Morning journal and courier., 1880-03-26

man t'Buokly" and other persons whom he had sent letters and then drawn into the trouble were only selected because he had mo- ticed their names. He did not know them, meditated evil intent, ''as God was his judge: He realized fully that hs had gotten himself into sfa bad box" and prayed that he might not be dealt with too severely. He was very sorry. He did not want any one 70 tnlnk that he was insane. As to his extrayagance abroad and at American hotels, he said that he had worked hard in different positions and saved up some money, and then he liked to cut dash at some fashionable hotel This he had done repeatedly. He talked freely of his life and motive, and often declared that he was not insane. His talk was desultory. Superintendent Gayler, who has talked with him more than any one else since his arrest, said that he (Gayler) was convinced that the man was not in his right mind. About 10 o'clock Dr. Dix reached Postmaster JRmes's room, and, being taken into the private room where "Gentleman Joe" was confined, had conversation with him for moro than an hour. When Dr. Dix left he said to the reporters that at first he did not recognizs William son, but after talking with him for @ while he discovered that about nine years ago he was a Sunday school teacher in Trinity chapel, which position he left under cloud. AS to the cause of his leaving Dr. Dix said that he had no personal knowledge, and preferred not to talk about it. When asked if he thought the man insane he said that he could not tell, es that was matter for experts to decide upon. ''Williamson," said Dr. Dix, appeared to be full of penitence. He begged for mercy. saying that his course was at an end, and he was ruined; that if he could only get clear of this matter he would change his name and leave the country. So far as can see his regret is genuine. He is man of more than ordinary intelligence, and has written and published book of poetry. Hiu no0f xu1,o f51 okv r,e, E.. still living, and be has a married sister and brother, but do not know where they are I am glad the thing is at an end. It is, indeed, a great relief to me. There is no telling how far he has carried his work, for 1t was only yesterday that received letter from a cler- gyman in the far West, who said that he too had received personal letter from the same person, though it WAS in nowise connected with me. It will be impossible to tell how long it will be before all these letters come in. In my conversation with him he made 8 clear breast of it, and expressed the deepest regret, and don't think that I ever before met a person who seemed so truly sorry for his vrong-doing. He asserted again and again that he had no thought or intention of levy ing blackmail and that he never expected in any way to get dollar from any one. What his motive can possibly have been am un- able to imagine. think that he must have been guided by chance. He said that he rode
 
 random from signs, and to these persons he sent postal cards aud letters. saw nothing about the man which would indicate any bad habits. He says that he never visited saloons and never drank anything. He disclaims any personal feelings against me-"
 Colonel Bliss, prosecuting attorney, had a long interview with the prisoner and satisfied himself that the man was weak minded He then went to Justice Bixbys private office and made formal complaint for misdemeanor in having threatened Dr. Dix in letters. Bail was fixed at $2,OOO. The prisoner was sent to the Tombs. It is thought to be doubtful whether Williamson could have been brought to New York had he not been willing to come He had committed no offence against the United States statutes and none against Mary land law, and it would have been difficult to secure requisition or to have had it thonored. He says: In England Twas not in Newgate but only house of correction. am awfully dsgraced and my family, which holds it's head high in Maryland and Virginia, will never have anything more to do with me now I can't tell how ever came to do it.