A Kinder, Gentler Execution Not a Rousing Success.

William Kemmler Takes Old Sparky on its Maiden Voyage

Photo by Murderpedia.com

“How did it compare with a hanging?” — New York Times Correspondent

“I would rather see ten hangings than one such execution as this. In fact I never care to witness such a scene again. It was fearful. No humane man could witness it without the keenest agony.” —…