New Britain herald., 1915-07-28

framing Becker Tn the IOmpS, 10 come to Albany for exan1ination in order that the governor might dig out the truth. The governor, Becker will insist in questioning Murphy at AL bany when he knew that a court was about to pass upon Murphy's affldavit shortly, was only continuing what Becker looks upon as vindicative persecution"
 Reads Newspapers.
 Although Becker remained up late ' last night in order to read the legal papers brought to him by his wife. he was out of his cot before other in- mates of the death house had begun to stir this morning. He ate his break fast with sunimpaired appetite and as soon as the morning papers he sub- scribes for were handed to him, he read every word about his own case : with close attention. When he had finished his own papers he borrowed from the other death house convicts and read all these with care also.
 The two extra days of life granted to him did not seem to De of more than passing interest to Becker-his greatest concern was as to whether or not new trial would be granted to
 
 interest to whether or not Justice Ford intends to summon him or any others to testify at the hearing.
 Becker insisted throughout the day that he not only is willing but ex- tiemely anxious to be brought to Man hattan to tell his story at the hearing and submit to an examination.
 .If the court will listen to my story from my own, lips. ]" he is quoted as saying, "I feel sure that ne will believe it. What have to say will go far more toward convincing Jusrice Ford than any affidavit or groups of affi- davits would,
 Rocker was very we'll pleased with the argument put up in hls behalf yes- yterday by Bourke Cochran before Jus tice Ford. After he had read the papers he went out into the small exercising court between the death house and the east wall of the prison, where condemned men set a bit of fresh air apart from the other prison CTS. The court is long and narrow, measuring 15 by 50 feet. Here Becker sometimes plays handball with Hans Schmidt, the choice ur exercising being divided among handball, brisk walks around the little enclosure Or vigorous game that originated in Italy, in which heavy wooden balls are a rart of the equipment. The con- demned men are taken out into this enclosure in squads of eight.
 Believe Him Innocent.
 The marked interest shown by officials and prisoners in Becker's case increases as the hour set for his death approaches. There are many to be found in and around the prison who insist stoutly that they believe Becker is innocent of murder Assistant War den Charles H. Johnson, although as q rule very reticent about expressing any opinion he may hold as to Fecker's guilt or innocence, said today in reply to questions:
 Tn any of the talks I nave had. with Becker--and I think I've been pretty close to him too-he never has said anything to me in confiG ence or other wise that has given me an impression Of his responsibility for murder. The exact opposite, in fact, has been the effect of all the remarks he has made to me. s N
 Ks'There is nothing l have to say, or can say at present as to arrangements for giving out last hour statement from Becker in case he goes to the chair Friday leaving such a state ment If such a statement be forth coming however, I am sure that it will contain no admission of guilt in any I.articular; his sole purpose in such a statement will be to reanirm his in 
 All privileges that Becker has been enjoying since he came4to the death house will, even if his new trial plea fails, be continued until some time on Thursday. These privileges, small in themselves, but highly prized by the condemned men, consist of the daily exercise and permission 70 keep foun-