Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1892-05-26
DEFINING DIES BY THE ROPE
The Reckless Murderer Ends
His Bloody Career.
NO TROUBLE AT THE SCAFFOLD
His Last Words a Family
Uttered Prayer.
"May the Lord Receive My Spirit"--Death
Follows Quickly After the Drop Many
People Witness the Execution of tho
Most Heartless Murderer of the Age--
An Immense Crowd Outside the Prison.

MELBOURNE, May 23.--Deeming was
hanged at one minute past 10 o'clock, this
morning.
Deeming passed Sunday in writing,
calmly discussing at intervals his APP
proaching doom. He said he had no in
tcntion of making a speech ON the scaliold.
On Sunday night he thrice swallowed
eagerly small allowance of spirits, after
which he slept snundly until he was
awakened at O'Clock, this (Monday)
morning. Then, for the first time since
mis- arrest, the manacles on his wrists were
removed, and smoking cigar, lie con-
yersed with those around.
HIS LAST woRI4i.
He declared thnt he was resigned to his
fate and had no fears in regard to the
future. To the governor of the prison he
said that he had made his peace with God.
He persisted IN denying that he was guilty
OF the Rainhll murders. He had never, he
declared, lost his self-control in England
as he had since his arrival in Australia.
He expressed gratitude to the governor
and all the prison officials for the con-
sideration which they had shown him, and
also TO Mr.. Lyle his counsel and to all
concerned in his defence. He said he
thought he would not faltcr or make any
SCENE on the scaffold.
MANY WITNESSES PRESENT.
A few moments before the time set for
the execution Deeming was allowed glass
of brandy, which he swallowed at gulp
and he was told that he might have more
ii the prison doctor so ordered. The doomed
man was then led to the gallows and in n
few moments all was over. The drop was
seven feet.
The execution was witnessed by large
gathering, including government and civil
otiicials;;, magistrates, police and clergy
men. There was an immense crowd out
side the prison from an carly hour in the
| morning until long after the execution
was over. Order was maintained by n
strong force of police.
On the arrival of the hangman and the
deputy governor at the doomed mans cell
Deeming was praying fervently, repeating
again and agan Lord have mercy on my
soul" He continued muttering prayer
as he was led to the scaffold He wore n
cap which partially shaded his face from
view.
DEATH INSTANTANEOUS.
A few minutes before the time for the
execution the sheriff went to Deeming's
cell and formally demanded that the body
of Dceming be delivered to him. The
prisoner was then led to the scaffold, after
being pinioned. He walked firmly, but
appeared to be trembling On the scaffold
he shook hands twice with the sheriff. 10
the laltcrs query whether he had any
thing to say. Deeming replied family,
May the Lord receive my spirit" The
black cap was then drawn over his face
and the prison chaplain read the burial
service, at the conclusion of which the
bolt was drawn and the body dropped.
Death was instantaneous, and after the
first momentary swayinG of the body no
further movement was noticed.
Among the witnesses of the execution
We're number of reporters.
The liangman wore u false white beard
There was no public demonstration out
side the jail
When he was weighed early this morn
ing Deeming turned The scale at 143 pounds,
which is IA pounds less than he weighed
when admitted to the prison.