Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1898-01-07
HIS LAST MORNING.

When W. II. T. Durrant awoke at
go o'clock this morning, he was ap-
parently greatly refreshed by his
llghtis sleep, which had been sound
md peaceful throughout the night. His
asst night upon earth had been one OF
excitement, as he had been visited by
his parents, minister and newspaper
hen for some hours and did not retire
klntil midnight, half an hour after his
mother had left him.
Immediately after he awoke, he bade
bis guards good morning and without
Bhe slightest trace of nervousness pro-
eeded 20 dress in the clothing pro-
ided for his last appearance. This
consisted OF neat-ftting suit of
black, but In order TO avoid the neces-
tity of removing them, Warden Hale
had not supplied the prisoner with
Either collar or necktle. The omission
Ebf these articles was at once noted by
DDurrant, and Mt his request these ar
ticles vert sent up to the condemned
ell by Captain Edgar. 1t was char
hcteristic Of the prisoner. who had
blways been scrupulously neat and
fapper In his attire. that he should OBJ
ect to the white socks provided by the
6ail authorities. and demand black
bnes. which were also given him.
During the act of dressing, Durrant
fyas much less nervous than his
guards, whom he surprised. when his
breakfast was brought in, by eating
heartily and with evident relish, steak.
ham and eggs, toast and fruit. After
discussing his last meal, Durrant read
4 chapter from his Bible, and then re-
Feived a visit from Captain Edgar, to
Whom he expressed "A desire 10 deliver
4 short address from the scaffold.
MOTHERS LAST VISIT.
Shortly afterwards Mrs. Durrant
Failed at the prison and was admitted
~ the death chamber for a last inter-
fiew with her son. Their last meeting
HWas ahectlonate, although both
ftrove to maintain their composure.
Rev Edwards Davis. who had pub
picly announced his intention to ac-
company Durrant upon the scaffold,
fNas not admitted to the prison this
Pnorning by Warden Hale. and as the
prisoner refused to see either Chaplain
EDrahms or Rev. William Raeder, the
protestant clergymen who visited him
Pecently 1t was decided both by the
prisoner and his mother that Rev.
Father Lasan should be sent for. This
Hsas done, and the priest at once res
pcnded and made the necessary ar
PansemeniH for the reception of Dur
ait HtlN inc NatnOllc .taitn,
Al $3.50 o'clock Warden Hale visited
ne death chamber for the purpose of
Zeading the death warrant to the con-
femned man, who listened to the we'll
IhoWn contents Of that with attention,
P1t with no outward sign of fear.
| when II was finally decided that
putrant would accept the Catholic
ann, hls parents met Father Lagan
the Wmdtn's office and accom-
ilhtu MN TO the death chamber.
| hte IN prisoner was given extreme
thruon and the Catholic service was
|Dlio'ned pufrant evinced the most
LNeY interest in the service. He
theh conversed with his parents for n
Ky minutes, and shortly after 10
s,ook bade them farewell for the
as. ume and prepared for his march
AT THE PRISON GATE.
Un tne arrival OF the first train from
n a. 'un,lsep the open space in front
49, KY ptison gate rapidly filed with
IeIa neildins many If those who
smu invitations to the execution. as
as elhers attracted by curiosity.
{,ahs lne throng We're many physi-
NJ r, ana several officials of various
tn ra'iss' Or w. NJ. LAWYER, prison
IJsSss selected the following physi-
b. ~ uHslst him at the scaffold:
SylcS..L, Jones. San Rafael; DR.. q.
Nor san Rafael; DR.. j. f.
Syns,,.san Francisco. and DR.. r.. n.
AIMS san Francisco.
3yniias The first arrivals WINS Row
MIA m Rncder. He stated that he
ara moi see Durrant IL Rev Ed
as in nasls was to be present, and he
becldeS'0 rmed that that gentleman had
kand :, Aot TO attend. Soon after
Dr. fron, Rev. Father Lagan drove
|blud.bss san Rafael In his own buggy,
Fas mel t,'tt n, and unassuming. lie
tnce ad,ly Warden Hale, and was at
the spnr tted within the gates. Then
! bout y. pv,luon that Durrant wna
tertab,, enanse his faith became !,
seligion. He professed the Cnthol,S.
F. manv unnMill die within that church.
zion M, persons pressed for admIs'
heeessar,, lhe warden found n
kndur ~ 70 publicly announce thar
Nlthopt circumstances would anvoro
Al is', ltsTs HIS INNOCENCE.
Flcsedi y oS The gates OF the prison had
feFs tha ue last man who would viii
Hathered hanging. The crowd had
Ing ths ~, ~ III, cold bare room adtnin-
ii nea u Place of execution hut n "u'o nm
1850 sharp. did the iron