The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1908-03-31

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AUBURN. March Probably the
most remarkable statement ever given
out BIZ mother whose only son had
Just paid With his life The penalty for
brutal murder was that given by
Mrs. Louise NJ Gillette, mother Of
Chester, to the Untetd Press Associa;
ton yesterday afternoon:
Though It is very hard for me to
feel that Chester was responsible for
Grace's death, +" she said, yet twice
asked him to say so before he died If
It we're true. wanted him to say SO
before the world and he has done so.
In his triumphant death feel that
God has answered my dearest wish
and prayer.
'And am also so thankful that he
did not strike the girl as claimed by
J the prosecution. A full account Of
what he said to his spiritual advisers
VIII never be given out, but 1 can say
before my Cod that he did not strike
Grace Brown.
! 81 feel that we should have had an
other trial before an unparalleled
jury and Judge. and where fair testi-
mony could have been given and
heard. But my boy was ready to go
to heaven. have nothing to say
against the decision of Governor
Hughes. think he decided what he
thinks was Justice, but he has shown
no mercy.
81 want to say that Gods sustaining
grace has been enough for me and
that my children have been a marvel
of strength and comfort to me. I
believe that even out of this great
trial to our faith good will come.
Resigned to Fate.
."God has not failed US, and He never
will fail those who trust Him. 1 trust
that this will bring strong protest
against capital punishment in this. that
a young life recently given.to God has
been cut of by the law when 1t might
have been spared to have been useful.
in one of the darkest places of this
lworld-a penitentiary. Though it is
hard to feel my boys life should be
sacrificed that many should see the
hideousness of the terrible law of
life for life, yet my boy is no more
to me than some other mothers boy is
to her, and II in his death he has done
more good than if he lived, which may
be true, through the testimony which
he has left behind, / thank God for
this"
How He Did II.
Gillettes confession detailed the
manner in which he threw Grace
Brown into Big Moose lake and drown
ed her. He admitted the murder. the
design and generalization, but denied
positively that he struck the girl with
tennis racket or anything else. He
said the cut on her head was caused
by striking the side of the boat in the
struggle. He had never denied the re-
sponsibility Of her condition.
Chaplain Herriclt, when seen, said:
ut was agreed between Mr.. Nell
ravey Chester and myself, that moth
ing should be given out regarding his
confession. except our statement that
no legal mistake YVES made. I shall
never say one word more nor will Mr..
McIlravey. However, there clearly Is
but one conclusion to be drawn from
our statement and cannot see how
there could be any doubt as to what
is meant.
Chester kept diary all the time
he WIS in prison. 1t is now in my
hands for censoring. I have not look
ed at IT yet, and don't know when
will. | doubt If it VIII ever be made
public,
81 have had much experience In exc
cutions, but never saw man go to
his death with more fortitude than did
Chester Gillette"
The Rev. McIlravey was in such
collapsed condition that he could
make no statement whatever
Fmbrev eed ct Won for suit