The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1888-07-04

Alexander s hrSt act, however, was 10 90
to the county clerks Office and take out
marriage license for himself and Ida May
Johnson, and they were married that
day. This was thought to be an etfectual
disposition of Alexander's story that they
had been married in Texas, though he
offered weak explanation OF
his failure to produce a certificate of the
Texas marriage. Alexander failed to Sc
cure bondsmen, as his course had not
been such as to bind his friends to him,
and he was committed to Jail where he
has since remained, his wife visiting him
daily. His conviction OF the crime OF
forgery on the 14th inst, is OF too recent
date to call for extended allusion.
One of the most sensational incidents
connected with the history of the scandal
and trial was Johnson's frenzied attempt
to slav the author of his domestic wrongs,
while the latter was on trial IN the GRIM
inal court for forgery. Johnson was
a most regular and untiring attendant
upon the trial, and watched the
proceedings with the keenest interest.
All who knew him could see that he was
basing his LIES hopes upon Alexander's
conviction, as he had been unceasing in
his efforts to have him returned to the
city and had expended large amount of
money in securing additional legal assis-
lance for the prosecution. After the trial
had been in progress for several days
Alexander was placed on the stand, and
in giving his testimony frequently re-
ferred to himself and Mrs. Alexander as
tive"
''Who do you mean by we?' Assistant
Prosecutor duncan questioned sharply.
"Why, and my wife," Alexander ans
wered.
At this iuncture johnson could be seen
writhing in agony at the cutting words.
He suddenly sprang from his chair and
attempted to draw a revolver from his in
side picket. Deputy Sheriff Arnold and
Al Wishard, who were sitting near, OBJ
served the actions of Johnson and in an
instant seized the frenzied man and hur-
ried him from the room. The most in
tense excitement prevailed for few mo-
ments, but quiet was Immediately restored
without further sensational developments.
Johnson was taken into a back room and
after recovering from the effects of the ex-
element, left The courthouse at once. He
has since acted like a man whose reason was
trembling in the balance. When the jury
returned a verdict finding Alexander
guilty as charged and fixing his punish
ment at two years imprisonment john
sons Joy knew no bounds.
Alexander was informed of the event SUM-
day mosning by Turnkey Tim Clark. He was
kept in ignorance until 10 o'clock, when Mr..
Clark thought that il would be useless to try
TO keep the news from him. He walked into
his cell, said good morning and took seat.
Alexander had had q good nights rest, some
thing he would not have had if he had known
what had happened He is a cool, self-pos-
sessed character and controls any outward
manifestation of inward feelings Mr. Clark
broke the news 10 him, however, gently and
gradually.
Alexander, something happened last night
which is very sad for me to relate"
Alexander asked what ii was.
"Why johnson shot himself"
"Why am sorry TO hear that" said Alex
ander with start. "How did il happen? l
suppose he could not shoot anyone else, so he
shot himself. Is that it?'
After further conversation Clark said: "But
that is not all of it. You must not be scared
or frightened when l tell you that he also shot
your wife. She is not dangerously shot 1t is
only a flesh wound, so the doctors say"
While Clark was saying this, Alexander
jumped up and exclaimed, 80, my God" sew
eral times. He paced up and down the cell,
but Clark, after little, succeeded in reassuring
him of the slightness of the wound, and Alex
ander quoted.
Previous to visiting him Clark had gone over
to the house and seen Alexander's wife, and he
was thus enabled to tell the whole thing to
Alexander. During the day no one was
allowed to see the prisoner; but his wife sent
him several messages regarding the slightness
of her wound. He viii be taken north as soon
as the papers are obtained
Crowds remained around the scene of the
tragedy until far into the night on Saturday.
Men gathered in groups around any one who
knew anything about the affair. There were
very few people that really did witness the oc-
eurrence, and these were piled with questions
whenever they put in an appearance. Soon,
however, bogus witnesses appeared and all
kinds of tales were told.
Late last night Johnson's condition was re-
graded as very critical. The hospital physician
seemed to think that the chance of recovery
was very SLIGHT.