Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1868-06-17
O'FARRELL's EXECUTION.

O'Farrell, who attempted to assassinate
the Duke OF Edinburgh at Melbourne, was
endeavored TO have O'Farrell's case sub.
mitted TO the Home Government, but he
did not succeed. O'Farrell made a written state.
ment before he died. He said: 81 have hitherto
sand that was one OF many who Were prepared
TO do the deed had l not done il. l had not the
slightest foundation for such a statement. l
was never connected with any man, or any
body OF men, who had for their object the
taking Of the life of the Duke of Edin ourgh.
Neither was l in any other than an indirect
manner connected with that organization in
Ireland and elsewhere which is known by the
name of the Fenian organization
O'Farrell rose at about O'Clock in the morn
ing, and as the hour for his execution ap-
preached, he shook hands with the officers of
the Jail who had been in attendance upon him.
and thanked them for the kindness and con-
sideration with which they had treated him
Between and O'Clock he was visited by the
Sisters Of Mercy. and shortly after they left
the Rev. j. pwyer, Roman Catholic Chaplain
OF the Jail, arrived and remained some time in
conversation with the prisoner. As the sound
OF the bell striking o'clock died away, the
two executioners, Elliott and Bull, entered the
wing in which the prisoner was confined, and
commenced TO pinion him. At the termination
OF this procession was formed, and the sol.
emn co1tege began to move towards the scaf-
fold The prisoner walked by the side Of Rev.
Mr. Dwyer, preceded by tive officers OF the Jail,
and followed by the sheriff, the Governor OF the
jail, the under.sheriff, and other officials The
spectators looked in vain upon the face
OF the culprit for any indication of emotion:
but 1t was observed that his lips moved In
response to the prayers which were being Of
Tered by his reverend attendant On arrival at
the foot of the drop the prisoner and attendant
priest knelt q few moments in prayer, and then
O'Farrell rose and mounted with q quick
movement-which might almost be called a
run-the steps to the scaffold. One OF the exc.
cutoners took hold Of his arm with q view to
assist him mp. but the latter spurred the prof.
fered help, and appeared to regard the touch
OF the grim functionary as an insult. On
reaching the platform the minister of re-
ligion offered another short prayer, which
was audible to the spectators, and then.
finally shaking hands with the condemned
culprit, left him to his fate. 1t was
confidently expected by many persons
that the prisoner would make state
ment on the scafold, but no word did he
utter after he had shaken hands with the cler.
gyman. The adjustment Of the rope and draw.
ing the white cap over the unhappy mans head
were but the work Of a few seconds, and barely
had these preparations been made by one of the
executioners than the others withdrew the bolt
and O'Farrell dropped dead, his neck having
evidently been broken by the sudden Jerk. The
only motion observable in the body was a slight
drawing up Of the feet, Immediately after the
drop fell, but this was simply the action Of the
m muscles, without con scious pain. After hang
ing for half an hour the body was lowered into
shell and examined by the medical attend.
ants, who found the neck completely dislocated
and the throat considerably torn