The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-11-12

an appeal in the Supreme Court affecting
tho condemned was OF itself sufficient
cause for stay OF execution.
The matter was partly argued I'm cham
bers and later argued before the full
court and taken under advisement.
Shortly afterward the court announced
its decision granting the writ applied
for, In which all the justices concurred.
SAN oUINTIN PRISON. CAL. Nov
l1.-This has been a day OF suppressed
excitement in and about the penitenti-
airy. The preparations for the execution
Of Durrant had all been completed and
the prison officials were in readiness 10
carry out the death sentence from
which there seemed no further appeal
The man alone was hopeful that he
might yet obtain longer lease Of life.
lie spent the greater part OF the day In
reading and had little TO say to any one
AT 5.30 the news that the Supreme Court
had granted rcprieve was received at
the prison in message 10 Warden Hale
from Chief Justice Beattle.
Captain Edgar who opened the dis
patch in the absence OF the Warden. i'm
mediateiy wrote a note conveying the
Information TO the condemned man.
The message was sent to the death cell
by guard. Durrant quickly read IL and
without any great display OF emotion fell
on his knees and prayed silently for sew
eral minutes.
Mrs. Durrant the mother OF the pris-
oner. was a passenger on the $3.50 boat
from San Francisco. When she reached
the prison the news was told 10 her. She
was cheerful on the way over. saying
that she had put her faith in God. and
felt that lie would not desert her. on ar
rival at the prison she was Informed that
her sons life had been spared, and that
she might see him later.
THANK Cod" she said.
Then she went 10 a hotel for rest and
refreshmeut. At T. NJ she returned TO
the prison. and was admitted 10 Captain
Edgars Office, where her boy was walt
inc 20 r~eef her The death watch was re-
moved before Durrant was brought down
90 the office. and Il will not again be
placed OVER the prisoner. unless required
by future developments in the case.
Mrs. Durrant remained with her son In
close conversation for soufe time. An
Associated Press representative was sub
So. .orfff~ admitted 10 the nrisOn office.
where Durrant and his mother were seat
led on a sofa in each others arms. Dur
rant had expressed a desire TO make a
statement to tho Associated Press. and
said:
Naturally, I was greatly elated at the
news Of the reprieve. although my first
information. based on a telegram, was
not positive Soon after the news was
confirmed. All / could DO was TO thank
Cod"
WAS the reprleve a surprise" was ask
cd
Not exactly. all along have had per-
feet faith IN my God. This afternoon
was visited by two sisters OF charity and
! believe that their prayers and the pray
ers OF an those who have interceded for
me have been instrumental In bringing
about this result"
Then Durrant remarked. that he could
not understand why Christian people
should urge him I'm letters 20 confess
II am innocent" he said. "and would
never confess 10 such vile crime. sooner
or later the truth will be known. ] have
faith that the real perpetrator will yet
be discovered and punished. All Of these
little stays bring Us nearer 1t. / know
that the Lord will sooner or later set all
things right. 7 shall never give up the
night. because the Lord Is with me-" he
added. embracing aud kissing his mother.
contentment. but the son looked sad His
contenment, but the son looked sad His
eyes were dull He earnestly repeated
many times that faith in God would save
him in the future as I'm the past.
you may say I am innocent" said Dur
rant in conclusion. Il viii never yield
and God IS with me-"
After an hours private talk with her
son Mrs. Durrant returned 10 her hotel
and Durrant was taken back TO cell q. In
murderers row. which he had occupied
before the death watch was set over him.