The Ballarat Murderer

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 145, 30 May 1891, Page 2

The Ballarat Murderer

Meluoubne, May 19. The Government having appointed a Medical Board to consider the sanity of Johnston, the Ballarat murderer, its members unanimously reported him sane. Dr Coul, who was one of the members of the: Board, informed the Chief Secretary that in his opinion the case was an undoubted : one of malingering, and that Johnston • ' was similating the physical infirmities from which he was apparently suffering. If the lower portion of his body was really paralysed there would be symptoms which were absent. While the doctors were examining Johnson they asked' him to put out bis tongue, and he simply opened his mouth. Dr Youl thereupon remarked, just loud enough to be heard by the prisoner, that if he were mad his tongue would come out of his'- mouth and roll about.. Shortly afterwards Johnson was again asked to show his tongue and he immediately put it out and allowed it to roll about. Dr Youl is firmly of opinion' that the prisoner was neither dumb nor paralysed. The execution took place yesterday at Ballarat Gaol. Up to the very last Johnson displayed the same dogged assumption of innocence that had characterised him throughout, making no • statement other than that he knew nothing of the horrible tragedy. He desired the Governor to thank the warders for their attention to him since his incarceration, and also repeated the request-that ho post mortem should be held over his remains.' Since the final decision of the Executive was conveyed to him he .maintained a most cheerful demeanour, and sq indifferent did he appear- to his fate that when being taken across the yard he gazed at the gallows and smiled.; On Sunday night he slept soundly and in the morning he ate ravenously.— Press correspond--' ent. ..•■,. • ■. ■ ■ •;' -