SHOCKING SCENE AT AN EXECUTION.—THE VICTIM CUT DOWN AND REPRIEVED.

Evening Star, Issue 2921, 29 June 1872, Page 3

SHOCKING SCENE AT AN EXECUTION.—THE VICTIM CUT DOWN AND REPRIEVED.

The Fiji Gazette of June 1 says : —“ The dreadful event of the early part of the week, through, we are bound to say, unforeseen circumstances which no living man could have foreseen, offers opportunity for an illustration of the horrors of capital punishment. It had been determined by the Government that Antonio Francs, convicted of the murder of Muir on board the ‘Marion Kenny,’ should die. May 27, at 7 o’clock, was fixed upon as the day and hour for the execution ; but owing to the inability of the sheriff to attend the execution was deferred until next next day, May 28. At 6 a.m. on that day an inquiring crowd assembled, and as the wretched convict, attended by Mr Nettleton, Inspector Martin, and the executioner, appeared upon the scaffold, his immediate death seemed imminent. He was pinnioned, and had on his head a white cap. The executioner (Latham) had a black crape on his face, and he proceeded to manipulate the rope, which it was quite apparent was not adapted for the purpose, as he could not make the knot render—not when he tried with all his might. Nevertheless he adjusted it loosely round the neck of the culprit, who kept his position with stoic indifference, and at a given signal drew the bolt, the sufferer falling at least six feet, and remaining suspended for first or

two quiescent. At the end of that time, there was a convulsive motion of one foot, then some horrid groans were heard, and then in an unearthly noise Francs cried out, ‘Oh God, kill me, shoot me, or cut me down ; I cannot die this way !’ This was heard by those near—some actually fainting as the horrid sounds greeted their ears. Panic-stricken Sergeant Harding at once complied with the request of the culprit, ascended the scaffold, cut him down, and he fell with great force to the ground. Me was then put on his feet, and advanced a couple of steps as the cap was removed from his face, saying, ‘ I wish to die ; I have seen heaven ! For God’s sake bang me ! But not that way ; I cannot die that way !’ He was then carried into the goal, and laid down on a stretcher. He has since recovered, suffering little from the effect of the terrible wrench his neck had got. We understand that the King has now reprieved him, and that he will be kept to some close punishment for life. Previous to his suspension he made a written confession, stating that he was prepared to die, and attributing his sin to drink.”