ANARCHIST OUTRAGE

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 340, 13 September 1898, Page 2

ANARCHIST OUTRAGE

EMPRESS OP AUSTRIA ASSASSINATED. (BY ELECTRIC TEI.EGEA.rit—COPYRIGHT). Berne, September 11. An Italian Anarchist named Lucheni stabbed the Empress of Austria at noon to-day, whilst she was walking from the hotel Beaurwaga, Geneva, to go on board the steamer Lake of Geneva. When she deceived the blow thg Emnress fell, but rose immediately and went aboard the steamer, where she fainted. Failing to recover, she was removed to the hotel, and died shortly after. It was found she had been stabbed to the heart. Lucheni was immediately arrested. The Empress was visiting Switzerland incognito. The Swiss authorities had not been informed of her presence in Geneva. There is intense horror throughout Switzerland at the crime. Vienna, September 11. The news of the Empress' sad end stupefied the people of Vienna. The streets were impassable while thousands read the news. The theatres were closed, and tokens of profound grief, and eulogies of the Empress, are to be found everywhere. Count Goulochowki, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and of the Imperial and Royal House, 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 ?" Lucheni is a mason by trade, and lived at Lausanne, 32 miles from Geneva. He maintained a callous demeanour. London, September 11. Reports from Paris state that Lucheni was a refugee from Milan, where he took part in the late riots. He was chosen at the recent Anarchist meeting held at Zurich, with six others, to assassinate one of the Sovereigns of Europe, King Humbert, of Italy, being specially selected. Failing the opportunity to carry out the intention, the seven were accused of cowardice. At a second meeting held a week ago, Lucheni became exasperated, and exclaimed, " I will kill someone, no matter who." A French detective was present. King Humbert was warned. (Received September 12, 8.50 a.m.). Berne, September 11. The Empress of Austria was wounded below the left breast and bled internally. Before she disd extreme unction, the last sacrament of the Roman Church was administered. The Swiss Federal Council has expressed to the Emperor the infinite sympathy of the Swiss at his tragic loss. Lucheni, after dealing the blow attempted escape, but two cabmen captured him. He exclaimed, "My blow went home, she must be dead." The prisoner appeared in high spirits and amused himself singing songs. (BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION). Apckland, Last Night. The Austrian Consul, Mr C. Seegner, had the Austrian flag flyinc; at half-mast to-day, out of respect to the memory of the murdered Queen.