The New York herald., 1879-07-31
A DESPERATE PRISONER.
PoLKATo, THE MURDERER, AGAIN ATTEMPTS
To KILL HIMsELF-HIs RELIGIOUS ADVISER
rroopwYxkTD nv AN OATH

PoLKATo, THE MURDERER, AGAIN ATTEMPTS
To KILL HIMsELF-HIs RELIGIOUS ADVISER
HOODWINKED By AN OATH.
francesca Polkato. Michael Bolender's assassin.
became decidedly morose after his unsuccessful at
tempt to commit suicide Tuesday morning by
cutting into his arms with the sharpened end of a
tablespoon. The fact that his were strongly
handcufed one to another and both to sto ut bel.
fastened about his waist prevented further attempts
of a similar character even If he had the inclina-
ton. He passed the day without further violent
outbreaks but again declined to cat the food
that was put before him. Warden Finn, however
had him removed. for greater safety. from cell No.
SO. on tho second tier to padded cell No. A. on the
ground floor of the prison. His handouts were
then removed and his hands encircled in kind Of
tight fitting leather muf. as to prevent him from
reopening the wounds he had inflicted upon him.
self. Yesterday tho Italians manner totally
changed. He became more talkatve. seemed in far
better spirits and made further threats to njure
himself About eight O'Clock in the morning
Father Mori, the Italian priest attached to
St. Pstrick's Cathedral. called at the prison
and was allowed to converse with the prisoner He
remained about hour. heard Polkato's confession
aud administered communion. w. +. Klntzing. the
Italians counsel then called and was introduced to
Father Mori He found his client calm and conf
posed. The priest introduced him to Polkato, and
MIR. Kintzing asked the prisoner how lie felt. The
latter nodded his head and answered. 'Oh me all
right" The clergyman then told him that the
lawyer the gentleman who had seen him the
day before and who had been engaged by number
OF his (Polkato's countrymen to defend him. Pol
kato smiled and said. Very WELL" Mr. Knitting
told him he would call again to-day and hear his
statement.
Father Mori said:-s'My interview with the pris-
oner very satisfactory. l think have Gained
his mind. He was desperate and unreasoning i'll re-
hecting on what he regarded as his wrongs lie
claims he was time and again promised work by
Bolender, who eXtorted money from him and failed
to keep his promise when he could have done
Polkato solemnly assures me that he forgives his
enemies and will make further attempt to injure
himself others. He said his honor as Genoese
that he would keep that promise. The Genoese gen.
orally keep promise made under such circum-
stances.
THE PROMISE BROKEN
Pokato, in presence OF Father Mori, Warden Finn
and LAWYER Kintzing repeated the promise. The
priest then asked that the leather muH be removed.
Warden Finn said he could not comply, but that
when the murderer's wounds healed he might. pro-
yiLod he tthe Warden) could then feel JUSTIFIED in
doing so. Polkato. however. was only waiting the
first opportunity to repeat his attempt. He has not
eaten anything now tor two days. His condition
has been poor and medicine was administered him.
About half past twelve yesterday afternoon he was.
from necessity taken to q cell opposite by Keeper
Hennessy. Here there is an iron bathtub. Sud
striking the back OF his head against
the edge OF the tub, cutting it and
bleeding freely. Then he protested he had fallen in
q faint. His head was bandaged and he was picked
up and assisted out Of the cell. AS he passed the
doorway the keeper thought that perhaps the pris.
would attempt to strike his head against the
top the door. He surmised correctly, as Polkato
threw his head violently upward. catching the
watchful keepers hand between it and the door SILL
The leather muf again put on him. 1t is Sc
cured with iron clasps, firmly conhnlng both
polkato then turned his head violently around. il
i'll the hope to strangle himself. His cxertions
wearied him, however and he once moro became
quiet. He would not eat but drank little water.
lie is now wretched looking object. indeed. His
wife is to visit him to-day