The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-23
LUCKY COUNTY CONVICTS.
THEY MAY WALK FORTH FROM PRIs-
ON AT PLEASURE,
John Jones, Whose Atrocious Crime
Merited a Heavy Penalty, Joins the
Small Army of Self-Liberated Prison.
ers-Information Accidently Gained.

=
ers--Information Accidently Gained.
In the face OF the indictments against
Squire X. NJ. Mason, superintendent Of
the rk-house, and continued escapes oil
convicts from that institution, it is sug.
gested that the thing for Acknowledgement
Peters to do is to see that the superintend.
ent himself does not escape. Another
black mark is added to the 'squire's al.
ready startlingly long list, and the iniorma-
tionsupon which 1t is chalked up-came so
late and mysteriously that it aggravates
the ofiense 10 an almost objectionable de-
gree.
1t has been about three years since John
Jones, bad negro on general principles,
killed Henry Buford. II occurred during
a crap game in Fort Pickering, in which
Jones and his victim were two OF the large
party OF negroes participating. Jones was
arrested, after faithful search, in Arkan-
sas, only few hours after the crime was
committed. He was promptly indicted,
and in due course OF time arraigned for
trial.
The testimony introduced was thoroughly
convincing OF a fendishly cold blooded
murder. Buford was young stripping,
his slayer burly fellow, able to hammer
the life out Of him by fist and muscle only.
The fatal shot was fired while the boy was
wiping the tears from his eyes, flowing in
consequence Of heavy blow from Jones.
Despite all this the jury in the case could
not agree, being divided between
o first and second degree grade.
But the second trial resulted In one
OF the most roaring farces ever enacted in
q court Of justice. II was n mixed Jury,
In which the colored element predomi-
mated. They heard the same evidence in
troduced at the first trial, but-shame,
where is thy blush-returned with n YER
dict OF assault and battery Ii created a
commotion throughout the city, and par
alyzed the court officials with astonish-
ment. But what could be done? II is re1
membered even at this late day that someI
OF the comments were significant Of a re-
vulsion OF feeling over the too often repeat
cd burlesqucs in that line. 1t was argued
that the ruling motive for the singular re-
turn was TO treat colored prisoners the
same as influential white, as far as possible,
and after season Of MORNINGS OF disgust
the sensation collapsed, giving place to
newer and equally deserving ones.
| John Jones was sentenced TO pay fine
OF $50, and serve eleven months and twen-
ty-nine days in the work-house. Under
the circumstances this was the limit, but
il grieved the judge and Encouragement
TO let Il 60. They had but one consoling
reflection in the whole matter, which was,
that Jones could not pay the $50 fine, and
would have TO liquidate IL at hard labor
for 200 days additional. No time was lost
in turning the fellow over TO the work.
house authorities, and IL is fair TO presume
they would have intelligence and judg-
ment enough 10 appreciate the enormity OF
his oilense, and take every precaution
against his escape.
But the freaks OF Superintendent Mason |
are beyond all human understanding. lnI
place Of keeping Jones securely guarded
and at hard labor, he was made a trusty
and allowed 10 90 and come ut his own
sweet will. Many times and oft he has
been n visitor 10 the city. and generally
acted upon his own inclination in RETURN
ing The presumption Of Jones, undcptrIisi
| privileged freedom, was beautiful Tor its|
extent. lie himself circulated n petiionI
for pardon, and no doubt succeeded in o.
tanning many signatures thereto. On Cd
occasion he was in a particularly happJ.
frame OF mind, and actually approached
Attorney-General Peters b sign the paper. |
The general didn't see IL in that light, butt
drew from Jones pretty full statement OF
the privileges lac enjoyed by consent Of his
keepers.
Late yesterday afternoon Gen. Peters
learned, In u purely accidental way, that
John Jones was known no more at tho,
work-house. Further than that, he had
not been known there for more than al
week. lie escaped on the 18th inst, tho
day following Witbespoon's fight while
pumping water" Not a word OF notifica-
ton has been sent 10 the officers Of tho
law, so far rs known, and II Joncsis not In
place OF safety, II is through no lack Of at
least possible connivanco by tho work
house authorities.
Still, the county court must dispense tho
various Offices within its gift among its
members.