The Age (61)
From KellyGang
The Age continued with its report of efforts to save Ned Kelly
full text of the article
Edward Kelly was executed yesterday morning within the precincts of the Melbourne gaol, in the presence of about fifty witnesses, including officers and warders of the gaol. The condemned man made no speech, though he had expressed his intention to do so. He conducted himself quietly, though visibly impressed, but his demeanor was not marked by any display. A large concourse of people assembled outside the gaol at about the time of the imposition of the penalty, but no demonstration was made. The usual formal inquest was held on the deceased's body, which was buried within the precincts of the gaol . We publish elsewhere a summary of the statement given by Kelly to one of the persons he stuck up at Jerilderie, and which has since been in the possession of the police; and also of the statement made by him since his condemnation. The former is marked by bravado and vainglorious boasting, but those made whilst he was in gaol are quite in tone. We cannot refrain from calling the attention of those whose sympathies have been sought to be aroused on behalf of the murderer, who yesterday suffered the penalty of his misdeeds to an exhibition which took place last night at the Apollo Hall. There, on the very evening of the day on which their brother had been hanged, the sister and brother of the criminal exhibited themselves for hire to all who desired to see them. Endeavers have been made by weak minded and misguided people to arouse a feeling of compassion on behalf of the unfortunate relatives of the outlaw, and, under ordinary circumstances no one, whilst desirous of seeing the justice of the law maintained, would refuse their pity to those who may be innocently involved in the consequences of crime. An attempt however, to turn these feelings to mercenary account is not only discreditable to all concerned, but must be revolting to all right thinking people.
The members of the Opposition held a meeting yesterday, and resolved to support Mr Berry in any action he might think it necessary to take in reference to Mr D Gaunson's action regarding the outlaw Kelly
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