Murder of the Austrian Empress.

Manawatu Herald, 15 September 1898, Page 2

Murder of the Austrian Empress.

T&e' Empress of Austria was wounded below the left breast, and bled internally. Extremo Unction, the last sacrament of the Roman Catholic Church, was administered before she died.

The Swiss Federal Council has expressed to the Emperor the infinite sympathy of tire Swiss at the tragic death of the Empress. Lucchenf, after dealing the blow, attempted to escape, but two cabmen captured him. When seised he exclaimed, " My blow went home, she must be dead." The prisoner appeared to be in high spirits, and amused himself by singing songs. The Empress of Austria, who was attended by Countess Szapany, was returning to Caux. Laccbeni, the assassin, was biding behind a tree. He sprang out and stabbed the Empress with »n extremely sharp file, the wound, over Bin deep, piercing the heart and left lung. The Empress, feelingr the shock, but no pain, thought she hud been struck by someone who wanted to steal her watch. Wh«n she eank to the ground she remarked " I think I feel a pin in my chest." She was assisted r board the steamer, and then she fainted.

The OiunteHa Szapany opened the Erupres3' bodice, and discovered a am ill wound, almost imperceptible' and marked by two drops of blood. Tho Empress, ■ momentarily recovering asked what had happened but never 6poke afterwards.

She was attended by two physicians and priests.

' The 'body, whioh hai been embalmed,: is lying-in a coffin, dressed in white, and will be removed to Vienna* on' Wednesday.