Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-05-09
THE CAPTURE OF JOHN ARCHIBALD,
THE PORTLAND WIFE MURDERER.

The usually quiet little village Of South
Paris was thrown into state of consider
able excitement Thursday by the knowl-
edge that John Archibald OF Portland, who
split his wife's head open with an axe re-
Gently, was lurking In the village. About
& o'clock Wednesday evening, Mr., George
Shurtletr of Portland, who works in one OF
the shoe shops, recognized Archibald near
the Post Office Mr. Shurllefr at once dis
patched TO City Marshal Bridges of Port
land, FOR a detective. Two officers, Dcpu-
" Marshal J. VI. Black and Policeman w.
II. Frank. arrived on the 3 \. M. train,
Thursday morning, and with teams, began
to scour the country in every direction.
Meeting Deputy Sheriff W. -. Douglass on
the Paris Hill road, Marshal Black COM
municated to him 4 full description Of the
culprit. and requested officer Douglass 10
make search and arrest If possible. Mr..
Douglass in company with 5. $. Caldwell,
soon obtained a clue OF ArChib1ld's where
abouts. and taking the Mechanic Falls
road. soon overlook a solitary footmln,
walking rapidly, who answered the exact
description. Want 4 ride, Mister in.
quired tho officer. In his most friendly
manner. Yes, thank you, said the pc
dcStrian. don't care II do" The occu-
pants OF the wagon very kindly made room
for him on the seat between them, and
generously pulled up the robe in from, aud
fastened each side securely with their
hands and feet. How far are YOU goius?"
inquired Officer Douglass. ITO Mechanic
Falls" What is your name Will
liam Robinson" Where did you stop
last night at boarding house in Nor
way" said the man IN the middle, looking
wildly about. What did you pay for
your lodging" continued the officer. II
paid fny cents Now, look here, my
good friend" said the officer, didn't you
stop at South Paris, at the house of Mr..
William Cushman:" No, sir stoutly
protested the prisoner. is not your real
name John Archibald" mo, sir, reit-
Grated the prisoner. Well said Mr..
Douglass. did you know your wife was
dead:" This touched him in 4 tender spot
aud he dropped his head and began to sob
like 4 child. is she really dead:' he in
CURED At that instant Policeman Frank
drove up pellmen, jumped out of his wagon
and pompously Selling Mr.. Caldwell by the
arm demanded him 70 get out OF that wagon.
Mr.. c. replied that while he would be ex-
ceedinsly glad to oblige him, he was quite
comfortable where he was. The Portland
gentleman then excitedly produced pair
OF handouts and, reaching them forward,
said III take care Of this man." Oncer
Douglass then said This is nag prisoner,
and consider myself perfectly capable OF
taking care OF him" Then, sir" shouted
the Portland officer, shaking his fist in the
air, you do so at your peril-lt your
peril, sir" Peril be hanged, mildly re-
turned Douglass you can't take pris-
oner out of my hands" and wheeling his
horse he rapidly drove to the Jail at Paris
Hill, where he deposited his man. In the
meantime Frank had telegraphed to City
Marshal Bridges for an order 10 get the
prisoner. Marshal Bridges then sent dis
patch to Officer Douglass saying "Pledse
deliver your prisoner etc to Mr.. Frank. y
Accordingly, Friday morning, Archibald
was delivered over to Frank at the depot,
in season 10 start for Portland on the six
O'Clock train. 1t should be said in extenu-
alton of Policeman Franks overbearing
and unwarranted conduct, that he is a
night Policeman, and has been on the force
only three months, and was evidently over
anxious on this, his apparently, first occa-
sion 10 gain honor and distinction among
his fellows. Officer Douglass, on the 9th
er hand, was perfectly cool, and acted
throughout in quiet and gentlemanly
manner, for which, as well as for his pluck
and shrewdness in capturing his man, he
deserves credit. B.
South Paris, May C.