Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, 9 June 1899 — Page 3

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Soo "What You ...Can Uuy at...

Sum mer Goods

AT-

low Screens for 20c I's Cup, Saucer and Plate for.. .10c fcdship Hearta for chain braceis, sterling silrer'. 10c imocks 40c up luet Sets, Base Ball GoodG. Iden Sets, Picture FrameB.

Come and see us in our New Room.

The Fair,

lei Block S. Washington St,

Prices.

Straw Hats of all Shapes and Sizes for ...Farm Work or Sunday...

NEGLIGEE 5HIRTS in a dozen different styles. Light weight Summer Clothingjfn a great variety of colors and qualities.

The Hummer Goods which were left over from the fire, only slightly damaged by smoke, will go at prices regardless of cost. We must get rid of these goods. At our prices there is big value in them for the close buyer.

We Want Your Trade!

Edward Warner, st?

Fair

For a Little Money.

THE GOLDEN RULE

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St? W v»/

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PATENTS!!

C. W. Brown,

2f„,^,PBNSI0N

fIKM

of TRAVIS &

BBOWN, is prepared to attend to PATENT 9xTS,6r8, ?TaJ^iiny.an(1 promptly. It you are an INVKNTOR write or call at 110 South Green St.. Orawfordsville Ind.

W.Q. Swank, M. D.

Physician and Surgeon

Office 109H North Washington 8t. Residence 209 High street. Calls attended In city or country, day or night.

Telephone at Office 286 at residence. 196.

ABSTRACTS OF TITLE Furnished at Reasonable Rates.

Money to loan on real estate. Deeds and mortgages carefully executed.

WEBSTER & SERGENT.

Recorder's Office.

W. •'AT Swank,

ATTORNEY.AT.LAW. A general law business conducted in this and adjoining counties. Special attention given to all Probate Matters andBxamlnatlon of Abstracts of Title. Office, 118*$ south Washington Bt., adjoining the office of J. J. Darter & Co. real estate agents. 'Phone 266.

..The Great Sale..

IS over but the low prices are still on and we will continue to sell at the 1 same greatly reduced prices in order to reduce our immense stock of Sum- I mer Materials. Come and see our goods and we feel sure that you can-find I your Summer Dress on our shelves. 3C

REMEHBER, Our Prices on Other Qoods are Still the Same as During

.....the Sale...,,.

TO BE TRIED FOR MURDER.

Alfred Wells, the Insane Slayer of His Children, to Have a Speedy Trial— Some Later Developments.

Alfred Wells, who so terribly murdered two of his children near Darlington lastThursday evening,continues insane in his cell at the county jail. Coroner Ball and Dr. Barcus, county health officer, visited him last Friday and he told them identically the same story he told THE JOURNAL Friday morning. He has not deviated from this in the least and willingly recites it to any who question him. Sheriff Canine is very properly excluding visitors and is affording the man the quiet the doctors say he should have. Wells has not slept since his arrest and has scarcely laid down. Turnkey Long has visited him frequently at night and invariably found him (fitting on his couch with his arms folded and staring at the wall opposite him. On all subjects save his crime and its motive he talks intelligently and makes no mistakes. He has scarcely tasted food since being jailed, and one morning when the regular breakfast was passed in to him he politely refused it. Said he to Turnkey Long: "1 don't want any of this nor do I want anything at all except tea and crackers. I maybe could eat tea and crackers, but nothing else. If it is any trouble for you to get me these, don't do it. I don't want to make you people any trouble and if you haven't tea and crackers handy I can make out. I don't want anything else and I don't want them if they're not convenient."

Coroner Ball held his inquest Friday and found the condition of facts set forth in THE JOURNAL last week. He examined the two children who survived and states that both of them will recover. The older one has the back part of his head cracked by a stone hurled by the maniac father, but the wound is not a fatal one. The boy is young and strong and will soon recover, In fact, both of them were able to sit up Friday.

Sunday, Wells' father and his broth-ers-in-law, together with several other friends, called on him and the meeting was in some respects an affecting one.

Friday morning Mrs. Samuel Deck, mother-in-law of Wells, came into Darlington with her son and took the preliminary steps toward having Wells declared insane.

