The herald., 1897-11-12

Theodore Durrant, the condemned MUIR
derer of Blanche Lamont, spent last
night and today in traquillity. He
seemed in nowise affected by the trying
ordeal through which he had to pass
yesterday and was as calm and self
possessed as he has always appeared to
be since his arrest. He talked freely to
reporters, to whom he said: II am in
nocent of this crime. but If the verdict is
to be carried out in my case, I shall die
like Durrant.
Durrant was very cheerful last night
He talked freely with the men who are
serving as death watch, and his con-
versation was mainly upon matters not
in any way connected with his execu
tion.
He seemed in reminiscent mood and
recalled many incidents of his life. Many
points he had visited in the State while
on pleasure trips and picnics were fully
described, and the prisoner seemed to
relish the accounts he gave Of the good
times he had had. Perhaps he reflected
that his picnic days were over and took
especial pleasure in dwelling upon the
events of former and happier days.
After talking with those about him for
several hours, the prisoner inquired
what time it was He had heard a bell
toll and said: What does that mean?"
1T means that it is II o'clock" said
guard.
"Then it is about time to go to bed" he
remarked. He arose from his seat and
began to disrobe for the night. He
jumped into bed and, taking up his Bible,
read from it's sacred pages about half
an hour. He finally closed the book,
turned over on his side, said Good
night" and sank into profound slum-
ber. All through the tagging hours the
guards sat in silence. No troublous
dreams disturbed the sleeper. He slum-
bered like a child until 1880 o'clock this
morning, when he awoke and again
asked what time it was. When in
formed, he arose, dressed himself and
ate tempting breakfast with evident
relish.
NEWS OF REPRIEVE
SAN QUENTIN PRISON, Cal. Nov.
11.-This has been day of great but
suppressed excitement in and around
the penitentiary. The preparations for
the execution of Theodore Durrant had
all been completed and the prison Off
cials were in readiness to carry out the
death sentence from which there seemed
no further appeal. The man alone was
hopeful that he might yet obtain long
er lease of life. He spent the greater
part of the day in reading and had lit
tie to say to anyone.
At 4:30 p. m. the news that the Su-
preme court had granted a reprieve was
received at the prison in message to-
Warden Hale from Chief Justice Beat
ty Captain Edgar, who opened the
dispatch in the absence of the warden
Immediately wrote note conveying the
information to the condemned man.
The message was sent to the death
cell by a guard. Durrant quickly read
it and without any great display of
emotion fell on his knees and prayed
silently for several 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 to her. She
was cheerful on the way over, saying
that "she had put her faith in God and
felt that He would not desert her.
On her arrival at the prison she was
informed that her sons life had been
spared and that she might see him
later.
Thank God" she said. Then she
went to a hotel for rest and refreshment.
At p. m. she returned to the prison and
was admitted to Captain Edgar's office,
where her boy was waiting to meet her.
The death veil was removed when Dur
rant was brought down to the office,
and it will not again be placed over the
prisoner unless required by future de-
velopments in the case. Mrs. Durrant
remained with her son in close CONVEX
sation for some time.
NOT A SURPRISE
An Associated Press reporter was
subsequently admitted to the prison
office where Durrant and his mother
were seated on a sofa in each others
arms. Durrant had expressed a desire
to make a statement to the Associated
Press and in the course of an interview
said
Naturally, was greatly elated at the
news of the reprieve although my first
based on a telephone mes
sage, was not positive. Soon after
wards the news was confirmed. All
COulQ 10 WIS " tHuuh NIOu.
WAS the reprieve surprise?"
mo, not exactly. All along have had
perfect faith in my God. This after
noon I was visited by two Sisters of
and / believe that their prayers
and the prayers of all those who have
for me have been instrument
tai in bringing about this result
Then Durrant remarked that he could
not understand why Christian people
should beg him in letters to confess.
Il am innocent" he said, land would
never confess to such vile crimes. Sooner
or later the truth will be knokn. / have
faith that the real perpetrator will yet
be discovered and punished. All of these
stays bring us nearer it. I know that
the Lord will sooner or later set all things
right. / shall never give up the fight be-
cause the Lord is with me-" he added,
and kissing his mother.
On Mrs. Durrant's face was smile
of contentment, but the son looked sad
and his eyes were dull. He earnestly
repeated many times that faith in God
would save him in the future, as in
the past.
you may say I am innocent" said
Durrant in conclusion. II will never
yield, and God is with me-"
After half an hours private talk with
her son Mrs. Durrant returned to her
hotel and Durrant was taken back to
cell 81 in murderers row, which he had
occupied before the death watch was
set over him.