The Medina sentinel. [volume] (Medina, Ohio) 1888-1961, 1915-06-18
SELECTS HANGING
AS Chief HOBBY

Every person is said to possess a
hobby, differing according to tempara-
ment. But it is doubtful il there was
ever hobby more unique than that
possessed by Sam Butto, in the coun-
ty jail for shooting Dominic Cacciola.
doesn't seem to set
we'll on Sans nerves, SO he relieves
the monotony of Jail life by frequent
attempts at self destruction. According
to Sheriff Gehman, Butto averages
about an even dozen attempts
a day. Hanging a apparently pre-
sents to Sam the most at
tractive method and he has ex-
hausted nearly all of the sheets and
blankets about the place. When tired
of the pastime of hanging, Sam finds
entertainment in taking headlong
jumps at the stone wall. He usually
keeps busy at this until blood spurts
out of his nose and ears. Between
times he makes strenuous efforts to
paralyze his vocal apparatus by ter
rifle yelling. AS death comes from
none of these attempts, Sam tries still
another way-that of starvation. Food
has been set before him three times a
day ever since he has been in Jail
about two weeks, and not mouthful
entered his stomach until Sunday,
when it was discovered that he had
been shying toward loaf of Italian
bread. Doctors pronounce Sam in the
pink of health. His pulse taken i'm
mediately after each suspension at the
end of a sheet responds to normal
count. While his actions might indicate
insanity, to the lay mind, physicians
who have examined him say, he is as
sound mentally as physically. How
ever, if some means are not devised
soon to put stop ii his howls, he
will eventually dethrone the reason
Of every person connected with the
jail and courthouse and neighboring
homes.
Monday afternoon Deputy Floyd
Pelton went to Wadsworth and
brought Cacciola back to Jail where he
will be held as witness against Butto
when the latter has his trial. Cacci-
ola, while recovering rapidly, is still in
very weakened condition. He was
not placed in the same department
with Butto, but occupies cell in the
upper part of the jail.
Since. Cacciola, his victim has been
in Jail within speaking distance,
| Butto's demeanor has undergone a
Il decided change. When the former
i was brought into the Jail he was given
4 la chancs tUseonverss with Butto and
the conversation was spirited while
| it lasted and was carried on in their
\ native tongue. From that time on
Butto, instead of screaming like a
panther, is frequently heard whistling
some plaintive theme, while anon he
calls in friendly tone to Cacciola. The
latter for the past few nights has
been suffering much pain and loss of
sleep. He makes no complaint, nor
does he engage in tirade against his
D countryman who shot him down. He
: insists that Sam Arrego kicked him in
e the head after he had fallen when shot
n and it is told in Wadsworth that Butto
upon his arrival at the Arrego home
: after the shooting, jocosely asked tt
!, be provided with a big steak, as he
+ had Just killed Dominic.
;, Yeserday Sans ingenuity suggested
il a slight diversion from the hourl!
It routine of hanging by the neck. HI
It now finds solace in suspending himself
o by the feet at height that permits O
% his shoulders resting comfortably ol
Is the floor. And willing hands are al
r. ways prompt to let Sam down. Thurs
n day afternoon while lying limp upol
y the floor and feigning unconsciousnesS
N Prosecuting Attorney Underwood cas-
is pail of water in Butto's face, whic
I'd awakened the human opossum in
1e twinkling. Recovering himself fror
as the shock Sam lapsed back into shar
coma. to await another opportunity c
he hanging by the feet.