Richmond Planet

GOVERNOR SMITH REPRIEVES "YELLOW CHARLESTON" SIX HOURS BEFORE EXECUTION TIME.

(Preston News Service.)

Albany. N. Y.. Sept. 11."Yellow Charleston." the convicted slayer of Barron Wilkins, was granted a reprieve by Governor Al. Smith six hours before time for his execution. The reprieve is effective until September 17th. Warden Lawes at Sing Sing received a telephone message from Governor Smith at 5 o'clock, and Julius Miller, alias "Yellow Charleston," was prepared to go to the chair at 11 o'clock. It is said that Miller was dressed in the death suit of black and was resigned to the death penalty. He had requested that he be allowed to wear a tuxedo suit, but this had been denied him. When he received the news of his short lease on life, he cried "Thank God," then broke down and wept, prison attendants said. His wife and two daughters, seven and eight, were visiting him when the news came. Miller had been nervous all day, prison attendants say. Keeper Sheehy said that when he visited Miller's cell in the forenoon Miller jumped and shouted, "Have mercy on me. It is said that the reprieve was granted through a direct request to Governor Smith by District Attorney Banton. Mr. Banton says there is new evidence which may show that Miller is not guilty. The evidence was obtained through Earl Carroll, it is said.