IN THE DEATH CHAIR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9307, 16 September 1893, Page 2 (Supplement)

IN THE DEATH CHAIR.

HORRIBLE SCENE AT AN EXECUTION. THE PRISONER REVIVES. Auburn, N.Y., July 27, 1893.—The electrocution of William G. Taylor in Auburn Prison to-day was terribly bungled. The dynamo failed while the first shock was being given, the murderer came to life again in the death chair, and nob until an hour afterward was he finally legally killed. The execution proved to be one of the most horrible affairs that has ever taken place in the State of Mew York. It was without any air of braggadocio or any display of emotion whatever thab the negro walked unbidden straight to the chair, and without a word seated himself. The straps were adjusted in less time than it takes to write ib, and the officers ebepped back. The signal was given, the lever turned on, and the form in the chair straightened up against the straps. They creaked under the sudden strain. There was another sound as if of something breaking, and the foot-resb of the chair to which Taylor's feet were strapped gave way. The front leg of the chair, which had only three legs, also broke down, the chair pitched forward and Taylor's body slipped down, while his head moved under the strap a couple of inches. The order was instantly given to turn on the current again, and Electrician Davis hastened to obey it, bub to the horror of the witnesses there was no response to the turn of the lever. THE DYNAMO GIVES WAY. By this time everyone was excited and the officials seemed in danger of losing their heads. Electrician Davis discovered that one of the armatures of the dynamo had burned out—an accident ib would take more than a day to remedy. This was told the officials jusb as everybody was startled by a moan from the man in the chair. Taylor's breast heaved strongly and he gave indication of returning animation. Two prison keepers rushed forward and prevented himfrom falling to the floor. A cot was brought in, the straps were taken off, and the body was placed on the bed and carried into the adjoining corridor. Saliva issued from the mouth in great quantities and several witnesses became pale. Warden Stoub announced thab the witnesses might remain in the execution chamber or go to his office upstairs until arrangements were made for the proper application of the current. Nearly all the witnesses availed themselves of the opportunity of getting away from the death chamber, and only the newspaper men, the two priests, and four physicians were left. These were crowded into the corridor with the murderer. GROANING ON HIS COT. The negro suddenly straightened up, lifted his left arm and moved his legs. " Get some ether 1" exclaimed a physician, and the order was promptly obeyed. The ether was applied to Taylor's nose, bub it seemed to have no effect. He writhed and groaned, and saliva continued to issue from his mouth. The four physicians were unable to hold him down, and the sheet on the cob was torn into strips and used to tie him to the cot. All efforts to dislodge the crucifix carried in his right hand were unavailing. Ether and chloroform were both applied, but it was a quarter to two o'clock before the negro showed signs of giving away to them and ib was announced that all was ready for the application of the currenb a second time. CARRIED AGAIN TO THE CHAIR. Taylor was carried from the cot to the chair with a sponge saturated with chloroform at his nose. The break in the chair had been repaired and wires had been run from the circuit of the Auburn Electric Light Company, three hundred feet from the execution room, and connected with the dynamo. A currenb of 1280 volts was applied for more than a minute. There was no way of reducing it, as on the regular apparatus, and the wonder is that there was no burning. When the currenb was shub off the physicians stepped forward with the stethoscope and listened for heart beats* but there were none. Taylor was dead this time, and the witnesses dispersed after signing the death certificate.