The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-03-07

dents and killed special sheriff's deputy near here. Their lives paid today for the staying of Special Deputy Frank Gartman.
 All of the men were in good humor" this morning, Sheriff Er- skine said. They had breakfasts Of steak, potatoes. coffee "and the trimmings" The clothes they wore were an assorted lot-mostly from the sheriff's wardrobe.
 Meharg was the one who first asked his friend Corley--a radio an- nourcer-to arrange the last-minute broaicasts over KMLB. When Man. ager J. c. Liner, Jr, agreed to bring microphones to death row here, the others also requested time.
 In his statement prepared for the broadcast, Meharg said he knew that his request to broadcast was strange "but have message that I feel I must give to the outside world"
 "At the beginning I want you to know that am one of the happiest men in the world,' the statement said. "Friends, 1t may seem strange that can stand before this micro- phons just a few minutes before my execution I have found the only true happiness in this life. God had spoken to me and has saved me from my sins and know that where I am going there Is only hap piness."
 He recalled that his mother had prayed for him, had slaved over the wash tub doing other peoples laun- dry that she might give me and other members of the family the necessities of life" And while she was doing that Meharg said he was "in sin, gambling and drinking away the money that I should have given her"
 His mothers wish was that he would not be taken from this life lin that sinful condition, and I am happy and thankful that her pray CTS have at last been answered, and she is also happy knowing that we will be united in heaven" Meharg said.
 AfEr thanking the sheriff and Jailer and Mrs. O. E. Roberts for their kindness, Meharg said:
 q want to send this message to all those who are inmates of prisons, young boys in school, and any who are living in crime or thinking of crime: There Is no way to win in crime: 1t may look like easy money and pleasure but you see where 1t got me. My advice Is to live clean and honest and turn to God for help, for that trulyfis the only hap- piness and pleasure in this world. "
 Then Meharg took his harmonica out of his pocket and played, "1f l Could Hear My Mother Pray Again."
 Boyce, who also had found solace in religion in his last days, said in his prepared speech he knew that he had done wrong but have con- fessed my sins to God and know that I am saved from hell"
 My advice to all young people is to avoid crime mad sin and try al- ways to live good" he admonished. "Crime does not pay! I am glad that I have found my savior, as that is forth more than anything Q hearth. may this be lesson to all the boys who are doing wrong. And now, goodbye; and hope to meet you all in Heaven"
 Heard's prepared speech was brief.
 T hold no i'll will toward anyone and have no malice in my heart" " 1t said. T WI to thank the school for the gifts sent to us, and the ladies who have kindly remembered Us.
 I would like to tell all of the youngsters and old timers, too, that criise does not pay. There is no such thing as easy money"
 Landers, who with Heard stead fastly reflased spiritual consolation to the last, told the sheriff before he walked to the inicrophone that he wanted sympathy from no one and that he did not want 'a preacher ct my funeral"
 ''Not much fellow can say ct q time Ike this" his speech for broadcast said. =. I want to thank the little Sunday school girls for the little gifts at Christmas time. Sheriff Erskine has been swell fo iis--oSie Of the best. May God bIess my dear wite and little son. ! want to thank Guy C0rley and Fadio station KAaI4B for being 60 klnd as to permit us to broadcast at this time.
 Goodbye lo sou all."