Albuquerque evening citizen. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1905-1907, 1906-05-25
special 20 The Evening Citizen.

GdJOu, N. NJ, May AO.-DdNlu Al
guello and John Medlock arose at
very early hour this morning.
Medlock was in good spirits, and
wholly resigned. He had retired an
hour later than Arguello. who retired
at 1890. Both slept well the remain
der of the night
Breakfast was served to the men
shortly before Z O'Clock this morn
ing. Medlock ate a good breakfast,
but Arguello spent the time in prayer,
and ate nothing. Medlock whistled
and sang about the cell, as he washed
up and put away the dishes from his
morning meal.
Both men seemed nervous last even
ing as the setting sun marked the
close of their last day. They had
been tcld of Governor Hagerman's
message to Attorney Champion. and
both realized that there was no re-
spite from the fate which awaited
them.
Gives Good Advice.
During the evening John Moss, col
ored, called upon Medlock. Moss was
raised by Medlock and came here from
Tennessee with him several years
ago. The parting of these friends was
very affecting, and Medlock broke
down for the first time during his
confinement He said to Moss, as
they clasped hands for the last time:
John, beware! Do not follow in my
footsteps." Me6lock then broke
down and wept bitterly.
After Moss had gone, Medlock paced
his cell desperately for some minutes
Later. he regained his composure and
talked with Sheriff Littrell and the
guards.
At 1870 this morning Medlock gave
out his last statement and retired
In his statement he confessed his
crime, said that he regretted it, warn
ed young men against bad company
| and drink. He thanked Rev. l.
Jacobs for his kindness and spiritua
advice, and closed with prayer form
of the Lutheran church.
Arguello also gave out a statement
Words of Consolation.
Shortly after O'Clock the Rev
Jacobs entered the death cell for the
| last words of consolation with the
condemned
AT 1905 the death warrants wert
read TO the men, and everything was
placed in readiness at the scafiolC
| for the hanging of John Medlock, who
was to be executed first.
Rev. Jacobs recited to them: abide
With Me-" The beautiful words were
interrupted at the last line by th'
clang of the bolts, as the cell doc
was swung open, and Sheriff Littrell
of Colfax county, Sheriff Romero, o
San Miguel county, and City Marsha
Howe, of Ration, entered.
Without Struggle.
Medlock was very CAIN, as he walk
ed between the officers to the enclos
ure and ascended the steps, "B,
strong in the Lord, John, and in tn
power of His might" were the word
of consolation softly spoken by Rev
| Jacobs.
Both men had requested that SheI
! if Littrell spring the trap which wa
to usher them into eternity. Marsha
Howe adjusted the moose, and Med
lock swung off at 1915. His pulls
continued for thirteen minutes afte
the drop, but there was no struggle
not even a tremor. His body was GU
down at 1875. His neck was no
broken, but strangulation was pei
feet.
Arguello was brought from the Gel
at 10:45, and his bearing was appal
emily as calm as was that of MedlocE
The drcp was sprung at 1888. Al
guello's pulse continued for seve
minutes. and he was cut down a
l11:05. His neck was broken.
Medlock's Statement.
John Medlock made a statement
which was read from the scaffolC
thanking the sheriff for kindness duI
ing his Imprisonment, thanking tn
Rev. Jacobs for religious consolation
and affirming repentance for nj
crimes and his hope of heaven. Hi
statement contained a warning I
young men to shun bad company an
abstain from liquor, and attributed hi
condition today to these influences
His statement closed with praye
from the Lutheran services.
Arguello's Statement
David Arguello made the fOllOwin
statement, which was also read.
Il feel that l am getting ready
meet my God today. l am not sorr
for what is being done with me 4
day. | am only sorry for breakin
the law of God. | am also sorry fC
my past sins, and pray that God wi
be merciful unto my immortal sou
for Jesus sake | am thankful
Rev L. Jacobs for his prayers in m
behalf, and for the comfort he ma
given ME through Jesus Christ, m
! Savior. Goodbye to all.
"(Signed) DAVID ARGUELLO.
ArguellO also made a short prayt
in Spanish before the drop wa
sprung.
The arrangements for the exec
ton were perfect and there was NJ
the slightest variation from the pla
arranged. The execution was wi
messed only by officers Of the lay
physicians and members Cf the pres
story Of Arguello's Crimes.
On Thursday, July %, 1903, Arguel
. murdered Mrs. Celia Dasssrt a pTett
. half-breed Mexican woman, less tina
twenty years of age q, Bowen, Colo
J RADIO.
Ar2ue,lo had been living with b