Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 June 1901 — Johnson to Go Free. [ARTICLE]

Johnson to Go Free.

Ever since his imprisonment In the penitentiary at Columbus, Ohio, for his misappropriation of funds In the Logansport National bank, friends of John Johnson have endeavored to secure his pardon through executive clemency, but all petitions have proven fruitless up to this time. District Attorney Wishard and Judge Baker have both refused to interfere in the prisoner’s behalf which alone probably is due the fact that Johnson is i.ot now at liberty, because petitions signed by most of the leading citizens of Logansport and Cass county, including many of the stockholders of the defunct bank, have repeatedly been circulated and presented to those empowered to secure for him his freedom. Renewing petitions to Judge Bakerand Mr. Wishard have lately resu ted in a recommendation \ from them that Johnson be pardoned at the expiration of five years of imprisoment, which will be May 30, 1902, and the friends of the ex-banker hope to obtain his release at that time. Correspon fence from the prison authorities states that Johnson has been a model prisoner in every way, seemingly with the idea that he will do all he can to make amends for his wrong-doing while banker, and this has been a great item in his favor. In a statement the attorney says that he has come to the conclusion that if there is any hope left for Johnson it will be by showing him some leniency.