The herald., 1898-01-07
ALL EFFORTS FAIL

u Ills IClt Ouiiahe Si'y SN.>
t hope, the governor having declined tt
j interfere.
r ALL EFFORTS FAIL
= There was a possibility that Attorney
y Boardman's mission in Washington
might be successful and that he might
secure a stay from the United States
supreme court. Late this afternoon
however, word was received that JUS
tice Brewer had denied the application
and that there was at last absolutely
no legal obstacle between the con-
demned murderer and the gallows.
The prison officials on the receipt of
the news were greatly relieved and
! everything is now in readiness for the
carrying out of the sentence, four times
pronounced on the murderer of Blanche
Lamont.
CLAIMS OF INNOCENCE
At the request of Theodore Durrant
an Associated Press staff correspondent
was brought tonight to the cage-like
structure surrounded by a close wire
netting in which the condemned man is
confined. His mother sat outside con-
versing with her son in whispers.
Durrant looked well, but his eyes were
red from weeping and his lips were
parched. The failure today of the
various moves in his behalf was refer
red to.
ut was great surprise, but am pre-
pared for It," replied Durrant.
How do you feel?"
| Hopeful, buoyant and ready to meet
my Maker" answered the condemned
murderer.
II know the Lord is with me. No one
knows what faith is until it is tried.
I am going to a judge who has never
| committed a wrong and who cannot.
My faith has been so strong that l have
been kept up and will be sustained to the
end"
Then turning to his mother he said
Mother 1 have come to the conclu-
sion that it needs trial to know God.
And you may say that to the world
he added.
A FINANCIAL VIEW
A sudden thought seemed to strike
Durrant for he added in a voice differ
ent from the earnest, religious accents
of his previous remarks: II have had
offers of remuneration for talk with
me from the east. l have had three or
four kilograms"
"All of his words are of great value"
interrupted his mother. No offer of
compensation being made, Durrant was
promptly cautioned to talk no more.
He was willing to comply, and his
mother being called away for moment
he resumed in his former strain:
Il will make no reference to the past.
All will be made clear, if not in this
world, then in the next. feel I am per-
feet in Christ"
What will you say at the last?" was
rather difficult question to ask, but
| the answer was quick and in a firmer
voice than he had been using:
Il shall only proclaim my innocence
| loudly, strenuously," answered Dur
| rant
Make this as strong as you please.
1 will not falter at the end. 1 will die
bravely knowing I am going to better
world. l thank God my hands are
clean, not stained with blood, but the
fair name of California will stand
stained with crime that can never be
wiped out-the blood of an innocent
man-say boy"
At this point Mrs Durrant returned to
the side of her son and said rather
sharply: There. you have said enough,
Theodore, too much already 1 really
am afraid"
That's all, mother" submissively re-
piled the condemned murderer as he
said goodbye and turned his head away.
THE HANGMAN'S VISIT
Amos Lunt, the hangman, visited Dur
rants cell this afternoon for the pur-
pose of taking his measure and de-
termining upon the length of the drop.
The machinery of the gallows was test
ed and everything found to work
smoothly today. About $50 invitations
have been issued by Warden Hale.
NO MORE INVITATIONS
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. Elm speak
ing Of the Durrant case, General Dick
inson, one of Durrant's counsel, said:
mo one will have permission to inter-
view the condemned man before he is
hanged as have authority in the matter
and have given strict orders that no one
| shall see him. If the unfortunate man
must die, l believe in letting him spend
his last hours in peace, and will not sub
nit to having him pestered If any one
does permit him to be seen it will not
only be contrary to my orders, but will
| also be a violation of faith and the
breaking of a solemn promise"
| Durrant's father has not yet decided
what disposition he will make of the
| body. Owing to the fact that some of the
| cemetery associations refuse to receive
| it on account of the notoriety that would
result, the elder Durrant threatens to
! bury the body under the broad waters of
the Pacific Ocean. Friends are trying
to induce the stricken parents to have
the remains cremated.
A CLEAN OF HOPE
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6.-This even
ing Mr. Boardman had a conference
with Justice Harland and in the morn
ing will see such other members of the
supreme court as he can before the noon
session. Owing to the urgency of the
case he will be given instant hearing
when the court convenes at IL o'clock.
Allowing for the difference in time, this
will give him an hour and half for a
telegraphing stay of proceedings, in case
of favorable action.
Mr.. Boardman will apply either for a
writ of prohibition on the ground that
the jurisdiction of the United States
supreme court has been usurped by the
lower court, or else for an original writ
of habeas corpus. The first method
would necessitate a motion of his ad-
| ,,oiesior to pra ctioo hefore the GIInreme