On Saturday County Clerk Sparks received from Darlington the report of the lunacy commission held there Friday. The report is irregular, however, and will have to be sent back for correction. The law provides for two justices and two doctors. The commission was composed of Justices Killen and Waugh, but Dr. Ware was the only physician and he gave testimony that was hardly applicable.

Judge West and Prosecutor Reeves held a conference last Saturday and decided to call the grand jury to indict Wells. Said Judge West: "We shall put this matter through with all expedition. It is my intention try the case before court adjourns for the summer term. Otherwise Wells would have to be kept in jail until fall, which would not only be

THE GOLDEN RULE. 1

3T

Organdies, in plain colors, at the special price of 15c Figured Organdies in all the new shades, worth 25c, now 15c Fine Scotch Ginghams, worth 3%, now 25c Best Napoleon Corded Ginghams,*now 12 1,2 Zephyr Ginghams, now |0c Tulle du Norde, now 1,3 Lawns, in all the new stripes and figures and the latest colors, at all the popular prices 15c, 121,2c, lOc, 1,2c, 5c, 3 7,8c

a

trying ordeal for him in his present condition but a heavy and unnecessary expense for the county. I shall call no special venire but will trust to the present petit jury. I understand that some of the people in Wells' neighborhood have had a lunacy commission to meet and are endeavoring to have Wells sent to the asylum. ThiB proceeding is wholly irregular and I

have

instructed the clerk to notify them that an investigation of this murder must be held according to the manner the law provides. No matter what the condition of the defendant is there is

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a certain legal form that must be carried out." M. B. Waugh, who has known Wells since infancy, said of him: "Welis is undoubtedly insane. When a boy in school he used to fall in a fit occasionally and it was then claimed that he was a victim of too hard study. He grew up all right, however, and taught school for several seasons He was one of the best boys in the township and was respected by all Some time alter his marriage, maybe eight years ago, he began to imagine that he was very wicked and thought that he was booked for eternal damnation and this, too, in spite of the fact that he was manifestly one of the most moral men in the community. Finally, however, his friends induced him to join the Lutheran church and I never heard anything more of his being off until a few weeks ago. He was a constable for several years, back in the '80's and was a most efficient officer. His parents are fine people and I presume this blow will kill his mother, who has been in feeble health for years. She was a Wyant and was raised right in the neighborhood of the tragedy. Mrs. Wells is a most excellent woman and was a great help to her husband. His fear that his children would come to want was utterly groundless."

In company with Mr. Waugh a representative of THE JOURNAL visited the jail Friday morning at 8 o'clock and interviewed Wells. He was sitting on a couch in a cell in the hospital department and was the picture of misery. His arms were folded over his breast and his tousled hair hung down over his eyes which were wet with tears. While plainly suffering greatly he exhibited no signB of insanity in his manner or in bis method of speech. He greeted Mr. Waugh as an old friend and groaned with misery, saying: "This is terrible, Mr. Waugh, I never thought that I would come to this. It's terrible but I can't help it." In response to inquiries by THE JOURNAL he told the following story of his awful crime: "You can tell the people that I know how terrible this all is but I couldn't help it. Something urged me on to do it and although I fought against the voice that told me to do it I couldn't resist always. I don't know whether it was the voice of God or not. Sometimes I think it was and then again I think it wasn't. This voice always came to me in the daytime. As long as I kept lying down my mind was all right but as soon as I got up why my head became all mixed up. I think now that it was beet that I killed those dear children, and I am sorry that I wasn't able to kill them all. They would have been much better off. I made up my mind on this point Bome days ago but whenever I would start to kill them I would back out, I loved them so. You see I had made up my mind to kill myself and I couldn't bear to leave Mary with the care of all of those children. She couldn't raise them because everything was going to destruction. The place was going down and I couldn't do for them. I knew that they would grow up in want if I let them live, and I loved them too much for that. My head got wrong in January but I didn't make up my mind to kill the children until a few days ago. I kept it to myBelf End I decided not to spare any of them. Mary could take care of herself all right but not of the children. Yesterday I made up my mind that it had to be. It almost broke my heart and I calculated to jump in the well myself as soon as I had killed the children. When the neighbors stopped me I knew they wouldn't let me kill myself BO I ran for the creek to jump in and drown myself. I wanted to do so and I'm sorry I didn't. I want to die now and if I could get out I would certainly kill myself. I never thought of killing Mary, for she could take care of herself, but all those children would be better off if dead. Poor things they will have to grow up to want and trouble. I don't want to write any statement for the people to read, as I'm too nervous, but you can tell them what I have told you. I loved the little ones very much but I did what I thought was best."

