The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-06-21
CHANCE OF STAY
IN ROGERS CASE
Attorney General Not Ready
to Argue Habeas Corpus.
WOMAN LIGHTER HEARTED
Prospect of Visit to the Outside World
Rouses Her Interest in Her Per-
sonal Appearance.

WINDSOR, VT, June 21.-The chance
that Mary Rogers, who is under SEN
tence TO die Friday for the coId-blooded
murder of her husband, Marcus Rogers,
will get another reprieve looks brighter
today.
The action of her. counsel in procuring
a writ of habeas corpus from United
States Judge Wheeler in Brattleboro
Monday night took the State officials by
surprise. This was indicated by devel-
opments today. Attorney General Fits
was TO appear in Windsor this afternoon
to argue on the writ IN opposition to
the claims of error made by Mrs. Rog-
ers' counsel. He sent word this morning
that he would be unable to be In Wind
sor IN time for the hearing, and an ar
rangement was made whereby the hear
ing was transferred to Brattleboro.
Word of the change was sent to Judge
Wheeler and TO Governor Bell.
1t is considered more than likely that
Attorney General Fits will not be nre-
pared to argue the case at length this
afternoon, and that he will consent to
an adjournment for month. In that
event Governor Bell will necessarily
have to issue another reprieve.
Almost Light Hearted.
Mrs Rogers was almost light-hearted
this morning over the prospect of a fur
ther stay in her execution.
~ am still hoping for the best" she
said to her lawyers, who visited her at
the prison this morning. ut may be
that l may never have to hang"
The convicted woman spent a busy
morning preparing for her appearance IN
court this afternoon. She has not been
outside the prison confines for over two
years and the prospect of visit to the
outside world aroused her interest in her
personal appearance. She may not get
this glimpse of freedom. however as the
change of the place of hearing may up
set that part Of the program, TOO. A con-
ference was held TO determine the neces-
sity of taking the woman to Brattle-
boro.
Despite a heavy downpour of rain,
quite crowd gathered near the prison
today to learn developments in the
celebrated case and to get a glimpse of
the woman, If possible.
Preparations for Execution.
Preparations for the execution of Mrs
Rogers are complete and nothing re-
mains but the action in the court this
afternoon. The gallows. erected a month
ASp, ticS never peel taken down and the
rope and moose have been throughly
tested If Mrs. Rogers is hanged she
will, at the fatal moment. be enshrouded
with black silk bag, which will -each
from her feet to her neck, while a blacl,
hood will cover her face.
One of the assistant deputy sheriffs
will spring the trap, but which one has
not been determined Most of the depu-
ties have discovered that they have
been until now unconscious sufferers OF
cardiacal arrangement.
Poison for Condemned Woman.
Superintendent Lowell. of the Windsor
State prison. received a letter from Bos-
ton In this mornings mail. 1t enclosed
a small package of dark gray powder In
the note was an offer to the superinten-
dent of - 900 If he would give the poison
TO Mrs Rogers between now and the
time of tho execution. The letter was
unsigned.
The letter will be turned over to the
pCstt! authorities. 1t was typewriter
and was undoubtedly the work of a
crt-nk.