The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-03-29
THE HITEs AND JAMEsEs.
Governor Crittenden Tells What He Knows
of Them.
Interview in Louisville Commercial.


Governor Crittenden Tells What He Knows
of Them.
Interview in Louisville Commercial
The Governor is a very affable gentleman.
lie is a kentuckAn by birth, and seemed
well pleased to be within the borders of his
native State, shaking hands with the friends
of his early life. He is a stoutly built, hand
some man, with a resolute expression in his
dark, piercing eyes. His features bloom with
health and Figor, and although fifty-seven
years OF age he must be regarded as a pow
ertui man. His mead is silvered over and his
face is cleanly shaved, with the exception of
st9bby gray mHstache.
Fhe general impression prevails in this
State that Frank James will be tried before
the Missouri courts with the understanding
that he will be pardoned if convicted. What
do you say about that?' asked the journalist
The last sentence brought the Governor to
his feet, and looking the reporter squarely in
the eye, he replied in quick voice:
That impression is erroneous and unjust
Frank James has no such promise, and no
man can gainsay my word. l am sorry to
say that the suppostion of which you speak
prevails all over the United States; but only
the ignorant and uninformed entertain such
crude ideas"
will you give me the name of the author
who communicated the information that led
to the breaking up of the James gang?"
THAT name has been sought by almost
every newspaper in the country but it will
never be made public. have personal rea-
sons for this"
WAS he a member of the gang?
IF l answered that the whole thing would
be unsealed."
'Rhen he was brother outlaw"
You can think so if it does you any good
l can say that Missourians heartily cooper
ated with me in lfsbefforts to hunt down the
bandit chiefs, but no information or ska
could avail until Jesse James had met his
tragic end. | shall always regard him as q
man of remarkable genius"
When will Frank James be put on trial?'
I'm June, at the meeting of the Davis
County Circuit Court. l think his trial will
be the most celebrated case on record. Peo-
pie from all over the United States will flock
to the place"
"Do you apprehend that any violence will
be used?''
'None in the world. There is an under
current of sympathy for Frank James in
Missouri. charge of murder in the first
degree will be preferred against him, aud
understand the ablest legal talent in the
State has been employed by both sides, so
that the case will be warmly contested"
What Is the general sentiment touching
the probable character of the verdict?n
Upon this point the people of Missouri
are about equally divided, and any statement
OF mine would be mere guesswork."
! "How does prison life fare with Frank?'
HE lives in ease and luxury. Frank James
you must remember, is a famous character in
the history of oar Nation, and people lionize
him. He seems anxious for his trial. and
am told, is confident that verdict of acquit-
tai awaits him"
"What about the Hite boys?"
Il have tender sympathy for the fate of
Clarence and Wood Hite. They were once
model young men, but frequent associations
with the James hoys brought untimely death
to BOTH pardoned Clarence out of the
Missouri penitentiary only few weeks ago,
and am advised that he has since died"