The Washington times., 1907-04-23
Burge Confident
Up to the Last
Of Escaping Fate

IN not die tomorrow: It won't be no
skiddoo day for me-" declared BurEe
yesterday morning. He had given the
hangman the dodge so often that he
really believed he would eventually
cheat the gallows entirely. Burge was
regarded by the other inmates OF the
jail as man with a charmed life. and
because Of his insane actions and speech
he attracted more attention than any
other cell tenant.
For more than two years the shadows
OF death were constantly darkening.
and the more certainly encircling Burge
in an eternal gloom. Seven times did
Justice fix the day on which his life
should be forfeited for his crime. but
on the eve Of his execution a ray OF
hope would break through the ominous
clouds and the murderer was re-
prieved.
IN tho neighborhood ia which Burge
resided lie was considered a bad mig
ger" and. with the exception Of a few
near relatives. the members OF the com
munity where he lived have not ex-
pressed any regret at his removal
Left Wife Weltering In Blood.
He was described at his trials as a
man of bad, Jealous temper and it was
said he never lived happily with his
wife or her relatives. In fact, the night
he shot his wife to death. it is also said.
he left her westering in blood and then
went in search Of his mOther-in~law and
made deadly assault upon her.
In many respectE the Burge case has
been the most remarkable ever tried in
victed Of murder: twice declared sane
by lunacy commissions; on three separ-
ate occasions sentenced to be hanged
and seven times was the date OF his
execution postponed.
Insanity Developed After Conviction.
After being first convicted, and while
awaiting the result of his appeal to the
District Court of Appeals, Burge devel-
Oped or slammed insanity, and since
that time had been apparently in a
eomatose state. While In this condition
he was taken into court and once tried
for murder. and a second time had his
mental condition passed upon by a com
mission In lunacy.
During all this time. however. Burge
would have what might be termed lucid
n
self, sometimes as very anxious to die.
and at others would declare Unau ne
would not, and that he was waiting for
his wife to come to him. as she had
promised TO do.
Eats Heartily, Sleeps Well.
Within the past few months there did
not appear to have been a change of anv
consequence in Eurge's physical con-
dition. 1t is said he ate heartily. and
generally slept well except 1t mid
night At such times. II g said. he
often awoke as If from some dread
ful dream, and startled the inmates OF
the Jail near him by unearthly screams.
Credit Due His Counsel.
Burge also had the distinction of heinz
the only person ever sentenced to death
IN the District twice the same day, and
not executed.
The fate of Burge was in the
hands Of Attorneys James O'shea and
W. ". Bride, who were appointed b1,
the court to defend him. That thew
left nothing undone in their clients he
half Is shown by the fact that he was
not executed until more than two .,ears
after his crime Both attorneys wore
hampered by lack Of funds from Burre
to prosecute a last appeal
Several days ago President Roosevelt
was asked TO exercise executive elem
eney in Burgess case. The petition nre-
pared by Attorneys O'Shea and Bride
was sent 10 the Department of Jus
Continued on Second Page)