Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1891-09-05
a Murderer's Desperation,

A strange story ended yesterday afternoon
In the execution of Louis Buling, the 81.
Joseph wife-murderer, at Savannah, Mo-,
an account Of which appeared In the
GAZETTE Just before the time for the exc
cutlon the doomed man shot himself In
vain effort to commit suicide, and finally
died on the gallows shriekiug for mercy
and cursipg his executioners. Up to few
days ago Bulling seemed cheerful and hope
ful ia the face of his approaching death. He
had twice before cheated the gallowB by jail
breaking.
Early last weak 1t was discovered that
Bulling had planned to break jail the third
time. SGee saws we're found In his cell and
they were taken away from hltn. Perpetual
guards we're kept over him and all visitors
were searched before being permitted to en-
ter. Ali means of escape were cot off, and
then the doomed man sent for his father aDG
mother and pleaded with them to appeal 10
the Governor for a Communication OF sentence.
The parents went TO Jefferson City and had
several personal interviews with Governor
Francs, but the Governor was firm la ME
decision not to Interfere.
SILL the parents did not lose heart. They
made another call on the Governor Tburs-
day and pleaded for their sons life. The
Governor yas frm. MI and Mrs. Buliug
telsgsephed their SOD the Governors dsci
sion and followed the message TO Savannah
They had an affecting parting from The
doomed man Thursday night. When Bull
ing's second chance for life disappeared he
broke down completely. He was oou-
firued opium eater. and during tbs night
WIS given large doses of the drug. Il failed
to have its accustomed effect, and the con-
denaned murderer slept lsss than two hours
during the entire night.
The Rev. August Lavake, during Bull
ing's waking hours, spens the time Ia read
Ing the Bible and praying, exhortlDg Bull
Ing to confess his sins and receive baptism.
Sheriff Barry had set the hour for the exeou-
ton at 10 o'clock yesterday morning. When
he went to the cell at 6 to prepare the
doomed man for the scsfold Bullirg plead
ed 40 pitifuliy for an extension OF few hoors
that the sheriff yielded and gave him until 2
O'Clock to live. Bulling ate breakfast and
spent the rest Of his time in pleading wi5n
the sheriff for mercy ard attending to the
religious exercises conducted bY RsV. Mr.
Layake. He had faint hope of oommuta-
ton, but et noon submitted to the baptiam-
al ceremony and received the sacrament.
When 2 o'clock arrived the murderer renewed
his supplicatlon to tho sheriff and pleaded for
hour moro The sheriff granted his request. Tho
sheriff then retired, leaving Bulling with Rev.
Mr. Lavske, at the time removing the guard from
the cell door at Billings request, that the m.n
might be left alono with his spiritual adviser.
The silence Of the Jail WAS broken only by the
voice Of tho priest. when suddenly two shots rang
cut. The priest lay on the floor and at his side
lay Bullipg, weltering in his own blood, which
flowed from wounds in his breast. He had shot
himself twice with revolver. The priest had
tainted. An examination of Bulling's body
showed that ono Of the bnllets he'd entered the
left breast and glancing from s rib had passed
around his body and come out Of his back. The
other bullet only made flesh wound In his left
side. He awore at the intruders In horrible
manner.
The deputies dragged the struggling man to the
court yard and lifted HIM on the gallows he re-
fused to stand and they placed him upon chair.
He was dressed only In shirt and trousers. HIS
hands and face we're covered with blood, which
also stained his shirt, and blood was streaming
through his shoes. He cured and swore at the
Deputies cried and screamed for mercy and
shrieked in terror. Finally he was told to get up
snd stand upon the drop. he refused, and four
deputies held him up while the rope was being
adjusted.
The black cap was placed over his head, and.
screaming and Disappointing Bulling shot through
the opening exactly at 3:21 o'clock. His neck
wss broken by the fall and he died almost in
stantly. Rev. Mr.. Lavske was arrested for giving
Bulling the revolver with which he attempted TO
commit suicide. Bulling's cell WAS Thoroughly
searched and no weapon was found.