The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1884-11-13
WEARY or HIS LIFE.
THE ATTEMPT OF EX.GoVEREoR
MOSES TO HANG HIMSELF.

Cut Down by q Fellow-Prisoner just In
Tim Q to Save his Life-He Gets Dose OF
Michigan Justice.
From the Detroit Free Press, October 81.
Ex-Governor Franklin j. Moses, of
South Carolina, charged!with. stealing
S15 from the Rev. E. l.. Rexford, D. D.,
pastor' of the Uniycrsalist Church, by
obtaining that amount from him by
falsely representing himself as the Rev.
DR.. Hicks, of Washington, spiritual
adviser Of Guiteau, the assassin of
President Garfield, made ali attempt,
about O'Clock yesterday morning, to
hang himself in his cell in the county
Jail. The prisoner made rope from
two handkerchief, which he he placed
around his neck and tied ono end to his
cell door. He then kicked stool on
which he stood from under his feet,
and was struggling when the noise
was heard by prisoner who occupied
all adjoining cell. The inmates of this
ward are not locked up in their cells
at night. This saved the ex-Govcrnor's
life. The prisoner who heard the
noise arose and going into the corri-
dor found Moses hanging. His face
had turned black, and in minute or
two more he would have been strangu-
lated. The prisoner used an old pair
of scissors which were allowed in the
ward for hair-trimming purposes to
cut the would-bc suicide down, and
laid him on his bed, where he was re-
vivcd through the exercises of other
prisoners, who had been awakened by
a cry Of alarm. Moses said but little
of his attempt, although he ackuowl-
edged that he was determined to die
rather than 60 to prison. He realized
the position he was in and for some
time had been very dcspOndcnt. This
was the first attempt at suicide in the
Jail for many years.
When Moses was brought into The
police court yesterday afternoon for
trial, he looked very pale and feeble
and displayed some nervousness. He
was neatly dressed in black, but had
and unshorn face, which he turned
away fromthc spectators who gathered
to get Il glimpse of him. In front Of
the prisoners box sat, the Rev. DR.. Rex
ford with his wife and daughter, ready
to proceed with the case. Moses eyed
the reverend gentlemen whom he had
swindled, but did not speak to him.
At2.15 o'clock Justice Miner called
the case of: "John f. May" when his
attorney, George X. NJ. Collier, arose
and asked that it be continued until
the mental condition of his client could
be established. He said that since the
last adjournment of the case he had
made diiigent efforts to get witnesses
here in his behalf, but had failed. He
had corrcsponded with number of
persons in the Southern States, who
were acquaintanccs of the prisoner,
and received several answers; but OH
account of the election excitement they
could not come here until after the
close of the campaign. Among the
letters was one from the secretary of
the navy, who wrote that the son of
the prisoner is in the naval depart
mcnt in California. 1t was certain
that he could not come to help his
father out.
Justice Minor replied that the case
had already been continued an unusual
length of time, and he could not soc
how the prisoner could be benefited by
another adjournment. There is no
positive assurance that witnesses in
his behalf would be present at future
time. If continuance was granted it
could only be done until November 5,
as the case will then have been in court
for q month, and under the law it must
be disposed Of in that time-othcr-
wise the court would have no jurisdic-
tom.
Ma. Collier said that he was author
lied by his client to say that if he does
not furnish any evidence at the time
the case is adjourned TO he will with
draw his plea Of not guilty and plead
guilty. The attorney agreed that if
The Court was disinclined to grant an.
other adjournment it would be useless
to proceed to trial, as the facts in the
case were we'll understood and a trial
would be waived.
The Court said that he had been
very indulgcnt in the matter of con-
tinuing the case, both to the com
plainant and the defendant. The bust
ness of the court demanded that it be
dcposed Of within the time prescribed
by law.
Mr.. Collier said in answer TO this that
an adjournment of two or three days
would be of no benefit to him.
Justice Miner: "What do you intend
to show for your clicnt?"
Mr.. Collier: 81 desire to prove by
medical testimony that my client is
entirely irresponsible for his acts. He
has been travelling from place 10 place
engaged in the business he is charged
with here. | don't know anything
about him except what he has person.
ally told me and what L have seen in
the papers"
The Court: 81 havo no judicial
knowledge of the case"
NJ. Collier consulted Moses and then
announced that he would withdraw
his plea Of not guilty and enter one of
guilty. The attorney asked the Court
whether he would defer passing sem
tencc.
Justice Miner said he could not do
this, and then addressing tho prisoner
asked him if he desircd to withdraw
his plea.
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