The Washington times., 1917-09-12

10. Code Of Law Of the District
Of Columbia
Allen should be hanged by the neck
until dead"
at is the most distressing duty
we have TO perform in connection
with this institution" he declared
4 one OF his associates who were com
pelled to take q hand in the execu-
tion.
Stabbed HIs wife.
Allen stabbed his wife during q
quarrel in their home, 1921 Potomac
street northwest, at o'clock on the
morning of November II, 1915. He
struck her with the carving knife,
which he used a. q professional chef,
after words over q rumpled dress
Allen declares that he struck when
his wife taunted him that another
man, whom he accused of breaking
up his home, had bought the gar
ment He said that his wife was
working on . dress to leave their
home and child to 60 with the other
man.
After the stabbing Allen sent his
eleven-year-old son, awakened by his
mothers screams. to get aid from
neighbors. He gave himself up to the
police.
He was placed on trial June IB,
1915. the court assigning him counsel
The same day he was convicted OF
murder In the frst degree. June II,
he was sentenced to be hanged in De-
cember.
/ Gave q Resplts-
On November 13, Justice Gould gave
him a respite OF i've months, on q
question at the trial as to the degree
OF murder. April IL. he was respited
to May IL. An appeal IN his behalf
was carried 10 the President. and he
had been respited month by month
since. .--a.--
Mrs. L. r ZInkhan. wife OF thu super
intendent Of the asylum and Ian.
where Allen was confined under sen
tence, interested herself in his behalf
and endeavored to have the sentence
oommuted to life imprisonment. All
her efforts failed, however. Yesterday
] she made q personal appeal at the
| White House, but could not reach the
President Attorney General Gregory
refused to act to. stay the execution,
Hoped For a stay. -,
Not until he began the march to the
scaffoId this morning did Allen give
up hope OF a reprieve. But he went
quietly to his death. He slept soundly
all night long, and was given a special
breakfast when he awoke at o'clock
this morning.
Though be waa calm. durins the
, , morning her ate. but sparingly: Of this
breakfast or pears. cereal, ham and
eggs, rolls, and coffee. His two spir-
ituGl advisers the Rev. John Roberts
and the Rev. William J. Howard were
with him from the time he awoke un-
til the end.
Before going to the IcafroId Allen
sent his thanks to Mrs Zinkhan and
others for the efforts made to save
him. Il am ready to de-" he said,
but / hate to die in this way"
Allen prayed for hours before 60
ing TO the scRffold. and asked Divine
aid for his boy. Il believe" he said,
Almighty God has forgiven my sin
He knows ! did not mean to do IT."
Free From Sensation.
The execution was made as free
from sensation as possible. Before
the time set the jury OF twelve men,
ana pngHlClanE were as
sembled in the jail office.
When the scaffold was ready, Super-
intendent Zinkhan went to Aliens
cell, in the south corridor, and asked
n he had anything to say. You must
say IT here" the superintendent
warned, as no word must be spoken
after you leave the cell"
Il have no statement to make" Al
len said, except TO again thank you
and every one connected with the fail
for my treatment during the two
years ! have been here. / am ready"
Allen had always admitted the
crime, but pleaded that II was with
out intent or premeditation.
When the superintendent returned,
the jury - official witnesses were
marched to the long. narrow north
court OF the jail building At the
far end could be seen the scaffold
standing grim and white in the sun
shine. Allen had to face this in his
| long march up the courtway.
As the Jurors fled in. far OF a
bass voice was heard singing Near
er, My God. to Thee" II was the only
sound through the vast stretch Of
tier on tier Of cells and corridors.
Gradually 1t drew nearer
Jury Along Wall.
The jury stood lined along the wall.
white faced and still. As the singer
entered the long courtway, which iE
really an inclosed outside corridor.
every head involuntarily turned.
The Rev. DR.. Roberts. marching in
slow step just In front OF Allen, was
singing. His voice trembIed.
Allen never faltered as his gaze met
the scaffold and the long courtway
and the men lined along the sides.
With a steady step he marched
straight TO the scaffold. holding his
head erect and his eyes forward.
Handouts held his hands behind him.
The Rev. DR.. Howard was on one
side Of him and a guard on the
other.
AS he reached the foot OF the staIrs
MENIL nnIGE