Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1915-07-29

New York. July 20.-The sole hope
of saving Charles Becker from dying
/ in the electric chair at Sing Sing pris~
(. on tomorrow morning lies in Cover
nor Whitman. Counsel for the con
demned man announced today that
they had abandoned the idea Of appeal
ing to Judge Hogan Of the court of
appeals, at Syracuse, for a stay Of ex-
ecuton.
The attorneys added that the only
course remaining open for them to
pursue was to appeal to the governor
to repriere Becker until October. when
the court of appeals reconvenes.
Should the governor grant such a stay
of execution counsel said they would
enter an appeal from the decision of
Supreme Court Justice Ford, who last
night declined to grant new trial On
the ground OF newly discovered eyi-
dence.
Martin r. Manton, one Of Beckers
counsel, said that when Mrs. Becker
and John B. Johnston, a member of his
law firm. saw Governor Whitman in
Albany this evening they would make
a final plea for the stay.
Mr.. Manton said that the idea Of ap-
peaitng TO Judge Hogan had been
abandoned because there seemed no
authority in law for such a move.
According to Mr.. Manton, Mr.. Whit
man had at the time of the Becker
trial. a report that Becker's first wife
died under suspicious circumstances.
Mr. Manton said this information was
entirely erroneous.
In appealing to the governor. Mrs.
Becker will present data to correct
any impression he might have regard
ing this matter, Mr.. Manton said. Mrs.
Becker viii show that the first Mrs.
Becker. instead of dying under myster-
ious circumstances. really died of tu-
berculosis, after a long illness.
Get Threatening Letters.
Mr.. Manton announced today he and
Mr. Cochran had received number of
letters. threatening and otherwise, rel
atiye 10 the Becker case. One received
today bore a Chicago date and was
signed by IT. J. OKeefe Il purpOrt-
ed to be a copy of a telegram sent to
Governor Whitman asking him to show
mercy to Becker.
Mr. Manton also said one of the let
ters confirmed his opinion that he had
been followed for several days by a
man who met him on the street a few
days ago. seized his arm and threat
ened to kill him if Becker was not
electrocuted.
Less than an hour after Becker re- /
ceived word that Supreme Court Jus
tice Ford had denied his appeal for a
third trial, the condemned man threw
himself on his cot. Becker lay with
his face to the wall and the guard
said he did not move all night.
Becker arose at O'Clock today, /
After breakfast he was taken from his
cell, while the final preparations for
his execution were made.
When Becker returned TO his cell
be found that all of his clothing, per !
sonaI belongings and even the few
furnishings of the cell had been re I
moved. On a new cot lay thin black
suit, white shirt with soft collar and /
black tie Black stockings and soft
felt slippers were also provided. The /.
left leg of the trousers were not slit f
when Becker donned the clothes. as +
the Sitting is done just before a con
demned man is led to the execution /
chamber.
Albany. \. Y. July 29.-Mrs. Charles
Becker arrived here at II: 30 today to /
make a final plea TO Governor Whit T
man for her husbands life. She was I
by John B. johnson Of +
Beckers counsel. Mrs. Becker did not +
learn until after her arrival Of the I
governors departure from the city. +
She said her plans were uncertain.