Wells not infrequently during his talk came near breaking down and no one seeing him could doubt his sincerity.

For the past month Wells has been taking treatment of Dr. Wehrman, of Indianapolis, and the testimony of that physician will doubtless show that be has been insane for some little time. So far as can be ascertained there has never been any insanity in Wells' family on either side.

The grand jury met Tuesday to investigate the case. Messrs. Widener and Balser of the regular panel, were not present so B. B. Rusk and Robert Foster were substituted. The jury was placed under exProsecutor Dumont Kennedy and proceeded at once to the examination of witnesses. The following witnesses were on the original list: John BowerB, Cal Jones, Chesley Cloueer, George Deck, Charley Guntle, Milt McCarter, A1 Lewis, Albert Barker, and M. B. Waugh. Mrs. Wells

jury Roe Miller and several other parties were called in. Judge West had hoped to be able to bring the case to trial on Saturday but the Wells family felt that they will not be ready by that time to go into trial, They wish to take no chances of missing a verdict of acquittal and will take every precaution to prevent any other verdict being found. They wish all the evidence tending to show the insanity of the defendant to b9 given in court.

It is said that Mra. Wells and her relatives have expressed an opposition to having Wells sent to an asylum from which he may bo released in a few months if cured. They feel that no matter how sane he may become under medical treatment there will always be danger of a lapse and the repetition of the awful tragedy of last week. It is said that Mrs. Wells would be much better satisfied to have him incarcerated permanently, and even thpse who sympathize most deeply with Wells in his unfortunate condition can appreciate her feeling in the matter. Of course, if Wells is found not guilty, as he doubtless will be, he will be committed at once to an asylum and should he there be cured he must be set at liberty again. The only way he could be permanently incarcerated for a certainty would be to have him found guilty of murder and sent to the state's prison for life.

THE INDICTMENT.

At 3:45 Tuesday afternoon the grand jury returned an indictment in two counts, each charging Wells with murder in the first degree. Having reported thus the jury was discharged. Crane fc Anderson have been employed to defend Wellsjand it is likely that the case will be tried week after next, all next week being occupied witb other cases. The foreman of the jury was James G. Swearengen. The other members were IJoseph M. Watkins, Cyrus Booher, John D. Merrill, B. B. Rusk and Robt. Foster.

The Weather liureau Report.

The report of the crop service department of the Indiana weather bureau for the past week is as follows: "Warm weather prevailed frequent and, in localities, heavy rains in the southern half of the state delayed farm work, especially the cultivation of corn and clover harvesting thunderstorms were frequent, and large hail which accompanied the Btorms did much damage in many localities of the central and southern portions. Wheat, in many fields of the northern portion, has improved some wheat fields have been plowed up and planted with corn in the northern portion wheat is heading, and in the southern pcrtion the fiy and rust continued to do injury. Corn is growing well in the northern portion, and the fields are well cultivated in the southern portion, because of much rain, corn did not grow so well, and the fields are weedy. Tobacco• plants are most all transplanted and have a good start. Rye is maturing well in the southern portion and is heading in the northern portion. Barley, oats, meadows, pasturage and timothy are in very good condition the clover harvest has been delayed by the rains much white top is in the fields the hay crop will be heavy. Potatoes are in bloom. A great number of tomato plants, have been set out everywhere. Excepting peaches, the fruits in general promise very good yields, although apples continue to fall off there are plenty of berries. Live stock is in good condi tion on excellent pasturage."

Jtun In.

Monday afternoon in the hottest part of the day the attention of the police was called to a stranger who was parading up and down a gutter which reflected heat that was fairly blistering. The stranger in question was an old man and he was dressed in winter outfit, a heavy overcoat being tightly buttoned up to his chin and his heavy pantaloons being tucked into heavy boots. Officer Flynn approached him and asking what he wanted there, was told that nothing was wanted. This being the case Mr. Stranger was waltzed off to jail as a crazy man. Later in the evening he was released and taken to the city limits to chase up the dusty road with a shiver as he wrapped his coat more tightly about him.

