Morning journal and courier., 1888-08-15
4 BLOODY EXECUTION.

The Story of she Bcheading of Five Pirates In China. Former Naval Officer, in the New York Mail and Express.l
 While attached to the United States steam CT Wachusett, then cruising in the waters
 of the Asiatic station, we happened to be sent to Canton to protect some of the Amer ican merchants who fancied that the Chi ness, who had been making threats, were going to give them trouble. The sight of
 8 man-of-war ready to protect and aid, if necessary, always has good effect, and in this case we were greeted with joy and satisfaction. The Waohusett was notable vessel, having done good service in the civil war, especially the capture of the Confederate steamer Florida, and her fame as fighter had spread even to China.
 It was very agreeable relief to all on board that we should be in port for at least two months, and every one was glad of the opportunity of exploring one of the largest cities of the world. It is the custom of all men-of-war when in Chinese port to hire | for the ships service numbersof "sampans," 7" or small boats, each manned by two Chinese, who are always ready day and night to take one ashore. My oomrade and were lucky
 
 every street and alley in the city. Besides, he spoke very good English, and it was 8 I pleasure to take him as guide in our ramble ashore.
 On one occasion we were ashore under his guidance and seeing everything curi- streets came & large body of troops guards | ing five men carried in flat baskets sus- pended on bamboo rods from the shoulders of coolies.
 "sam, what are they going to do with ! those menf'' we asked.
 s'Oh," said he, ''they are pirates and the 1 troops are going to cut of their heads" Here was chance for us to see sight and f to 20 back to the ship and s'spin a yarn'' \ that wonld surprise our shipmates. "Can we \ eo and see their heads taken off"
 ssI do not know." said Sam, "but If you | will follow me will ask the mandarin" We followed, and in 6 short time came to an open courtyard just of one of the l main thoroughfares of the city. The sol- | diers filled in on each side, and the man, darin, who wore the blue button, seated | himself in chair. A great crowd of people I had followed, and the sentinels at the gate had great trouble in keeping them back. We were in uniform, and when we were | seen by the officer of the guard he called the attention of the mandarin to the fact. It was then that our slipped up, and making the 'kow tow" or Chinese salute, told the l officer. who we were and from what vessel | we came. We were immediately escorted to place of honor beside the mandarin, l who rose and bowed his respects; and told told our guide to explain to us why he wat there and why those five men were to lose their lives. They had been caught in the act
 of piracy on the high seas by an English gun
 boat and turned over to the Chinese authori.
 ties for trial and punishment. They had had
 speedy trial, the act of piracy having beer
 ] committed six days before.
 | While this explanation was going on, thu
 five prisoners were made to kneel on tn
 ground in Indian file, their sfqueues" wer'
 coiled up on the backs of their heads anG
 with slight inclination the backs of thei necks were made perfectly bare. An office was sent for the executioner, and he ap ! peared, making the salute to the mandarin
 inc man who was to do this bloody deed , A look in his face revealed nothing say l l the same stolid expression that is seen in al l I Chinamen, but he carried himself with