The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-05-09
PRO3ST.
READING OF THE DEATH
WARRANT.
~~~r~vD>oIu>N~~ND~N~~-~~>~~-~-
HE is TO BE EXECUTED ON FRI
DAY, THE EIGHTH OF JUNE.
DEMEANOR or THE PRISONER.
FULL ACCOUNTS OF THE
SCENE THIS MORNING.
STOLID INDIFFERENCE OF
THE FIENO.
Erc.s 6to.. Etc. Ero.,

On the 9th day of May, 1863 Anton Probst,
the octo.hOmicide, landed tor che first time IN
the United States, at Castle Garden, New York.
On the 9th day OF May, 1866, or on the third an.
iVersary OF his landing, by a somewhat singular
COlncluenCe, the felOn had read to him the war
rant Tor his execution signed by AndreW q. Cur
TIM the Governor OF the commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
This morning Sheriff Howell received the
warrant tor Probsts execute on, and lost no
time IN Fastening to the prison to read the
same to the prisoner, which fixes the day OF his
death on FRIDAY, THE Sth DAY OF JUNE, 1866
As soon as the warrant was received Sheriff
Howell, District Attorney Charles Gilpin, Deputy
Sheriff Enoch Taylor ana the representatives
OF the Philadelphia press one Of whom was a
reporter OF THE EVENING TELEGRAPH, proceeded
in a carriage to the prison.
Alter a few moments spent in consultation
with Mr.. Perkins, the keeper of the prison, the
entire visiting party accompanied by Mr.. Per-
sins, the Catholic confessOr, Joseph r. Chand-
Ter, Esq, PRISON Inspector, and one or two other
officials, proceeded to Probst's cell, where the
Sheriff in "a delicate manner as possible, pro.
ceeded to discharge his official duty.
Prob>t was found sitting on his bed with his
head against the wall, aut claspIng his lett knee
with his clenched hands. A German prayer
book was at his side and he appeared as though
he had lust been engaged in reading.
On the entrance of the party Probst quietly
turned bis eyes towards the door. and eyed each
one as he entered, but did not seem to betray
anV inquisitiveness of disposition. He appeared
quiet and composed, yet had rather an air of
detection.
The Sheriff on entering said, "How do Won
feel TO-DAY, ProDst ?" The prisoner ans wered in
a low tone OF voice 'Oh, I feel pretty well - and
Gen his eyes on his knee The prisoner
Words S 5e'en at the bands lew of be sber% sR9
to which he paid. but little attention
and then that official informed HIM that
he had received from the Governor the warrant
Tor his execution. Probst, without changing
position, slightly bowed his head, still Keeping
his eyes fixed on his knee.
The Sheriff then drew from his pocket the
warrant, and told Probst he would read it to
hlm, 10 which the prisoner bowed slight
acquiescence but uttered no word. The Sheriff
after remarking that this was the third time he
had had to perform the same painful duty in the
same cell, proceeded in clear and distinct
voice 10 read the warrant.
The prisoner bestowed little attention, except
at the main point ot the warrant, where the day
Tor execution was named. He maintained stolid
composure, and did not move a muscle of his
face. At the conclusion of the reading Probst
simply glanced 1Or a moment at the Sheriff. bat
sa' d not word.
The Sheriff, after he had finished reading,
eXhorted the prisoner to use the brief space o.
time allotted to him to the best advantage Tor
his spiritual welfare, and in return Probst simply
uttered an unmtelleible monosyllabe.
After short conference in the cell between
MIR. Perkins, the Superintendent, and the
Shelit, the party bade Probst good bye aud
retired.
During the interview the prisoner said no.
thing, eXcept in answer to a question, when he
stated that he understood the sentence. From
the time the Sheriff and his attendants entered
the cell until they retired Probst maintained
exactly the same position, only now and then
glanclng from one person to another.
He was attended this morning by a clergyman
belonging to st. Philips Catholic Church, who
acted as relief to his principal confessor,
Father Grundther.
His adviser states that Probst informed him, a
short time before the entrance of the Sheriff
with the death warrant that he (Probst) had
expressed himself quite willing to die, as the
only atonement he could make for the terrible
crime he had committed.
The prisoner requests that no person be here.
after admitted TO his cell, except his spiritual
ADVISER tie desires to remain quiet and undis.
turbed. He sleeps well at nighttime, and tor
the terrible position in which he is placed, main.
ta-ns wonderful equanimiCY Of mind.