The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1915-07-30
PROOF AIMS HIS INNOCENCE
OF MURDER OF ROSENTHAL
In Dying Declaration Former.
Police Officer Blames the
State for Execution.
PAYS A TRIBUTE TO WIFE
Vow Taken by Mrs. Becker to
Expose Methods Used to
Convict Her Husband.
tsY A.seelArEn esEss,

COnVlCl 7eF f1uSUdliu.
esr AssoeATEo PRESS
SING SING PRISON, OSSINING, y.
Y, July 30.-Charles Becker was put
to death in the electric chair here this
morning for the killing of Herman
Rosental, New York gambler. He
retained his composure and protested
his innocence to the last. He went to
his death with a photograph OF his
wife pinned on his shirt over his
heart. Three shocks were given be-
fore the prison physician pronounced
him dead.
Becker led the way to his own exc
cution. The condemned man sat up
all night on the edge of his cot calmly
talking to Deputy Warden Charles
Johnson. 81 have got to face it, said
Becker. "and ! am going to meet it
quietly and without trouble to any
one
1t was shortly after 5 o'clock when
the first of the witnesses OF the execu-
ton began to assemble outside the
prison walls. Quietly their names were
checked off by Deputy Warden John
son, who directed them to take their
places at gateway that led directly
to the execution chamber. Then the
witnesses were led to the place of
execution in new death house which
had been built adjoining the old exc
cution chamber.
Repeats Death Prayer.
Becker hesitated as he entered the
execution room. He looked quickly
at the double row of witnesses, glanced
at the floor. swept with his eyee the
whitened walls of the rooms and then
suddenly, as If coming to himself,
walked briskly over the rubber mat
and seated himself in the electric
chair Behind Becker followed the
prison priest chanting the prayer of
death which was repeated by the con-
demned man.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph have mercy on
my SOUL, nervously spoke Becker as
Deputy wardens stepped forward and
adjusted the electrodes. Hardly min
ute elapsed before the electrode was
applied to the right leg, slit having
previously been cut in the trouser leg
from the knee down. After the elec-
trode had been adjusted against a
shaver spot on the back of his head
the state executioner looked at Dep-
uty Warden johnson who surveyed the
figure that was still umbling the
death prayer in the chair. Johnson
half turned his head and the execu-
toner damned the switch.
The first shock lasted a minute and
the eXecutioner said it was 1850 volts
and ten amperes in strength. 1t came
while Becker was still commenting
his soul to his maker.
Three Shocks Given.
The two prison physicians stepped
forward to examine the collapsed fig
ure that sat supported in the death
chair by the thick, black leather
straps The stethescope was applied
to the heart and DR.. Charles Farr. the
prison physician pressed his finger
against the artery in his neck. There
was still a feeble futtering OF the
heart. The physicians stepped back
and again the electric current was
sent through the body. The shock
lasted seven seconds and the current
was then turned off. After hasty
examination Dr. Farr asked that a
third shock be given This lasted five
seconds. Another examination .oi-
lowed Three physicians among the
witnesses then made an examination
and DR.. Farr at 5:55 o'clock announcer
at pronounce this man dead"
During the night Becker penciled on
a piece of paper what he captionSd
.sAiy Dying Declaration" 1t read:
PrOclaims Innocence.
NV full senses knowing that no power
IN earth can save me from the gave
that is to receive me. In the face or
that in the teeth of those who con-
damned me and in the presence of my
God and your God I proclaime my abb
soIute innocence of the foul crime for
which must die. You are now about
~ witness my destruction by the state
1,1,icl, is organized to protect the lives
~ the innocent. May Almighty God
ardon everyone who has contributed
T. ony degree to my untimely death.
A,,d now. on the brink of my grave,
declare to the world that ! am proud
~ nave been the husband Of the pur-
ast noblest woman that ever lived,
yIeien Becker. This Acknowledgement
the only legacy ] can leave her.
MI YOU all goodbye Father ! am
ready to go. Amen.
Wife Not Through.
s.er his wife had said farewell
civ after midnight Becker main
s..ad a casual conversation with Dep
lLi warden Johnson who sat beside
NY creen in front of his cell. Dawn
Lhe MN seated on the edge of his
1o9 9ncarefully pinning a photograph OF
60 .,;fe on his white shirt just over
ms ,,eart. Then, as il he desired to
us nls her all to himself Becker put on
sts;n alpaca coat, which he tightly
sa..tnned. A statement credited TO
-Ers Becker was given out mere snort.
scr her husbands death. II shall
~ alsrest.'' she was quoted as saying.
new have exposed the methods
alish wore used to convict my hus-
W M whether he was guilty or tnno-
DAN thcre was no justification OF the
cen used to convict him. Charlie
me- no angel. He made no Dretenss