The Fate of Bresci.

Manawatu Herald, 9 October 1900, Page 3

The Fate of Bresci.

» Details of the punishment inflicted on Bresci, the assassin of King Humbert, are published in the English papers. The condemned is entombed in a dark chamber not larger than a coffin. From the moment when the

key is turned in the lock the door is never again opened within ten years, unless to remove a dead man. Through a little sliding panel dry bread and water, in quantity barely sufficient to sustain life, are given to the prisoner once a day. A prisonkeeper night and day keeps the cendemned always in sight. The poor wretch is not even allowed to talk to himself or to make any sign of life. If this rule is violated, three separate forms of torture are respectively applied. The first consists of a strait-jacket, which pinions the man's arms tight across his chest. The second takes the form of iron bracelets chaining his hands to the soles of his feet. The last and most extreme measure is called the "guillotine," and consists of a plank of massive wood, in which the prisoner's head, arms, and legs are separately enceased in such a manner as to render it impossible for him to budge. In winter time, however cold the weather, a single light covering is allowed the condemned wretch. If at the end of ten years the prisoner is still alive and sane — which, naturally, is extremely improbable— he is then released from solitary confinement and sent to the galleys, where, unless he be pardoned by the Sovereign, he passes the remainder of his life at hard jabour.