The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1882-04-21
SENTENCED TO DEATH.
The SIayers of Jesse JAMES Plead
Guilty of Murder and Receive the
Death Penalty.

Guilty of Murder and Receive the
Death Penalty.
ST.. JOSEPH, No., April IS.
The Grand Jury having found true bill
against Robert and Charles Ford for the muir
der of Jesse James, they were arraigned in the
Circuit Court yesterday, and, after the indict-
ment was read a plea of guilty was entered
and sentence passed. The courtroom was
crowded, although quiet and order prevailed.
The boys were very respectfully clad, and were
perfectly cool and self-possessed. The indict-
ment was read to the boys by County
Attorney o. NJ. Spencer, who read
it to Bob first, after which the Attorney asked
him which plea he made, when lie replied
promptly and firmly, equity" He then took
his seat, and the Indictment Of Charles Ford as
alder and abettor was read to him, and in a
firm, even tone Charley pleaded guilty also TO
the charge of murder in the first degree. The
Judge then, after few minutes meditation,
said that, under tho circumstances, there was
only one thing he could do, and that was to pro-
nounce sentence upon the boys. He said that az
they had pleaded guilty there was no alterna,
tive for him but to pass sentence, and it would
remain for others to say whether the sentence
should be finally carried out. He then asked
promptly and was asked if he had anything to
say why the sentence of tho court shouldn not be
passed upon him. He replied, in his usual firm
tone, " Nothing" and Judge Sherman in sub
stance said "Robert Ford, you have pleaded
guilty before me to the crime of murder in tho
first degree, and it becomes my dutyto pass the
sentence of death upon you. 1t is therefore the
sentence of this court that you be taken back
to the Jail, and on the 10Th day of May be taken
to some convenient place and there hanged by
the neck until you are dead" Robert then
took his seat, and tho Judge ordered Charles to
stand up, and asked him if he had anything 10
say why the sentence Of death should not be
passed upon him. Charles replied firmly,
Nothing" and the Judge passed the same
sentence upon him as was passed upon Robert
After this there was no other action taken, and
the boys were remanded to jail.
The general understanding is that this action
was taken in accordance with the Governors
views on the premises, and that pardon of
both of them will reach here in the course of q
day or two. The Governor. it is understood,
was opposed to trying Them because he con-
siders that they have done the State great
service, and are entitled to pardon at once
The people can rest assured that the boys will
be free in very short time, and there will end
the great sensation.
Frank James Organizing Gang of
DcsperadOeS to AVenge His Broth
er'S Death.
A telegram from Atchison, Kan, says Frank
James is at the head of movement which has
for its aim the determination of all whose
names are associated with the death. The
fact is known to few that Frank passed
through Atchison on Friday, going south
west, having four people with him that ON
the same day Mrs. Jesse James went to Kan
sas City. Yesterday Frank James returned
from mysterious visit, followed by the same
pals. MY informant states that the gang of
which Frank James will NOW take the lead is
taken from that section of the country in the
Missouri bottoms opposite here which produced
Polk Wells, Bill Norris, Jim Dougherty, John
Pomfrey and many others, composed of the
same class and material, having for its purpose
the avenging of the death of Jesse James and
other lawless deeds. To this gang will be
added few tried mountain outlaws that Frank
James picked up during a residence for some
time in New Mexico on small sheep ranch
Robert and Charles Ford are never to enjoy
moments peace, no matter what the advice
or assurance from Gov. Crittenden. These
brothers begin where Jesse James left off.
They will be hunted and bounded as persist
entity as he was. Were the reward they are
supposed to obtain twenty times $4,000 1t will
not purchase one days rest, one peaceful meal
or blessed night. These boys are not alone to
be removed but all informants and witnesses
in Cracker Neck. These death avengers are
backed by the entire constituency of Jesse
James.
from tho InSanI1 Fail and