Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1883-01-24
A SOCIALISTS DEATH.
Dramatic Scenes In the city OF Rome.

The Cittadino di Trieste contains an
account OF the execution OF William
Overdank. He was hanged at Trieste
His sentence was read to him by the
military court He listened to the
reading without displaying the least
emotion. He was taken back to his
cell, and placed under the surveillance
OF two watchmen. The outside of the
prison was guarded by soldiers. The
boy ate and drank very little during the
day, and smoked almost continually.
The chaplain OF his regiment went to
see him several times, Overdank refused
his ministrations, saying that he was q
freethinker, and that he did not believe
in the imm ortality of the soul. He re-
fused to see any visitors, not even
excepting his own mother. At night he
slept. His respiration at times was
very heavy. His dreams were hardly
peaceful, for occasionally he seemed
uneasy, and muttered unintelligent
words.
At 8 o'clock in the morning Overdank
awoke. He retained the most perfect
self.control. After eating some bread,
he drank emp OF coffee and milk and
lighted cigarette. AT quarter OF 7
be was called out of his cell by the
hangman. He was to be strung up in
the little yard next to his cell. From
his window he could see the workmen
erecting his scatfold. Soldiers alone
witness d his execution. Employees of
the civil court were at hand to be of
service if at the last moment a pardon
arrived. A company of the Archduke
Albert regiment formed square around
the gibbet. As young OyeTdank arrived
at the foot of the scaffold he shivered
and turned his head away. A moment
aEterward he mastered himself, and
entirely regained his self,possession.
Mayor FOngarolli read the sentence of
death. To the words, "zum tode durch
den strang," he added il Itaion, "alla
morta sulla forca." Ogerdank cooly
replied, Isl, signor." He mourtcd 'ho
galloWs without assistance. AlLr di-
yesting himself OF the uniform of the
Weber regiment, to which he belonged
he appeared in plain back trousers and
white shirt.
The rope was placed around his neck.
He tried to speak, but his voice was
drowned in the roll OF the drums. His
death strGg. 10 las ed six minutes. The
cEccutioner said that he never saw a
young ma with more nerve and resolu.
tion. The body was taken to the mill
tary hospital under an armed escort. A
grave was dug in the military cemetery,
and after the burial OF the BODY the
ground was lovcllc', SO that the spot
whore he was buried is unknown.
The news of the execution created
much excitement in Rome. The great
italian poet, Giosue Carlucci, publishes
a stinging comment in the Lega della
Demoerazia ending with the words,
'Emaedetto sia l'Iuperatore" He
recalled all the suiferings OF the italian
patriots, all the tears Of the Italian
mothers, and all the infamies of the
Austrian invaders since 1913, and then
said that the heart of Overdank ought
to be cut in pieces and sent to the Ital-
iap cities, as the limbs of fhe wife Of the
Levito were sent to The trih.s ui I ,ael.
Such action would arouse the Italians
from their lethargy, and Overdank's
death would be avenged. Carducci
suggested that Overdanks name should
be planted on banner which should be
borne against Austria at no distant time
in final settlement of the score against
her-a score that includes the death of
Menotti, Bassi, and many other Italian
martyrs.
The emperor had partly promised
Oyerdank's mother pardon for her son.
1t is believed that Victor Hugo's letter
advising mercy fastened the boys
doom. The emperor regarded it as a
sort Of ultimatum from the Franco.
Italian socialists to the German empire.
The military party urged that clemency
was out OF season in view of the political
agitation. Overdank ought to be hanged
to show the world that Austria and
Germany cared not rap for Itali4n
threats, and that the question of the
cession OF Trieste would not be tolera.
ted
The news of the execution reached
Rome after the daily Ave Maria. A
crowd gathered around the CHG palace
en- the Piazza Colonna, the residence of
the Austrian ambassador. The editor
of an obscure newspaper made speech
to the multitude, berating the "Austrian
assassins" and insulting the Austrian
ambassador. A squad OF police appear.
ed, followed by files Of soldiers. The
crowd dispersed, but gathered again
down the Corso, at the Piazza Veneza,
where the Austrian ambassador to the
Vatican resides. "Down with the sas
sins Down with the despots~ were
the cries. Several of the mob were ar
rested and brought before the courts on
the succeeding day. They were wildly
cheered on their way to and from the
court room.
Triestians living in Rome sent the
following telegram to the mother OF
Overdank:
10 Gluseppina Overdank, Trieste:
Shocked at this fearful misfortune, and ad-
miring the heroic death OF our William, we
predict that Italian mothers and italian sons,
under tho inspiration OF such spirit will be-
come the. symbols of italian glory. BY his
Spartan-like death, William lives eternay.
His name will evoke an lnvincible patriotism
aud bloody vengeance.
Overdank's fellow students in Rome
sympathized with him and mourn his
late. The words
''.'''''' .....'....
VISDICATE!
.yINDICATE OvERDANK !.
appear everywhere on the walls of the
city. The newspapers report that the
CO ~, n uor,ls vara ur;t}an IN tbo r,I1o~;o