Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-11-14
FRANK JAMES.
The Bandit Living Like a Fight
ing Cock at Independence, No.
Every Want Of the Outlaw Chief Antici-
pated and GraIified by an ipdul-
gent and Sentimental
Community.
CURRENT CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE.

ST. LOUIS, November 13-A gentleman
just arrived from Independence, No., says
the people of Jackson county are lionizing
Frank James, the bandit king. He says:
"All ages sexes, and classes are represent.
ed among Franks admirers. The men go,
they say, to hear Frank tell Of his wonder
full exploits, and the ladies for the purpose
of .consoling and pledging their influence
with the Governor to secure a pardon,
should he be so unfortunate as to be con.
victed. The ex-members of the Quantrill
brigade go for the purpose Of renewing the
old acquaintance, and the young citizens
of Cracker Neck" and Rush Bottom" to
hear his
Romantic Tales OF Life In she Saddle.
When first incarcerated Frank was given
a bare cell like any other felon, but the
sympathizing peop 8could not endure to
see him treated in this barbarous manner;
so purse 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
morningby some admiring lady friend en-
liven the dull monotony Of the cell and
peryade the atmosphere with rich frag-
rance entirely foreign to the surroundings.
At mealtime instead Of the ordinary prison
diet the bandit sits down to a sumptuous
Repast OF Delicaeies
at for . royal lunch, also furnished ,,
sympathizing friends. At night, when
worn ont by the days entertainment, the
bandit is not comp PEELED to curl himself up
in the corner with pair of dirty blankets
like other prisoners, but instead is proyid.
ed with a mahogany bedstead and bed OF
feathers, so that he can stretch himself at
full length and enjoy sweet repose with the
tranquility of an infant. When first incar-
eerated everybody was admitted to the dis
tingrished guest, bat now Col. Frank
Ass erts HIS Rights,
and before anyone can be admitted a card
must first be sent with much formality. II
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 can not receive company"
In manners Frank is decidedly polite, and
receives his company with great deal OF
politeness. He eonyerses freely upon
every subject save his own case, and dis
plays a. wonderful knowledge OF society
etiquette, which he could have learned
only through associations with the best
people. He is
yerv Tasty In His Dress.
and devotes good deal of time to his per-
sonal appearance, keeps his hair nicely
combed, his boots carefully polished, and
speck of dirt upon his clothing seems to
worry him wonderfully. In fact, he is an
extraordinary bandit, and entirely differ
ent frsm Dick Turpin and Jack Shepard OF
old. The "colonel's" visitors are numer-
Gus, and some of them are more or less dis
tinguished. Among the prominent ones
who have visited him are Gov. Crittenden,
Gen. Jos. Shelby, ex-Congressman Phillips,
and Col John Crisp. The bandits faithful
wife stays with her affectionate husband
| the greater portion of the time, and minis.
tiers to his wants with truly commend.
able devotion. Mrs. Samuels, Franks moth
er, also visits her "hero son" every week,
and usually spends the Sabbath with him.
Frank James trial comes up in Kansas
| City on the 9th OF the present month, and
| il Is expected that he will enter plea of
| guilty and at once receive pardon from
Gov. Crittenden.