The Dillon tribune. [volume] (Dillon, Mont.) 1881-1941, 1883-09-15
THELEWIS CASE.

Hi T. LIE W II OASEs
Under the above heading, Captain Mills
of the Nezv North WeSi, has the following
to say Regarding the Lewis case:
"Perhaps there was never more start.
ling account of murder submitted to the
people of Montana than the first announce.
inent of the death of Eva Clark and the
accusation of Chas. A. Lewis as her muir.
derer. Even as the facts were first alleged,
we could not believe Lewis guilty, and It
was with gratful relief that we read that
the investigation tended to confirm his
statement that the girl committed suicide.
Ii he did murder her he should hang high
as Han1an; but If he did not, think Of the
situation Of a stranger among us, accused
of so infamous crime, and with no pos
isble defense except circumstances to excul.
pate him. Of course the law will hold him
guiltless unless proven, guilty, but we can
not conceive Of a more horrible situation
for an innocent man to be placed In than
accused Of SO fiendish crime in a strange
land and with his greatest possible excul.
patton being that the charge Is not proven.
We have had placed in our hands this week
a number of letters addressed to him, and
" assisted him in his entertainments, and
be fatterin1 to the kindest hearted man
alive. In sending these to us, Mr.. Lewis
said they were simply for our own perusal
as we had from our acquaintance with
hin, some years ago, from Its lack of mo-
tive, and the folly as well as the fiendish-
ness Of the deed, expressed disbelief In
his guilt, and he desired to show US what
those more intimately acquainted with
him had said but one Of them, Of a public
nature, a testimonial from citizens Of his
home In Dowagiac, Mich, we take the lib
erty to present below. If Mr.. Lewis ia
such a citizen a. therein represented, it is
well that his good character should be
known to the people of Montana, and If he
Is Innocent that he should have sympathy
as broad and deep as would be his curses if
he were guilty.
DowAG1Ac, MICH, AUGUST ~, 1881.
Zoike People Of Montana Territory:
W. the undersigned, citizens Of the city
OF Eovagiac, Cass county, Mich, respect
fully state that we have been greatly aston
ished to learn that Mr.. Charles A. Lewis
formerly, and until recently, citizen of
this city, has been suspected of the murder
at Dillon, in your Territory, Of Miss Eva
Clark, the young girl who had been his
assistant in his public exhibitions.
We have known MIR. Lewis and his rep
utation. He is OF a respectable
family, formerly residing in this
city, and since Of Pokagon, a village
in its near vicinity. His wife, very
estitnable lady, is Of one ofour most respect.
able families, and Mr.. Lewis has been
known among us since his boyhood as an
honorable and exceedingly amiab:. gentle.
man, kind hearted and dutiful son, broth.
er and husband, and those of us who have
known him and his reputation are undoubt.
Ing In our belief that he is incapable of the
crime Of murder or any felony.
(Signed by fifty prominent city officials
and business men.)
If this is the reputation Charles A. Lewis
bears at home, let US not be hasty in con-
icmning hin, in Montana. There are no
Fairer people than Montanians. There is
no better way to evidence it than bv with
holding adverse judgement Of man Of
whom the tongue ofa report speaks we'll |
until It is manifest he is guilty or wrong. |
= ne is guiltless the sympathy of every
air minded person should b. with him."
LETTER To THE SHERIFF.
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 13, S3.
Mr.. Sheriff, Dillon Mont,
DEAR SiR-I have just read OF the sup.
'osed murder of Miss Eva Clark, by Prot.
:. A. Lewis. sincerely regret that this
oble man has met with this great misfor-
une; and especially among strangers, for
ad 1t occurred where he is known, the
'ightest hint Of his guilt would be secuted
once. Thousands, in this country, would
lady attest to the responsibility of him.
elf and family, and particularly to his
which would not per.
Mt him to injure the smallest Of Gods
wing creatures; much less human being.
Write to any place where he has lived,
nd you will hear for him character
bove suspicion. His insanity was not
'igned. He is just the man (pure and
ood) to become crazed over such dread.
II calamity. And it would seem that the
circumstances Of the case would be sui.
Gent evidence of his Innocence, for had
here been any reason or desire, on his part.
dispose Of this poor young girl, he would
ave done it ,nethodically. lfit were muir.
er. would he have Gone it in broad day.
ght, and carry her corpse to the river.
store the people? Such case is without
recedent. l feel convinced that Charles
!. Lewis is innocent; and hope and pray {
TAT ne may meet with the sympathy and
'stice he deserves. Respectfully YOURS.
MRS. A. B. BOYNroN.
THE MONTANA FAIR,