesjail, States Attorney Heaiy
talked over the long distance telephone
with Gov. Deneen, who is at Spring
field. and informed him Of the latest
phase of the situation. The governor
told the states attorney to ascertain
whether the offer was bona fide to
make. sure of the money and then call
the governors Office again. The COVER
nor thereupon instructed Sheriff Bar
rett to delay the execution until 1.50
p. M.
Soon after DR.. Montgomery and Mrs.
Wilson returned to the states attor-
ney's office where they were closeted
with her attorney and Hoch's attor-
ney. After the conference Hoch's law
Continued on Page Two1