The State House of Representatives gave its approval last night to a bill to abolish capital punishment in Massachusetts.

The bill, which passed the Senate last week, now goes to Gov. Endicott Peabody for his signature. The governor is a long-time opponent of capital punishment and is expected to sign the measure shortly.

The crucial vote in the House came on a motion to accept the Ways and Means Committee's suggestion that the bill be killed. The House voted down the motion 122-103, and passed the bill by voice vote shortly afterwards.

Political observers had predicted defeat for the bill in the House.