Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-05-16

several days Personally, / believe
that Governor Foss will refer this Pc
tition to the Council, for l cannot un-
derstand how three such noted spe-
cialists can fail to adjudge Rieheson
irresponsible after the very thorough
examination they have made of him.
After being in session about an hour
the Executive Council adjourned for
luncheon without the Richeson case
being even Informally discussed. Aft
er adjournment some of the council
lors asked the Governor privately
what the standing of the case. Gov
ernor Foss answered that the case
was exactly the same as it was when
he appointed the commission of alien
lists and that until their report was re-
ceiyed he would not know what his
course of action would be. Rieheson's
fate the Governor explains, is in the
hands OF four medical judges, upon
whose report will depend whether the
case will be referred to the Council
for action.
When Rieheson entered the house OF
death at Charlestown, yesterday, he
found an interior as immaculate as the
home of The neatest of houselseeners
after spring cleaning Within the
past few weeks the entire building has
been repaired. A new roof and new
floors were among the renovations
while the whole interior was newly
painted in white. Although Il seeming
nockery the electric chair itself WAS
freshly Vanished and a new rubber
mat placed in front OF It,
Richeson passed his first night In
The death chamber uneasily, last night
During his stay in the Charles Street
jail he had the companionship of Har-
rs II. Butts. colored prisoner, to
whom as Southerner used TO such
service, he became quite attached and
on whom he was more or less depend
ent.
The prisoner undoubtedly missed his
PRISON friend and was more or less af-
fectcd by the constant vigilance of the
two guards who watched him uneeas-
ingiy through the night. The night
was passed in tossing and turning upon
his cell cot.
Hut dozen PAGES away was the
death chair where sometime during
next week. possibly even as early as
Monday morning he would have to
meet death in expiation of his crime
Of the murder Of pretty little Avis Linz
nell of Hyannis, his betrayed sweet
heart
The prisoners breakfast was brought
him from the prison hospital cook
room. 1t included the customary glass
of hot milk of which Richeson is fond.
followed by coffee. Other food for
which he expressed preference was
also supplied but the man ate but
lightly.
Early in the morning, the Rev Herbert
S. Johnson, pastor of the Warren Avenue
Baptist church. called upon Richeson.
The latter, late yesterday, Informed the
warden he would prefer to have Mr.
johnson visit him. Rev. Mr. Johnson
was asked, last night if he cared TO act
as the prisoners spiritual adviser and he
replied he would prefer to wait until he
could see Hicheson, today. before de-
| Gliding the matter During Rieheson' )
| stay at the jail he visited him often. The
clergyman has expressed himself very
, strongly OH the case however, declaring
| that he believed in capital punishment
and If Rcheson was found to be sane
he should be electrocuted Richeson has
been fully aware Of Rev. Mr.. Johnson S
views.
Rev Mr.. johnson remained with Richie
son for about 20 minutes, this morning
Attorney Morse also called and stayed
about half an hour. Among the others
who talked with the condemned man
were Warden Bridges, DR.. Joseph / Nc
Ilaughlin. the prison physician and Rev
Herbert w Stebbins. the prison chaplain
Warden Bridges told Richeson he could
have anything to eat or read he desired
and that it was the intention of the
officials to make him as comfortable as
possible The prisoner Is not permitted
to use knife or fork or any other inn.
plement with which he could harm him.
1 self.