The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-15
LUSIGNANI'S LAST NIGHT.

Preparations for the Execution To-Day
The Prisoners Calm Cheerfulness and
Noble Religious Fortitudc-Afrecting
Scene In the Condemned Cell.
MoRRTsrowN, N. j., May IA, 1873.
The preparations for the execution OF Luigi
Lusgnani. the Italian wife MURDERER have been all
completed, and everything is in readiness Tor the
closing scene in the dread tragedy The ex-
element in the town 10 intense, and among
all classes Of people the lntensest commisseration
is felt for the fate OF the poor Italian Now that his
end is approaching. sympathy Ia willingly extended
to him, and it is generally felt that the many ex
tenuating circumstances which surrounded his
crime should have lessened his punishment and
saved HIM from an ignominious death. To-day.
THE LAST DAY ON EARTH
OF Lusignani, was devoted by him to prayer and
devotion. BY every means In his power he
strives to prepare himself for his approach
ing end, and he listened eagerly to the
spiritual advice and consolation rendered
him by Father vassalo, an Italian priest from
Orange, who has, since the death sentence
was passed, been unremitting in his attention to
his unfortunate countryman The stories which
have been published In the local papers about the
reckless demeanor and profane language Of the
prisoner are nearly all incorrect. the bright at
taches OF the local lights. mistaking the natural
gayety and light-heartedness OF the Southern race
for unc0ncern and ard-heartedness.
TIE SCENE IN THE CELL
OF the Italian tonight was peculiarly Affecting.
In company with Father vassalo the reporter OF
the HERALD was permitted to have an interview
with the prisoner. and the calm resignation and
courage displayed by the latter was the theme OF
Lusignani was dressed In deep black and wore
white rose in his buttonhole His lace was deadly
pale, but he displayed no appearance OF trepida-
ton and was more apparently cooler than any
other person in the cell. He recognized
the HERALD reporter. having seen :, him
ana wa warmly ahon hs
conduct being perfectly natural and selfpossessed
In answer to a question nom the reporter he
PERFECTLY RECoNCILED TO DIE
and mad no fear OF the future. While saying this
he Rrasped the hand Of Father vassalo and ex-
claimed, mo one who is good Catholic Is afraid
to die"
He then stated that the stories which had been
published about him in the local papers were
entirely false; that he had INDUCED in no pro-
family, and never had any intention OF starving
himself to death: The only objection he made to
objected to eating the half-cooked meat which was
set before him. He very naturally refuses to eat
the prison fare so long as he has the opportunity
Of partaking OF the more dainty vlands which are
freely provided for him.
This morning Father vassalo, on visiting the
prison, asked Lusignan what he would like to cat,
and he replied that he wished to have some Italian
soup and beefsteak, which were provided for him.
lie ate sparingy, but he was considerably refreshed
and talked cheerfuly with the persons who came
to visit him.
When the reporter was bidding Lusgnani good
night the latter was
vISIBLY AFFECTED
but showed no signs OF shrinking. Father Vassalo
and Father Ronado will remain In the cell with the
prisoner all through the night. The last offices of
the Church will be administered about nine O'Clock
IN the morning. and the prisoner will be escorted
to the scafod by Father VassalO and the pastor OF
the parish. The gallows Is erected right in the
OF the prisoners cell, but screen cOnceals 1t from
his view
The Court House in the morning will be sur
rounded with special constables, and no person
who is not provided with pass will be admitted
About one hundred and twenty-five passes have
been issued but applications by the thousand have
been made, which the Sheriff has been, OF course,
compelled to refuse. The execution Will take place
at eleven O'Clock. and when life Is extinct, the
body win be cut down and inferred in the Catholic
graveyard.