The Wagner post. (Wagner, Charles Mix County, S.D.) 1912-current, 1912-05-24
RICHESONS MIND IS
WORLD OF AGON|ES
Elk Minister Breaks Down
When Told His Father Did
Not Want His Body.

Boston, May 20.-A deep sleep under
opiates shut out a world of agonies
that troubled the mind of Clarence ".
T. Richeson during the earlier hours
Of today.
The fortitude of the fomer clergyman
who awaits death by electrocution next
week for the murder of Avis Linnell.
gave way last night. The collapse came
while the condemned man was alter
nately beseeching his counsel to have
his body inferred beside that of his
mother in Virginia and Historically
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 e~lectrocution. Through the
day he bore himself with outward
calmness. Little by little the import Of
the decision he had heard began to
impress itself upon him.
Body Not Wanted by Father.
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 emotions n implored Of his coun-
sci, William A. Morse, that arrange
ments be made 81 that he might lie be-
side his mother in the family lot.
AS the day wore on other incidents
occurred to disturb the condemned
man. The discussion between Riche-
son, his counsel and spiritual advisers
turned upon the execution, and the
prisoner begged both Mr.. Stebbins, the
prison chaplain, and Rev. Herbert s.
InhnCnn hio ohncnn nIx-icor 70 xrynllr
to the chair with him.
Richeson also expressed a wish that
Mr.. Morse should be present during the
last few minutes, and further exacted a
promise that either one or the other
of the ministers would remain con-
stantly with him until he died.
Paroxysm Of Grief.
In the meantime Richeson did not
eat his dinner or supper.
1t was nearly IL hours after he
learned that he must die next week
that Richeson burst out in a paroxysm
of grief n hysteria. He threw him.
self on his cot and moaned and
shrieked. His arms and shoulders
twitched, his face was drawn in agony,
and from time to tim as his glance
fell on the two guards set in DEATH
watch over him. he would scream out
in horror, crying They're watching me-!
They're watching mel"
Warden Bridges, who was notified
and hurried to the death house, sent
for the prison physician. That officer
was not at home, and DIR. Frederick L.,
Lyons, of Charlestown. was called.
When DR.. Lyons arrived Richeson
was still more or less hysterical, but
apparently unconscious. DR.. Lyons adj
ministered a sedative and the pris-
oner went to sleep about 2 O'Clock re-
naming in deep slumber until late.
Alienists' Conclusions Right.
The attack follows out the conclu-
sions OF the ~alienists who recently ex-
amined Richeson, nat Richeson, al
though sane. was subject to periodical
emotional disturbance or hysterical de-
lirium. It was claimed such attacks
would be of hort duration, however.
There will be no advance announce
ment of the hour of Richeson's execu-
ton. Beyond the statutory provision
hat it must take place between mid
night and sunrise, the warden of the
prison has discretion extending over
the week designated by the court for
infection of the death penalty, which
in this case begins with Sunday next.
1t is thought the execution will take
place Tuesday morning.