THE MODERN HANGMAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7002, 26 April 1884, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE MODERN HANGMAN.

It was Mr. Marwood's destiny to light upon a favourable tide in the affairs of hangmen ; and he had genius enough to take the current when it served, and so to magnify his office. There have been times when the finisher of the law might calculate upon the rabble's curse, and probably upon some more solid-expres-sion of the rabble's disesteem, if he showed himself openly to the world ; wherefore it was his custom to go very softly, to use disguises ofteu, and to withdraw from the busy haunts of men when not called by professional duties to offer himself to observation. But it was not Mr. Marwood's lot to be driven to obscurity for safety. The temper of the world in which he lived and operated was such, that if he did not oxcite love and gratitude, he inspired a certain respect and awe, which to some minds are the highest and most agreeable tribute. Men would tell their children "This is he;" others would say "Where? whioh is Marwood ?" So far were his movements from beiDg stealthy or timid, that journalists announced his progresses, and the public seemed profoundly interested in revelations of his natural history. His food, recreations, and opinions were regarded as important matters. We all heard how, not long before his lamented decease, he was provided with an honourable seat, where he might hear the debates in the House of Commons. He was recognised there by our legislators, who were impressed by this near approach—this almost fusion of the anthors and the finisher, the alpha and the omega, of the law. It is much to be wished that those honourable members who, by the testimony of a Minister of are kaown to be " steeped to the lips in treasoD," may have felt' a lew rigours at this proximity of "treason's true gaol and yielder up of breath." Neither did the public interest subside when the dread figure of the executioner was finally withdrawn from their view. Photographs of him have been, as we are told, sold in immense numbers. America has vied with his native land in seeking for relics' of him. His ropes, his straps, have been bidden for heavily, and despatched to tho four airts. While denizenß of many lands thus compete for the tokens and implements of his craft, "Yea, beg a hair of him for memory," we must confess that at least one hangman has" gone down to his grave an object of— what shall we say ?—well, of ourious consideration, and not of dipgust and abhorrence.