Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 May 1891 — PREFERRED DEATH. [ARTICLE]

PREFERRED DEATH.

Pierre Mom n, Charged with a Crime, t oiiiiult* Mitohte In a Itontou J'rUou. Pierre Moraln committed suleido in Boston, whoro he was confined for criminal assault, Alorain was of a noble French family, his father being a count. Daily in the morniug ho used to creep out from his abode, bearing on his back a dilapidated hand-organ of the style known as tho organette, and make his way to a primilnent position In front, of the Granborry burylng-placo, where all day he ground out wheezy melody. He was tho abject of much attention on tho part of passing philanthropists, and at night, laden with copper and larger coins, ho returned to his lodgings. At the time of ids death in tho Charles street jail Moialn was (10 years old, although his general appearance indicated a much greater age. Soon after ho took the rooms whero he was known to have led a hermit life, It was alleged that notwithstanding his humblo income ho'was able to stock his room with French wines and that many of his visitors were girls of tender years. Patrolmen entorod tho old man’s rooms searching for May Kogan, who had been reported missing. Alorain fell on his knees aud with tears implored them not to take him away. In the rear room was found the Reagan girl wooping’ profusoly. The girl sa d that she had loved the old man and did not want to leave him. Tho parents of the girl declared that she was loss than 14 years old, and expressed a desire that the law, which the announcement of this fact would mako operative, should be exercised against the aged prisoner. Tho «irl was sent to the Home of the Good Shepherd and Alorain was bound over in tho sum of $5,000. He hung himself iu his cell witli his handkerchief.