The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-02-25
I'm Pleased Beyond Words, "
Ex-Policeman Tells The Sun
Quotes Shakespeare and the Bible to Show His
Feengs-Loud in Praise of His Wife
Expects Vindication

OsstNlNG, y. l., fep. sf-OhaFieS
Becker talked with a reporter for THE
Sun tonight for three-auarters Of an
hour and told how happy the verdict OF
the Court OF Appeals had made him and
how he was now confident Of complete
vindication.
The interview took place in the prin-
clpai keepers office. just outside the
death house. where the former police
lieutenant has been confined under SEN
tence of death for sixteen months. 1t
was shortly before o'clock when Becker
strobe into the room with outstretched
hand and a broad smile upon his face.
Hello. hello. hello" he said. with a
hand grip that nearly broke several nm
gers. GLAD 20 see you"
He looked IN every line and expression
as like the man who went to sing
Sing prison In the fall OF 1912 as could
be imagined He was as erect and as
fearless in appearance as then. His hair
was as carefully slicked down. his ex-
rression was as calm and confident AS
ever.
The only noticeable difference was In
his dress. He wore the prison garb to-
night, not tine convict gray but rough
black coat. gray trousers. felt slippers
heavy gray socks and thick gray shirt
without collar or tie.
Pleasea beyond Words.
what do I think OF it, ne said In an
aver TO the first question. We'll. what
would you think OF /, II you heard such
new. after you had been IN this place fo'
sixteen months. sentenced TO death Tor
crime YOU never committed? ! am pleased
beyond words OF course"
Becker said he preferred not to tall
about the future. but 10 leave that TO Ms
counsel.
But I expect now that will be com
ple,ely indicated" he said emphauca'Is
81 am innocent of this crime and TN
fight have made to prove that Is COMING
TO a successful conclusion. IL Is n iohs
lane that has no turning. II you VII
turn to Ecclesiasticus. Chapter IL, verses
| I 10 II. o. the Catholic Bible you VII
find there words that express my feeIns'
now better than any other.
"I have had a terrible time or II, but
can see some Ugh; ahead now. am nap
pIest OF all for my wife. She has s'ooe
by me through thick and thin and ! tel
YOU II means everything TO have woman
like that stick by you. She never waveret
once and believe that this victory IL ou'
Ia rxely TO her earnest and persistent es
forts
II was a few minutes after o'cloci
now and the interview was interrupted
for a bit by the music OF the prison or
chestra. twelve men. led by Peter Flor
ent, a gray haired Italian trusty VIM
plays the first violin
Catches strains Of Music.
Becker thrust up his head as the mrs
strains came into the room.
"My, that sounds tne," he said 'Wap
den ito Warden Clancy. you ought Il
move those fellows inside where | haV'
been. That would cheer a lot OF us up"
II was 1.-THE Bohemian Girl' Pete
Forentrs men we're playing, and As the
swung into the song OF freedom, where
young man rushes in waving pardon u
his hand, Becker smiled. He knew tina
part OF the opera and hummed fe,
bars.
How have you been treated here an
now do you like ~" was tho next cues
ton.
Like Il? Who could like a prison
But I've been we'll treated here: couldn
be better. tell you many poor fello'
lean thank God that Warden Clancy cam
here when he did. He's a prince and n
mistake"
The warden grinned modestly an
asked Becker how he had enjoyed
turkey dinner served In the prison shol
time ago.
Say that turkey was great. I'd lik
to return the compliment" was the ~
swer.
cant you tell, In some way. Just wins
YOU think OF this whole proceeding. you
arrest, trial. conviction and sentence!
asked the reporter.
He Quotes shakespeare.
"I can't express It better than you
And Il In shakespeare-Ive been readin
a lot OF Shakespeare since I've been rh,
I'm here and l certainly like him-you
and II in Measure for Measure Tn
10 the way It goes
But man. proud mani
Dressed In q little brief authority;
Most Ignorant OF what he's most assured.
His giassy esssncs-iike an angry ape
plays such fantastic tricks before high heavs
A. makes the angels weep; who. with o.
spieens.
vpou,d all themselves laugh mortal.
'..Thats what l think about It. 9
Shakespeare expresses H." said tho OF
policeman.
Eyes. I've been reading . lot in her
You can read lot too when you are In
dsath cell for 1ss'n month"; III