Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 January 1887 — TRAIN-ROBBERS SENTENCED. [ARTICLE]

TRAIN-ROBBERS SENTENCED.

Wiltrock and Haight Get Seven Years in the Penitentiary, and Weaver Gets Five. [St. Louis telegram.] The sensation of the day in the Criminal Court was the sentence if Wittrock, alias Jim Cummings, the now famous express robber, and his accomplices, Haight and Weaver. The appearance of the prisoners in court was a signal for a general tip-toeing and stretching of necks by the audience. The prisoners entered pleas of guilty to the charges against them of larceny from u railroad. The State recommended the full extent of the law, seven years, for Wittrock and Haight, and five for Weaver. While this dialogue was in progress Wittrock stood with one hand carelessly thrust in his trousers pocket, and as the suggestions of the Circuit Attorney dawned on him a look of disgust spread over his features, which he mode no attempt to conceal. Weaver appeared to be the most “chipper” of the party, and to all questions answered promptly “Yes, sir,” as if it was a pleasant duty which he thoroughly enjoyed. Wittrock was then sentenced to seven years in the penitentiary and to pay the costs of the prosecution. Haight was the next to be disposed of. and during the ordeal he exhibited signs of a nervous collapse He turned pale and trembled, but when ordered to take a seat recovered at once. Weaver took his medicine without any outward sign of emotion, and his sentence, in accordance with the suggestion of the State, was made five years. Wittrock made several humorous refereiices to the curiosity displayed by the spectators, but his sole desire was to get to the • pen ” as soon as he could. A dramatic incident occurred just as the jail door closed behind the robbers. A tall, slender young man in a blue shirt was standing against the screen talking to two ladies in the “cage,” “There is Fotheringham,” said Haight to Wittrock, as they haltmi near the guard’s desk. ■Wittrock looked intently at the young man in the blue shirt, and said: “By , I believe it is.” “Yes, it’s him,” asserted Haight. By this time the irons had been removed ftom Wittrock’s. wrists, and walking hastily to the young man in the blue shirt, he extended his hand and said: “Fotheringham; old boy, I am glad to see you. I did you a wrong about two months ago, but I hope you don’t bear me any hard feelings.” “None at all,” said Fotheringham; “although you took advantage of me when we last met.”