FIGHT ON A SCAFFOLD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 213, 2 September 1908, Page 4

FIGHT ON A SCAFFOLD.

New York, July 10. The Italian anarchist Alia, who murdered father Leo, a Franciscan monk, while the latter was administering the sacrament at St, Klizabcth's Church at Denver, last February, was hanged al Denver this morning. lie fought with the warders who conducted him to the scall'old, and had to be held down while the noose was adjusted.

Alia entered St. Klizahctlfs Cluir.di nil Sunday, h'chruarv 23rd, and after tlie celebration of Mass went to the itlt.iv. with other communicants, to receive the sacrament. When Father Leo administered the consecrated wafer Alia rejected it, and, drawing a revolver, shot the priest dead. The murderer then attempted to c-capc. hut was seized hy a policeman v. ho was amongst die worshippers. The policeman had {rival difliuulty in prevent nig th" eoiinregaliun from Ivueliiiiff Alia.

Alia claimed (hat he had been nroiißed hy the Church in Italy, and Hint this proved on his mind until he hecaine : n-iuc. lie was convicted of murder, and althou»h the residents of his native village in Italy forwarded a petition to (he Covernor of Colorado iir;iyiiiji for his reprieve, the tiovcriiiir declined to intervene.