Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1912-05-18
UNsYMPATHETIC SYMPATHY
MAN TELLS Ex-PREAcHER HIS
BODY CANNOT BE BURIED BY
HIS MOTHER
HE IS PLUNGED in ANGUISH
ATTEMPTED CONSOLATION OF
FRIENDS DOES NOT RELIEVE
HIS HYsTERIA

Boston, May 1S.-A deep sleep, un-
der the influence of opiates, shut out
a world of anguish from the troubled
mind of Clarence V. T. Richeson dur
ing the earlier hours of the day. The
fortitude of the former clergyman, who
awaits death by electrocution next
week for the murder of Axis Linnell,
gave way last night. The collapse
came while the condemned man was
alternately beseeching his counsel to
have his body inferred beside that OF
his mother in Virginia and hystercally
raving over the fancied persecution OF
the two guards forming his death
watch.
Richeson learned definitely for the
first time yesterday that he must meet
death by electrocution. Through the
day he bore himself with outward calm
ness. Little by little the import OF
the decision he had heard began to
impress itself upon him. Some OF
those who entered the death chamber
impaired to the prisoner the fact that
his father did not care to have his
body taken to Virginia for burial
Richeson at once gave way to his emo
tions and implored of his counsel,
William A. Morse. that arrangements
be made so that he might lie beside
his mother in the family lot. AS the
day wore on other incidents occurred
to disturb the condemned man. The
discussion between Richeson, his coun-
sci and spiritual advisers turned up
on the execution and the prisoner beg
ged both Mr.. Stebbins, the prison
chaplain and the Rev. Herbert s.
Johnson, his chosen adviser, to walk
to the chair with him.
Richeson also expressed wish that
Mr.. Morse should be present during
| the last few minutes and further ex-
acted a promise that either one OF
the other minister would remain con
stantly with him until he died. In the
| meantime, Richeson did not eat bis
dinner or supper.
It was nearly IL hours after ne
learned that he must die next weeR
that Richeson burst out in paroxysm
of grief and hysteria. He threw him
self on his cot and moaned ano
shrieked. His arms and shoulders
twitched, has face was drawn in agony
and from time to time, as his glance
fell on the two guards set in death
watch over him, he would scream ou'
in horror, crying: they're watching
me. they're watching me-"
Warden Bridges, who was notified
hurried to the death house and sem
for the prison physician. That off
cial was not at home and DR.. Freder
lick L. Lyons, of Charlestown was call
ed When DIR. Lyons arrived Richesor
was stiIl hysterical but apparently -un
lconscious. DR.. Lyons administered
| sedative and the prisoner went Z
lsleep about 2 o'clock. remaining il
deep slumber until late.
The attack follows out the conciu
sions Of the alienists who recent!
examined Richeson that Richeson, al
though sane, was subject to periodic
al emotional disturbance or hysterica
delirium. 1t was claimed such al
!. tacks would be of short duration, how
ever There will be no advance an
nouncement of the hour of Richeson
! execution. Beyond the statutory PFC
: vision that it must take place between
) midnight and sunrise, the warden Q
the prison has discretion extendln
over the week designated by the cour
for infliction of the death penalty
j, in this case begins with Sunday mex
} II is thought the execution will taw
/ which in this case begins with SUI
l. day next. It is thought the executio
win take place Tuesday morning