-v

was alBO

sum­

moned but was later excused. On Tuesday after the convention of the

Notice.

The new law regulatiti^ the duties of county asylum superintendents requires them to submit every three months to the county auditors estimates for all supplies needed to main tain the asylum. Superintendent My ers has filed such an estimate for the next three monthB and bids for the same will be received at the auditor's office on Tuesday, June 20. The estimate covers the following headings Groceries, clothing, drygoods, shoes, hardware, drugs and meats. The estimate is fully itemized and can be seen by prospective bidders by calling at the auditor's office.

W. M. WHITE,

d2tu wi-16 Auditor.

A High Honor.

Columbia College has awarded one of the two fellowships she gives in English to Ben R. Howells, '97 of Wabash. The honor is not only a high one for Mr. Howella but also for the department of English here.

Hair Vigor

will restore gray or faded hair to its original color.

This is^ the' whole story, and an ounce of fact is .worth a ton of argument

INDIANA FOR HENDERSON.

The Republican Congressmen Are Unanimous For the Iowa Man for Speaker of the House.

Indianapolis Journal: The Indiana Republican delegation in congress will cast its ballot for General D. B. Henderson, of Iowa, when the vote is taken on the speakership oontest. Yesterday evening, in response to a call made by Representative Landis, of: the ninth district, seven of the nine Republican representatives of Indiana met at the Denison house to confer on the

Bubject

of the speakership of the

house. There were present Representatives Jesse Overstreet, George W. Faris, James E. Watson, George W. Comer, JameB A. Hemenway,

E.

W.

Crumpacker and C. B. Landis. Representatives Steele and Brick were not present. During the afternoon Mr. Landis received a telegram from Mr. Steele saying that if all the other Republican representatives were in favor of General Henderson he wanted his vote cast that way. After the meeting had been held a message was received from Representative Brick to the effect that he, too, was for General Henderson.

The members of the delegation present were unanimously for the Iowa man and sent him a telegram extending greeting and pledging him support.

After the conference last night Mr. Landis expressed the belief that General Henderson's name will be the only one mentioned by the Republicans of the house when the time comes, to select a speaker. "The country, and the Republican party in panicu-: lar, are to be congratulated," said Mr. Landis, "on the already apparent solution of what promised to be a heated contest over the speakership. When Mr. Reed's determination to retire from congress was first announced, prospective candidates cropped out all over the country, and it seemed probable that the fight would narrow down between Sherman or Payne of the east and HopkinB or Henderson of the west. This might have made it appear ae a sectional fight, which would have been extremely unfortunate. After a comparatively little discussion the current started in the direction of General Henderson. The action of the Wisconsin delegation ten days ago gave this movement great impetus and it seemed perfectly natural for Republican delegations from other states to fall into the procession. Mr. Hopkins, of Illinois, realized the strength of the Henderson sentiment early and withdrew, throwing Illinois to his Iowa colleague. Then came other states into line, and it looks as though when congress convenes there will be no other name presented by the Republicans than that of General Henderson. While it will be along time before another Thomas B. Reed presides over the house, yet no one at all acquainted with General Henderson's ability, experience and qualifications will question for a moment hiB eminent fitness for the speakership. He is a splendid parliamentarian and, aB a member of the committee on rules, is thoroughly familiar with house procedure. While he is an intensely earnest man, he is cool headed and deliberate, and will not lose his head, however fierce the Btorm may rage. He has a big head and a big heart and an inexhaustible supply of common sense. My judgment is that no member of the house on the Republican side is more popular, even with the Democrats, than General Henderson. They know him to be fair."

Of Spotted Fever.

The twenty year old son of Ed Kelley, of Waynetowu, died Sunday of spotted fever. The funeral occurred Tuesday.

GRAIN-0 BRINGS RELIEF

to the coffee drinker. Coffoe drlnkine is a habit that is universally indulged In and a£ most as universally injurious. Have you

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is ttlrnost

like coffee but

the effects are just the opposite. Ooffee upsets tho stomach, ruins the digestion, effects the heart and disturbs the whole nervous sv* tern. Graln-0 tones up the stomach, aids dil gestlon ana strengthens the nerves ThnvA to nothing but nourishment in Gr&inO. It can't be otherwise. 15 aud 26c, per package.