Execution by Electricity.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 267, 12 November 1887, Page 12 (Supplement)

Execution by Electricity.

As electrician of New York-~at present a visitor in the French capital—recommends to the attention of sensitive Frenchmen three systems for putting condemned criminals to death which are being studied in his own country,, and one of which, he believes, will shortly be selected for carrying out the death sentence. The first consists of a copper bandage placed round, the criminal's head in such a manner that a magnetic pole presses closely on the nape of the neck. The "patient" stands on a large zinc platform ; his hands being tied behind his back. A second, pole is attached to this species of platform. At the right moment the signal is given. The discharge takes place; death is instantanequs. Jablochkoff has invented a mom "comfortable" plan ; hie , notion being to place i the condemned man in an easy chair, with his hands tin the arms of the fauteutt, and his feet touching the zinc platformy A stop is pressed; the electric ! current "seizes the man by the two elbows, and by his feet;" and in half, a second all is over. A third system has been devised by another electrician, which differs in no material way irpmi the first mentioned; and certain Amencan legislators are, it appears, carefully examining the three, with the object of deciding in favour of that, which will insure l|he; quickest and- most ' painless death. ,