Murder of the Austrian Empress.

Manawatu Herald, 13 September 1898, Page 2

Murder of the Austrian Empress.

An Italian Anarchist named Luccheni stabbed the Empress of Austria at noon on Sunday whilst she was walking from the Hotel Beaurwaga, Geneva, to board a steamer to cross the Lake of Geneva.

When she received the blow the Empress fell, but rose immediately, and went aboard the steamer, where she fainted.

As she failed to recover she was removed to the hotel, where she died shortly after. On examination it was found that she had been stabbed to the heart.

Luccheni was immediately arrested. The Empress was visiting Switzerland incognito, and the Swiss authorities were not informed of her presence in Geneva. There is intense horror throughout Switzerland at the crime.

The news of the sad end of the Empress has stupefied the people of Vienna.

The streets were impassable while thousands read the news t

The theatres were closed, and tokens of profound grief were to be found everywhere.

Count Goluchowski, Minister of the Imperial and Royal House and for Foreign Affairs, broke the news to the Emperor, who was overcome with grief and sank to the ground groaning. At last he sobbed out — " Shall I never be freed from grief and pain in this' world?"

Luccheni is a mason by trade, and lived at Lausanne, 32 miles from Geneva, He maintains a callous demeanour.

Reports from Paris state that Luccheni is a refugee from Milan, where he took part in the late riots.

He was chosen at a recent Anarchist meeting held at Zurich with six others to assasinate one sovereign in Europe, King Humbert of Italy being specially selected. Failing the opportunity to carry out their intention, thh seven were accused of cowardice.

At a second meeting held a week ago Luccheni became exasperated, and exclaimed, " I will kill someone, no matter who."

A French detective was present, and King Humbert was warned.

President Faure was guarded against assassination yesterday.