The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-17
THE MONON ROBBERY.
Mental Condition of Davis-A Change of Tao
tics the Part Of the Defense


tics on the Part of the Defense.
Louisville Commercial.
Rumors have been current for more than a
week past that new and sensational phase is to
be exposed in the late express robbery case of
George *. Davis, express messenger on the
Louisville, New Albany & Chicago railway.
Charley Chambers, held under bond at Bloom
ineton. Ind, charged with the offense, is to have
trial in September. and he has able counsel
who will make vigorous defense, setting up
the claim of an alibi His lawyers say that at
trial time they will show that Chambers has had
nothing whatever to do with the robbery, and
that the matter has been urged against him
merely to weaken suspicious attached to the
really guilty parties or party.
1t is to be claimed, when Chambers is brought
to trial, that young man who has been long IN
the employ of the railroad, and who taking ad-
vantage of position in close proximity to that
of Daviss is guilty of collision with the rob
ber and that he played forward part in instigat-
ing and perfecting the robbery. Evidence is to
be ad1uced to show that he entered into an
agreement with robber to enter the car at
Harrodsburg the scene of the robbery, and that
at that place Davis was to be killed, thrown
from the car in the woods, and that nothing was
to be reported Of the case for an hour when it
was to be claimed that the expressman jumped
from the car, or, at least, fell from it. Colonel
George w. Friedley of Bedford Ind. attorney
for the road, is fully cognizant of this move and
is to give II thorough investigation.
pressman a change of tactics in the case is to
be made, so reports have it. Davis was thought
at first to be dangerously wounded, but ne has
almost fully recovered, and has been out doors
for some time. The case, fact, hangs on
him. whether he will be able to identify the man
who made the attack. There is serious doubt as
to his ability to point out the robber, and for
this reason it is calculated that Chambers
though he may be guilty, will have loophole
here for escape. He will make strong aibi
NIT e tu,ty Thn iV1oh IF
Davis to identify him will be a strong point in
his favor.
Various reports regarding the exact condition
of Davis have been set ahoat. A reporter made
a thorough investigation of them yesterday. a
visit was made to the young mans home. 1t
was found that he was on pleasure trip to
Chicago, along with some associate express mes
sengers. His brother said that he had not re-
covered from the shot mentally. though phys.
ically he was perfectly we'll. His uncle and
physician, DR.. M. K. Allen, said that the effect
of the bullet, which touched his brain, was still
plainly perceptible. He is afflicted with the
aphasia-that is, he uses words entirely inappro
pirate to the subject of his conversation. He is,
further, morose and absent minded. and gives
many other indications of mind feebleness. A
short time ago he realized his mental condition,
and acknowledged as much to his mother.
Following the instructions Of his physicians
very little has been said to Davis at home about
the robbery. In his delirum he would speak
about it often. but incoherently but since recov-
cry he has said little, having learned that advice
had been given to say nothing about it, in order
that his brain should not be excited over it, To
three or four associate messengers. however, he
has said something of the case, most important
of which is that he will not be able to identify
his assailant. He says that he was asleep when
attacked, and so dazed by the first blow that he
did not gather any distinguishing features Of
the robber. He scouts the idea that any one on
the train was in collision with the bold thief
and believes that the scheme was carried out
after long contemplation and investigation.
So far as able to learn, Davis has no memory
of any part of his life beyond this accident
though he is reasonably clear about incidents
after that His case is similar to the condition
of an employe of the L., n. A. & G. railway of
this city, who sustained conclusion of the brain
by bridge accident Since recovering from the
accident he has no memory of any event of his
life before that time, not even one day of his
boyhood nor any account of his birth, his parents
or brothers and sisters. Davis remembers his
family but he remembers little of events prior
to the accident. He fully realizes his mental
ailment and though he does not refer to it
often yet he has told his mother that he fully
comprehends his situation. He left yesterday
on visit to Chicago, and on his return next Fri
day will stop at Bloomington to see if he can
identify Chambers, arrangements being made to
see the latter without his knowledge. Daviss
right eye has been rendered useless by the
wound he received, everything appearing to him
in that eye out of shape and out Of place.