The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-10-29

Liebiz, the doctor.
When these intelligent and bloody
scoundrels had been detected, tried and
condemned, ali Of which happened within
q few weeks, the Marshal President re-
fused to interfere with the execution of
the sentence Of death. 1t IS the French
fashion 10 execute those thus doomed, in
the public street in front of the prison,
without making known the exact time.
IL is the custom 10 use the knife axe at
day break and the prisoners are not no
tilted until wanted. The people understand
that very soon after the prayer for mercy
OF those under capital sentence is refused
the guillotine viii be used, and those
seeking TO enjoy the spectacle are watch
full according ely. The representatives Of
the press are allowed to know the ar
rangements of the authorities that they
may certify the work has been done.
Hearing that the execution would take
place at half past five o'clock In the
morning L started for the spot about one,
having rendezvous with some journal
lists at a cafe where black coffee was the
beverage OF the hour, though brandy was
in competition as a refreshment.
When we arrived, few minutes before
three o'clock. within three hundred yards
of La Roquette" the streets were filled
with people, restrained by a strong force
OF police from crowding upon the prison
doors. There were many sinister faces
t in these masses OF men and women and
the excitement was fierce. All streets
| leading to the prison were guarded by
police in force, backed by cavalry. The
latter were once used in a Gathering
charge to drive back the violent multitude
Only the few knew that the execution was
positively fixed for that morning. The
many had conjectured that there would
not be further delay, and the third
night, after the refusal OF reprieve, they
had assembled at midnight, and waited
In struggling crowds for the dismal drama.
AS the privileged persons passed through
the line Of police they were greeted with
imprecations that were somewhat soften
ed TO those not very familiar with the
mysterious resources Of the French Ian
guage. We were of the early arrivals
before an iron gate in a heavy stone
archway, on which we read depot OF the
Condemned" and over which a small
tri-color was displayed on either side
Of the gate was the inscription decreed
for all public buildings in France includ-
ing churches-"Liberty.- Equality Frater-
nifty" The open space In front contains
a few chestnut trees, not very thrifty. and
in the centre Of the court are four large
square stones fixed i'm the pavement where
the frame Of the fatal knife is erected.
About ten minutes after three, two huge
black vans came up. and were recognized
as containing the machinery Of the exc
cutioner. With them appeared Roch, the
famous headsman, a stout, hearty, reso-
lutte looking man, with very decent face.
He wore a new silk hat appearing TO
think something in the way OF distinc-
ton necessary. was quite at ease, and
his orders were swiftly obeyed by aids,
who seemed familiar with their duties.
Their wooden hammers made little noise
I'm driving the wooden bolts. He was face
/ tiously called by the mob ''Monselgnor de
| Paris" and was a person OF Importance.
There is as much gossip about his habits,
and as many rumors relating 10 his
private affairs as II he was grand duke.
or one OF the pretenders 10 the throne.
The guillotine is almost as simple an
AFFAIR as ladder Put UP for immediate
service by the light Of two lanterns and
one gas lamp, IN the midst Of a curious
crowd OF reporters and the friends OF the
authorities. IL was not handsome. The
triangular bit OF edged steel is concealed
| by board when drawn up; and this is
thought TO be humane, as II masks from
the condemned the glitter OF the instru-
/ ment Of death. When erected, the height
! Ok tho frame Of the guiliotine above the