29 Oct 1901
Page 1
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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Oct 29, 1901
Page
1
Czolgosz pays the penalty of his crime as electrocution is carried out at 7 12 30 a m. the event marks the conclusion of the assassination case and removes the threat posed to public safety.
A prisoner facing execution by electric chair shows no sign of weakness as the current of 1700 volts is applied three times. He declines religious consolation and prayers, displaying calm resolve throughout the procedure.
Leon Czolgosz, killer of President William McKinley, was executed by 1700 volts of electricity. He spoke to witnesses as the chair was strapped on, claiming to be acting against enemies of the people. He expressed regret only that he could not see his wife and asked to deliver a speech to a crowd.
The article recounts the 1901 execution of Leon F. Czolgosz, describing the setup of the electric chair, the witnesses in the death chamber, and the sequence of events from the cell to death. It notes the 1,700 volt current, the short four minute interval from leaving the cell to death, and the medical observations confirming termination.
The body of Czolgosz was buried in the Auburn prison plot after an orderly autopsy and execution. Warden Mead defended the process, praising the lack of sensationalism and noting guard preparations. An electrician described delivering high voltage to ensure death, while a jury and physicians witnessed and filed a formal finding.
In Cleveland on October 2 a small group including Leon Czolgusz's father and brothers waited in the local AP office for word of his execution at Auburn Prison. The family and neighbors listened with restrained emotion as the announcement arrived and the fate of the assassin was confirmed.
A head on collision near Linwood North Carolina today between Buffalo Bill show train and a freight train left about a hundred horses dead and four cars of the show train wrecked. The show’s master of ceremonies was badly hurt along with minor injuries to the engineer and fireman. The freight engine stayed on track and the second fast freight section had right of way, investigators believe the collision resulted from the freight crew’s oversight of the second section.
A Polish speaking friend interprets a father's remarks as he contemplates the execution of his son Leon. The old man notes it would have been better if it were over and reveals worry for his paternal heart at witnessing the event while his other son and the assassin’s brother discuss the likely pain of the sentence. The family disperses. the father returns to work in a city park as the two younger brothers seek news.
Auburn N Y Oct 29 Prison chaplain Herrick waited in the death chamber as the execution took place. The clothing and effects of the condemned were burned on orders of Warden Mead. Czolgosz gave another explanation of his Chicago trip before Buffalo arrival but admitted he lied earlier. He claimed money was given for the Buffalo journey, but he could not identify who delivered it. He also said anarchist meetings in Cleveland occurred in saloons per an anarchist newspaper. The warden challenged him about money and he stated he forgot if he had told that. Waldeck Cxolgoxa swore Leon could read and write, contradicting Czolgosz’s claim of illiteracy.
Crolgass, kept in seclusion at Auburn penitentiary, faced execution under tight security. State Prisons Chief Collins ordered complete isolation, with no public access or inmate contact. A flood of mail was blocked, and guards maintained strict silence as the condemned awaited death, while officials guarded his spiritual preparation and refused to admit accomplices.
Oct interview with Czolgose reveals few facts about the murder, with the prisoner denying a conspiracy or hidden weapon. He claims he acted alone and provides scattered details about travel, money, and people he knew, while insisting no one guided him. Superintendent Collins presses for truth as Czolgose remains evasive and returns to his cell.
Auburn Oct 29 half an hour before the execution the prisoner asked to speak to the superintendent and warden. He asked that the crowd hear him but was denied. He initially refused to talk then broke silence in the death chamber and spoke briefly.
F L Brady an undertaker in Buffalo received a telegram from Floward W Cameron Auburn requesting him to take charge of Leon F Czolgoss body on arrival and arrange cremation. Brady telephoned the cremation company to reserve the crematory for Wednesday but the firm refused to permit the assassin's body to be cremated there. Brady sent a reply telegram to Cameron after the denial.
Auburn N Y October 29 The body of Leon Czolgos murdered President McKinley will not be moved from Auburn after hours of dispute. Superintendent Cornelius V Collins and Warden J Warren Mead secured from Czolgons brother relinquishments to family claims to the remains. Continued on third page.
Auburn Oct. 3 The autopsy on Czolgosz showed a brain of normal to above normal condition with no mental defect found. Doctors under Dr Carlos MacDonald and Dr John Gerin reported a perfectly healthy body and brain. preparations for disposal included lime test and grave sealing.
The Topeka State Journal released first news of Czolgusz execution at 12:30 in the morning with bulletins printed for the public. Subsequent details described the events before and during the execution and the prisoner’s demeanor as the current was applied.
Washington dispatch says state department agents in Constantinople and Sofia have advised communications with Miss Stone. no further details provided. Weather forecast lists generally fair conditions for Karachi with slightly cooler temperatures tonight and Wednesday.
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