The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1882-11-17
FRANK JAMES.
Princely Style of Living While
Awaiting Trial at Independ-
ence, Mo.
Every Want of the Bandit Gratifled by
an Indulgent and Sentiment
tai Community.

ST LOUIS, Mo. Nov. ia gentleman just
arrived from Independence, Mo-, says the
people Of Jackson county are lionizing Frank
James, the bandit king. He says: "An ages,
sexes, and classes of society are represented
among Franks admirers. The men go, they
say, to hear Frank tell of his wonderful ex-
ploits, and the ladies for the purpose of con-
soling and pledging their influence with the
governor to secure a pardon, should he be so
unfortunate IS to be convicted. The ex-
members of the Quantrell brigade go for the
purpose OF renewing the old acquaintance and
the young citizens of "Cracker Neck" and
crush Bottom" to hear his romantic tales of
life in the saddle. When first incarcerated
Frank was given a bare cell like any other
felon, but the sympathizing people could not
endure to see him treated in this barbarous
manner; so a pulse was made up, and
at present the stone floor is covered with a
rich Brussels carpet and the walls adorned
with elaborate paintings. Fresh vases of
flowers sent each morning by some admiring
lady friend enliYen the dull monOtony of the
cell and pervade the atmosphere with rich
fragrance entirely foreign to the surround
ings. At mealtime, instead of the ordinary
prison diet, the bandit sits down to a sunp-
tuous repast of delcacies, fit for roval
lunch, also furnished by sympathizing friends.
At night, when worn out by the days enter
$. tainment, the bandit is not compelled to curl
himself up in the corner with pair of dirty
blankets, like other prisoners, but instead is
provided with mahogany bedstead and bed
OF feathers, so that he can stretch himself at
full length and enjoy sweet repose with the
fpaT0 NV Of inf,
rated everybody was admitted to the distin-
guished guest, but now Col Frank asserts his
rights, and before any one can be admitted
card must first be sent with much formality.
If the visitor happens to be one of the out
laws friends or is person of distinction, he
is admitted to his august presence; otherwise
he is informed that "Mr James is indisposed
and cannot receive company" In manners
Frank is decidedly polite, and receives his
company with great deal of politeness. He
converses freely upon every subject save
his own case, and displays a wonderful
knowledge of society and etiquette, which he
could have learned only through as
ISOLATION with the best people, He
is very tasty in his dress, and devotes q
good deal of time to his person, keeps his
hair nicely combed, his boots carefully polish
ed, and speck of dirt upon his clothing
seems to worry him wonderfully. In fact he
is an extraordinary bandit, and entirely differ
ent from Dick Turpin and Jack Sheppard of
old. The "colonel's" visitors are numerous
and some of them are more or less distinguish
ed. Among the prominent ones who have Wis
tied him are Gov, Crittenden, Gen. Joe Shelby,
ex-Gov. Johnson, of st. Louis; ex-Congress-
man Phillips and Col John Crisp. The ban
dts faithful wife stays with her affectionate
husband the greater portion of the time, and
ministers to MS wants with a truly commend
able devotion Mrs. Samuels, Franks mother,
also visits her "hero son" every week, and US
ually spends the Sabbath with him.
Frank James trial comes up in Kansas City
on the 9th of the present month, and it is ex-
at once receive pardon from Gov. Grittenden.