The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1881-09-13
GUITEAU AGAIN.
Sergeant John A. Mason, Co. B, zd
Artillery,
Shoots at the Assassin From the
Jail Yard.

Washington, Sept. 1l.-Another at
tempt was made tonight to kill the
assassin Guiteau. There is reason to
lieve that few days ago there was
some talk among the soldiers detailed
to guard him, in regard to which one
of them should be chosen to shoot at
him whenever he should present his
head atthe window Of his cell, when it
could be seen from the outside. It was
decided that the work should be done
by Sergeant John A. Mason, company
B. I'd artillery. and he made prepara-
tions for it. This evening three wagon
loads Of soldiers left for the Jail to re-
lieve the day guards. Mason was in
the first wagon. and his companions
noticed that he was fumbling with the
lock of his gun and was acting strange
ly. Nothing was said to him about it,
however. When his wagon reached the
jail, Mason was to get out. He pushed
forward, reached a small hillock about
three feet from where the horses stood,
brought bis gnn to his shoulder, took
steady aim at Guiteau's window, and
shouted: ''There he is" and fired.
Before the smoke cleared away the
other soldiers gathered around him.
I'm heavens name, man." cried Pri-
vate Davis, why did you shootp" II
wanted to kill the wretch in there,''
was the reply, land have been at it
for ten days; hope have done the
work In good style" Mason then
walked toward the commanding officer,
Capt. McGiIeray. saying: Captain, 1
have tried to kill that dirty loafer In
there; here's my gun and bayonot; take
me in charge"
McGileray had heard the shot, but
had not dreamed of Mason's intentions.
He placed Mason in custody of two
soldiers. There was much excitement
about the jail and inside of it. The
prisoners, who had heard the shot, ran
to the windows and shouted. Warden
Crocker and his deputy, who had been
in the jail office, ran through the cor
ridor to Guiteau's cell, and found him
on his knees, terror stricken. ssDo
they want to mnrder meg" he asked.
The warden answered him, that he
need ahve no fears. ~.
s'But I've been shot at said Gui-
teau; l was standing at my window when
one of the soldiers fired at me; the ball
passed by my ear, went through my
coat hanging up there, and tore in
pieces the photograph of my mother
which was in the pocket.n
The warden had discovered that the
ball had not hit the prisoners body ,and
he then went outside to see who had
fired the shot. 1t was agreed that it
would be best to tell Guiteau that the
shooting wasf accidental. This an
nouncement was made to him, the ex-
PLANTATION being that soldier in get
ting out of the wagon had accidentally
discharged his gun. 1t was. decided
that Guiteau should be removed to
another cell, and he was placed in the
one formerly occupied by Stone, who
murdered his wife.
Sergeant Mason, who shot at Guiteau,
is still in prison. There is some doubt
as to Jurisdiction. 1t is not believed
that he was drunk or wild from drugs.
Although no plot for killing Guiteau by
the guards has been discovered, it is
known they are bitter towards him.
The officers believed that Guiteau lied
and was not at the cell window but
was reclining when fired at. Guiteau
exhibited an agony of fear some time
after the shooting. ~
No official notice Of Sergeant Mason's
offense has yet reached the war depart
ment. 1t is stated there that Mason
will be promptly surrendered if de-
mand is made for him by the civil
authorities; thus all complications will
be avoided. If such demand is not
made, Mason win be tried by court
martial. The army officers generally
express feeling of modification at the
attempt on Guiteau's life as a restric-
tion on military discipline and the
good name Of the service.
1t is Mason's wish to be tried in
civil court. Col. Corkhill declined to
do this at present, and lawyer ex-
pressed his intention to swear out
warrant himself for Mason's arrest.
Bigelow says, that in his opinion
Mason Is insane on the subject. He
further states that when the news of
Guiteau's crime first reached Mason he
was serving in Texas, and at the time
expressed his intention of killing Gui-
teau. Mason is said to be of the IA
nous family of Mason and Slidel. He
served creditably in the war.
II the matter is taken up by the civil
authorities, the iirst proceeding will be
before a police court, under the charge
of assault and battery with intent to
kill. The extreme penalty for this
offsnse is eight years. Imprisonment at
hard labor. In the event of conviction
by civil tribunal, Mason will be
promptly dismissed from the army.
The guards say Guiteau is most un-
consious liar about the most trivial
matters. He was in great terror all
night lest he should be murdered.
The guards passing his cell frequently
heard him praying during the night.
He is evidently an arrant coward.