ON THE SCAFFOLD

Evening Star, Issue 19777, 30 January 1928, Page 5

ON THE SCAFFOLD

THE CARDIFF EXECUTIONS

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright

LONDON, January 27. The emotional suenas among the praying, hymn-singing crowds around Cardiff gaol, and the hysterical cries of fainting women, provided a sharp contrast to the last hours of the condemned men. The authorities were amazed at their calm demeanor, particularly in the case of Driscoll, who spent the evening playing cards with a warder. He ordered port wine, saying “Bring me a bottle; it will help mo to sleep soundly.” Driscoll grimly jested throughout the game. Both retired at midnight, and slept till early in the morning. When Driscoll was awakened he raved and stormed at the warders for more than half an hour, then became calm, and said; “Well, chaps, what about a last game of cards?” He seized a pack and dealt a hand of solo whist, but the game was interrupted by the arrival of the Roman Catholic chaplain, and it was never completed. Later Driscoll said: “ I suppose people are queueing up already. They arc a curious crowd in Cardiff.” Near the scaffold he asked to be allowed to shake hands with Rowlands, and the two gripped Driscoll then turned to a warder, saying: “Which rope is mine?”