Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-04-15
ESTABLISHED 1850.
GOVERNOR CRITTENDEN.
He Discusses the Taking OF Ol
Jesse james, the Outlaw.


NuSSttytOb OSt
Governor Crittenden, of Missouri, who
has been frequently mentioned during the
past few days in connection with the recent
James-Ford tragedy at st. Joseph, has ar
rived at Wizards. His coming had been
anticipated by the newspaper fraternity,
and his advent was the signal for general
rush to interview him. On complaint Of
general WEAKNESS he Immediately went to
his rooms, where a representative of the
Post was cordially invited to accompany
him, and being asked: "Are you satisfied
that Jesse james is killed." replied with
emphasis, 81 am, most assuredly. Bob
Ford, the young man who did the deed,
went out with that intention about fort
night ago. He had with him two revoivers
belonging to the State, which had been fur
nished him by the Police Commissioners of
Kansas City,"
"He was acting then under your authori-
ty ?" suggested the reporter.
"Oh, no; there was no understanding of
that kind. Ford came to me several weeks
ago; he asked me II l wanted Jesse James;
/ said yes; 81, 900 would be paid for him
dead or alive. l offered him no inducement
to kill the man; only said would give him
the benefit of my protection. He then left,
and in a conversation with Capt. Craig told
what he was going to do. Craig then told
me. Soon after I wrote Craig, saying that
heard Jesse had killed Bob. On Monday
morning l received telegram dated at st.
10, and signed by Ford, to the following ef-
feet: Meet me at Kansas City. l have my
man."
"Whst is the effect of his death on his
friends; and what is the sentiment in Jack
son and Clay counties?' asked the reporter.
"The effect upon his friends and old as
sociates is depressing. and the sentiment of
all law abiding citizens is one of ardept
thanksgiving. 1t is hard to describe the
feelings of relief that the death of this des-
peradO has caused. One man said to me
jOyfully that it would raise the value of his
land $40 an acre. Those who deprecate the
death of this man belong almost altogether
to the Outlawed element
"Has the reward been paidsn
"No; for the man Ford is held for MUIR
der In the first degree The grand jury is to
report next Monday; II through any posi-
bility he should be released, he can be re-
arrested and tried for completely In the train
robberies."
''DO you think the James gang, so called,
is now broken up?"
now living. The others are either dead, iu
the penitentiary or under my observation.
Train robbery is thing of the past"
"Where is Frank James?"
"He is in Missouri somewhere. l have no
fear Of trouble from him. He will try to
live better life."
''Have you received threats of personal
injury ?"
eyes, indeed; only last week they had me
killed"
"What can be the motive of some Of the
st. Louis papers in attacking you ?"
"No motive, but that of desire to make
as much political capital out of the affair
as possible"
''How many times have you read your
obituary ?" inquired the reporter.
"Three times; once during the war, once
| after the fire in the Southern Hotel, and the
third time few days ago. l am still living,
and have no doubt will live to see the
law in my State supreme. think outlawrv
has been struck a vital blow in the death of
Jesse james,
And the firm expression on the Governors
good-natured countenance showed that he
meant all be said. The interview here closed,
and the reporter left him gathering up the
portraits of the principals In the Jesse
James tragedy and replacing them in his
pocket.