The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-05-19
as Associated Pn..a

freshing sleep, Rev. Richeson was
transformed from a condition of de-
lirious hysteria to calmness and ap-
parent resignation. Reports tonight
Indicated the convicted slayer of Avis
Linnen is resaining the remarkable
composure which had been the wonder
OF all who studied him.
The condemned man has little ap-
petite. He ate nothing from break
fast time yesterday until noon today,
when he partook Of light refresh
ment.
Prison Chaplain Stebbens is devot-
ing his time to Richeson's comfort
and occupies a cot in one of the three
cells of the chamber during the night
and early morning hours. DR.. John
son sat by Richesons cot during the
forenoon and when he left he said that
the condemned man was perfectly ra-
tional and very quiet.
DR.. Mclaughlin, the prison physic-
ian, who visited the chamber during
the forenoon, said Richeson is not suf-
fering from general collapse. mentally
or physically.
His attack last night was really a
natural reaction" said the doctor.
REALIZED HIS FATE.
Richeson had learned yesterday fore
neon that he must go to the death
chair as penalty for killing pretty
Avis Linnell. All day he bore himself
fairly well, but as night fell, realiza-
tion of the fate that awaits him seem
ed to be impressing itself stronger;
then some one heedlessly told the
prisoner that his father did not care
TO haNe 1is body removed to Virginia,
and the hloW fell. R.cheson gave way
% rawlings kiaat were relieved by mo-
tnents when he fHplorea1 that his coun-
sci obtain permission for his body to
lie beside his mothers.
Mental pain came at intervals and
far into the night the torture con-
tinued, relieved finally early today by
the powerful opiates.
1t seemed as if the events of yester-
day shaped themselves to provide a
final climax of anguish for the pris-
oner. First came the news that Gov.
Foss would not admit of Communication.
Then followed discussion among
Richeson, his counsel and spiritual ad-
visers about the execution. The pris-
oner begged both Mr. Stebbens the
prison chaplain, and Rev. Herbert s.
johnson, his chosen adviser, to walk
to the electric chair with him. Richie
son also expressed a wish that his
counsel, Mr.. Morse, be present during
the last few minutes and further ex-
other Of the ministers would remain
constantly with him until he died.
In the meantime Richeson did not
eat his dinner or supper and when the
fit of grief and hysteria finally smote
him, he threw himself upon his cot
and moaned and shrieked His arms
and shoulders twitched, his face was
drawn in agony and from time to time
as his glances fell on the two guards
T. u. AN1 l.
scream out in horror, crying They're
watching mel They're watching mel"
Warden Bridges hurried to the death
he use, sent for the prison physician.
That official was not at home. and DR..
Frederick L. Lyons, Of Charlestown
was called.
When DR.. Lyons arrived Richeson
was still more or less hysterical but
apparently unconscious. DR.. Lyons ad
ninistered a sedative and the prisoner
went to sleep about 2 o'clock remain
ing In a deep slumber until a late
hour.
The attack follows out the conclus-
ions of alienists who recently ex-
amined Richeson and who declared
that he. although sane, was subject
t. periodical spells OF emotional dis
turbance or hystericaI delirium. It was
ella aimed that such attacks would be Of
short duration. however.
There will be no advance announce
ment Of the hour of Picheson's execu-
tion. Beyond the statutory provision
that II must take place between mid
night and sunrise, the warden of the
state prison has discretion extending
over the week DESIGNATED by the court
fer inf1iction of the death penalty.
which in this case begins with SUNDAY
next. II Is thought the execution win
take place Tuesday morning.