New Britain herald., 1926-04-05
Will Be Hanged Tonight - Governor Permits Condemned Man To Speak, Despite Alcorn's Vigorous Objections - Prosecutor Weaves Sympathy For Murdered Ben Hance Into lis Argument Opposing Clemency For Convicted Man Groehl Insists Prejudice Alone Has Convicted His Client.
Prisoners Final Words Are Scathing Condemna- ton of Prosecutors Lack of Conscience and a Re- quest for Justice.

Wethersfeld, Conn.,, April 5 .-Gerald Chapman must hang for murder. The board of pardonS this afternoon unani- mously rejected his applica- ton for communication of sen- tence to life imprisonment.
 Wethersfeld Prison. April Up- Gerald Chapman, fighting back A, the state In an effort to save his life told his own story to the board or pardons this afternoon by permis- sion Of Governor Trumbull, who pre- sided.
 Chapman Talks Calmly.
 When he was called upon inc mn, rose from his seat He stood erect and did not move an inch. He lookeI at the governor. His voice at first was indistinct. It did not waver, or dld Chapman show any sign of men, tai worry. There was simply A slichl tutter. He said that he had not .y- pected to say anything, and this morning had not prepared anything. But he had heard some statements by Mir. Alcorn which he thouph, could not be overlooked.
 He said: Mir. Alcorn said I dil not protest my innecence.' I dop'l believe l could enter any protp.. which would be loud enough to b.. heard.
 Makes Human Appeal {
 T feel that l must say something. don't know anything about the !,. gal aspects of the case but can anu do rely upon the human appeal ot the case. l thought l would 20 over the case since my arrest at Muncl,, Ind.'
 Chapman spoke for 80 minutes. and at l:50 the board adjourned.
 Asks Only Justice.
 In his closing words Chapman said: T think all l want to say is simply that l am asking for justice. The fact l don't feel obliged 10 draw any special hypocritical phrases feel the same humanly.
 When was brought to Atlanta was Immediately placed in solitary confinement on bread and water for five days. My health was so endan- gered that l was taken out snd placed in the hospital There was not one solitary word about being taken 10 Connecticut.
 Well, I told them that 1t was per tectly all right to go to Connecticut If l got communication first. I hal nothing to fear of Connecticut. I had been accused of killing a policeman before and l set no more stock in this than ] did these other charges,
 T have acquired a prison sense Of humor. l don't think you know what this is. It is inconceivable that you gentlemen should.
 "The plea Of guilty was entered by Mir. Alcorn."
 The reason I dwell on my inno- cence-my voice can't be heard" Chapman coughed freuuently). Most Of Mir. Alcorn's arguments have been prophecies of the future in the case l submit.
 "I suppose that is ethical. possibly legal but humanely l think it is pretty light,
 Mentions Shean's Brother
 During the trial one Of the bus fest men in the court room was Ar thur Shean (hrothor Of WalterN. That fellow Burning around and pointing to John j. Kellcher now connected with the office of States Attorney Alcorn and who was stand ing near the door) was his comran- ion. This man was sitting with witnesses and during the trial I saw Shcan lsan over and talk earn estly 10 them.
 You see the trickory. Witnesses couldn't say whether Sh,un ever said anything to me.
 Rebukes Alcorn
 "I know something about human kind. especially MT Aicorps kind, | know man cau walk upright Sun day mornings and speak spleudidly of things governmental and patriotic and yet be working halt his life well no such thing as conscience eists in an effort 10 attain ambition. When it was discovered that this Lincoln car belonged 10 me. here were two opportuni,ies-well. you might call it opportunity distorted or something distorted into oppor tunity 10 advance oneself well, | don't need to go into details
 If I was half the master Alcorn says was-most of Mir. Alcorn's prominence has been prophecies Of the future. I suppose 1t Is ethical but hulianly l think it pretty rotten. I realize l am not speaking orderly because my mind is not in an order Iy siaic-you can probably under stand why it isn't"
 These were his kSi words 70 fha boar He was immediately removed from the room and returned 10 his cell