The Kenilworth Advertiser. — 1890-04-12 (Kenilworth, Warwickshire, England)

THE CREWE MURDER.  EXECUTION OF RICHARD DAVIES.  John and Emily Davies had an interview with their Brothe Richard in Knutsford Gaol on Monday afternocn. The condemned youth was prostrated with grid. He wished to see his mother again before his death, but she was not able to bear the strain which a further interview would entail. The prisoner stated to the Rev. E. Hancox that he was quite ready to die. A further letter from the Home Office was received on Monday by Mr. Pedley, the family solicitor, stating that the Home Secretary did not see any sufficient ground fer recommending the Queen to grant even a temporary respite. The action of Mr. Farrell, foreman of the jury, in writing to the Home Secretary to respite Richard Davies was generally approved. A brother juror wired:—" England responds to your letter to Home secretary; Heaven smiles, and you are clear in acting on request from Mr. Pedley." Mr. Farrell telegraphed the Queen at Aix, earnestly begging her, in virtue of her authority, to respite Richard for a few days to call the jurr togetb.r and send her their report. General Ponsouby replied that the telegram had been repeated to the Home Secretary. About ten o'clock on Monday evening Mr. Farrell received the following wire :—" Secretary of State has no doubt that you, as foreman, reported correctly the opinion of the jury, to which Secretary of State has given effect so far as he possibly could. In his opinion it is unnecessary and inexpedient to call the jury together again.—Home Office." Berry, on arriving by train about eight o'clock on Monday evening, was loudly hooted at the station and on the way to the gaol, which is about two hundred yards distance. In his hand he carried a brown bag, presumably containing the implements of his office. Richard Davies was hanged at 8 o'clock on Tnesday morning in Knutsford Gaol, for the murder of his father, at Basford, near Crewe. When the reporters were admitted, about twenty minutes to eight, the Chaplain (Rev. Mr. Truss) was standing book in hand, a few yards from the door of th cell. Berry, with Mr. Walter Greg (acting Undersheriff) appeared a few minutes' later. Two warders then entered the cell, followed by Berry, and the pinioning process was quickly accomplished. As the condemned youth stepped out of the cell, it was seen that his face was blanched and twitching with nervous agony. The procession moved along the corridor, a Warder attending the prisoner on either side, and the Chaplain reciting the burial service On emerging into the yard Berry quietly slipped a white cap over the prisoner's head. Crossing the yard the procession entered a rather small chamber, in which was arranged the apparatus of death. Davies was speedily placed on the fatal trap, and Berry then deftly adjusted the rope round hist neck. On the stroke of eight the bolt was pulled and the convict disappeared. Death was almost instantaneous, though for a second or two there was a slight evidence of muscular contraction. At the inquest on Richard Davies, Captain Price said the deceased maintained his innocence up to the last. The usual verdict was returned.  Kangra Valley Tea, thought by many the finest n the world. Packed in the gardens in 1 pound and pound packets. Pounds is. 90., pounds lid., (overweight not charged), Poor, Cross— cheaping.