New-York tribune., 1919-06-27
Justice Fawcett Sets Date of
Execution, Then Orders
Alienists to Examine Slay-
er by Request of Lawyer
NJ aintains Composure
Smiles Languidly When He
Learns Doctors Will Visit
Him; Hopes for No Delay

Attempts to prolong his life are
gradually getting. on the nerves of
Gordon Fawcett Handy, confessed and
convicted slayer Of two during the $13,
900 robbery Of the East Brooklyn Saw
ings Bank on December 13 last.
His persistent smile broadened with
pleasure yesterday morning when Su-
preme Court Justice Fawcett sentenced
him to die in the electric chair during
the week of July 28. Although OBJ
viously annoyed by the length and
nature of the Justices statement, he
seemed pleased with the date set.
But the ends of his smile drew to-
els x. McCaffry, his attorney, moved
that lunacy commission be appointed
to investigate Hamby's sanity. District
Attorney Lewis concurred, and Justice
Fawcett announced that two alenists,
one woman, will give the prisoner a
thorough mental examination to-day
DR.. Cecil B. Mccoy, of 1856 Joralemon
Street, Brooklyn, was chosen and ac-
cepted. The other is DR.. Anna Martin
Ralston, of 121 Henry Street.
Handy laughed tolerantly when he
discussed the prospect of being ex-
amlned by alienists.
"Of course that is quite useless" he
said
The courtroom was thronged when
Handy was led in for sentence. Every
seat was occupied and double lines Of
people pressed against the iron gates
around the courthouse yard
Dressed for the Scene.
Handy was dapper His light hair
was was brushed neatly, no wisp escaping.
HIS soft collar was unwrinkled, and
the crease in hi strousers rivalled that
of a tailor's dummy. The rustic of
the clerks papers seemed loud as
Justice Fawcett's first word was
awaited.
"Hamby,' Justice Fawcett began,
the state assigned to you Francis K
McCatfry, an able lawyer of thirty
years experience at the bar in Brook
lyn, to defend you. He protected your
rights throughout the trial You, by
your acts, made it impossible for him
to do more for you. Your atrocous
crime shocked this community last De-
cember; you coldly and cruelty shot to
death two respected citizens while you
were engaged in bold daylight rob
berry; your crime is the most henious
ever committed in Brooklyn; your con-
duct brands you as a bandit, plying
your nefarious vocation during the last
decade with absolute disregard for the
lives and property of your victims.
"Bneathe an exterior of apparent
refinement you are fendish spirit in
carnate; your diabolical career is at an
end"
Justice Fawcett concluded by fixing
the time for the execution and order
ing that Handy be lodged in the death
house within ten days.
Eyes on the Prisoner
Again the rustic or the clerks
papers was the only sound in the room.
Handy had announced previously that
he might make an address, and all
eyes turned on him.
He took one step forward, bringing
him as close to the Justice as the rail
would permit. His smile hickered away
II did not kill in cold blood" he
said slowly, his voice clear and steady
"Those men had a chance, as much as
I had"
Justice Fawcett leaned forward over
his desk and said: That remark
doesn't get you anywhere" Handy
turned to the Deputy Sheriff having
him in charge, whispered few words,
and his smile freshened again.
"Why didn't he confine himself to
the sentence" ?" Handy said in the cell
under the courtroom later 81 suppose
it had crept up and shot some man
in an alley that would have been all
right. l never shot a man unless
was compelled to. The judge had no
right to make those remarks"
Women Touch Soft Spot
Fifth Deputy Police Commissioner
Ellen O'Grady, who was present at the
sentencing, spoke to Handy in the
courthouse pen. When she left him
she was visibly affected, saying ''hc
ought to be examined" Handy, how
ever, had a kindly word for the Fifth
Deputy Police Commissioner
She is a very nice lady" he said
seriously. "She nearly made my cry.
| just can't stand women when they
begin to talk about home and family.
There is something about it that
touched a soft spot in me-"
Handy says he is resolved to "see
the whole thing through with a smile,
even though the joke is on me-
Mr.. McCatfry said last night that his
doubts concerning Hamby's sanity
have grown out Of the prisoners utter
disregard of the seriousness Of his
predicament. A sane man, he said
would be at least depressed or thought
full, but Handy is as unconcerncd as
though the whole was what he told
the women as he robbed and killed in
the bank-"just a moving picture
scene"