The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-08-30
lMPRISONME FOR LIFE
The Heaviest Penalty for Murder
Under italian Law
81 AM INDIFFERENT" SAD BRESCI
He Added That He Awaited the Next Reyolu-
tIon His Wife Considers the RaiIroatng
Ct Her Husband 10 Life Imprison-
ment Great Injustice.
ment a Great Injustice.
(By the Associated Press.)


(By the Associated Press.)
Milan, August 29.-Bresci, the anarch
ist, who, July 29th, shot and killed King
Humbert of Italy, at Monza, while his
Majesty was returning from gymnastic
exhibition, today was tried, convicted and
sentenced to Imprisonment for life, the
highest sentence for murder under the
Italian law. An immense crowd of people
gathered about the court from early morn
ing, seeking admission to the court room
where only a few places were reserved
for the ticket-holding public. The hear
ing began at nine o'clock. Bresci sat
in the dock calm and almost Indifferent
His counsel, Signor Martell, head OF the
Milan bar, and the anarchist writer, Sig
nor Merlino, represented him while the
Indictment which was very long, was be-
ing read, Bresci was apparently unmoved
and scanned the faces Of the audience
without any signs of fear or efIrontery
The indictment showed the assassin in
dulged in incessant target practice and
that he prepared bullets so as to render
them more dangerous.
The Witnesses were then introduced
There were eleven for the prosecution
and FIVE for the defense.
The examination of Bresci followed.
He declared he decided to kill King
Humbert after the events in Milan and
Sicily, ''to avenge the misery of the peo-
pie and my own" He added:
Il acted without advice or accom-
0lices."
The prisoner admitted the target prac
tice and the preparation of bullets. He
spoke in a low, firm voice and said he
fired three shots at three yards with his
revolver. Two wooden targets were here
placed On the table before the judges.
The public prosecutor made a speech
during the course Of which he eulogized
the virtues of King Humbert and reca-
pitulated the story OF the assassination,
which, he contended demonstrated that
Bresci was fully responsible for his acts
and that the latter premeditated the
crime and had accOmplices. After de-
nouncing the anarchist theories which
brought about such fearful crimes the pub
lie PROSECUTOR denied that Bresci had
misery as an excuse, also asserting that
he was not a man Of impulse or fanatic
but had q calm, cynical and obstinate
mind and that his aim was infamous.
In conclusion, the public prosecutor ask
ed for a verdict Of guilty without ex-
tenuating circumstances. Signor Merlino
said he cnly wished to do his duty and
defended anarchy from the charge that
it had inspired the crime. All parties,
ne declared had their regicides, commenc-
ing with Judith He asked that those in
whose hands the prisoners fate lay
would not act in a spirit of vengeance but
of Justice He claimed extenuating cir
cumstances fer the accused man.
Signor Martelli asked that the verdict
be tempered with Indulgence towards an
irresponsible man condemned of crime
committed in a state of exaltation He
spoke Of Brescis previous good conduct
and implored pity for the guilty man.
Bresci was given an opportunity to
speak and said
Sentence me. l am Indifferent. l
await the next revolution"
The persons who were to deliberate on
the verdict then retired.
Bresci escaped with life Imprisonment
as that is the most severe penalty which
can be imposed under the laws of Italy
for murder on which charge the anarchist
was tried. 1t was at first believed Bresci
would be tried on the charge of treason,
in which case the penalty would have
been death.
With absolute Indifference Bresci re-
ceived the verdict and was led away
to his CELL where henceforth he will
see no Cne and hear no one, not even
his jailor.
He gave the impression of an ennis
sary capable of acting coolly, but in
capable Of conceiving the plan. Not
withstanding his statement, in the course
of examination. that he had no rela-
tions with anarchists when in America,
he admitted having received 500 lire at
Genoa from Paterson
BETTER THAT HE BE DEAD"
New York, August 29.-The news that
her husband had been sentenced to life
Imprisonment for killing King Humbert,
of Italy, was carried to Mrs. Bresci at
her home in Union Hill, ~ j. When
told Of the sentence she wept bitterly
When she calmed down she said
My poor Gaetano! he has been tried
convicted and sentenced in one day That
was great injustice. l would rather have
him dead than have him go to prison
for life. ] know he will not be able to
stand long the life he will have to lead
in prison"
Gloves arc IpcalabIe whom thav are