New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-11-01
WHAT j. E. LEWIS KNOBS OF BIRCHALL
HE MET HIM CASUALLY AT A LONDON HOTEL
THE STORY ABOUT TILE LETTER ABSURD.

He MET HIM CASUALLY AT A LONDON HOTEL
THE STORY ABOUT THE LETTER ABSURD.
the name Of j. +. Lewis with the letter written from
Jackson, Mch to Reginald Blrchall, who is under
sentence OF death for the murder of F. c. Benwe
prlsed no one more than Mr. Lewis who has Office az
No. II Wallst. lie smiled when spoken to about it
yesterday by Tribune reporter and said that 1t was
ridiculous lie had never written letter to Birchall
signed Colonel or in any other way. Mr.. Lewis
added that 1t was true that he had been addressed often
as Colonel" in London. The title however, one
OF courtesy only lie did not bear it, although he had
been officer during the war.
THE fact is continued Mr.. Lewis, that knew
Birchall In London. | STAYING last January at
MOrleys Hotel. ! cannot believe, however, that he
wishes to connect with this affair, which is somewhat
dstasteful to me. Ny acquaintance with Birchall
only casual one, such travellers wont to
make. l first met him in the smoking room Of tho
hotel, where men gathered after dinner. II Is not
true that1 asked him to dine. However, have dned
with him at the same table. That was natural. We
were often in the dningrOOm at the same time, and
he game over to my family table once or twice lie
pleasant young man, apparently Of good
family, and well educated. His connection by mar
riuge with Mr. Stephenson Of the London and North
western Railway Endorsement for him, OF
course lie was like all other young Engilshmcn OF
his class, and know OF nothing that distinguished him
from them His conduct at the hotel was irreproach
able so far as know and there was nothing in all
his ACTIONS to cast the least suspicion up'u him.
lie seemed to be of leisure ana Of social
nature. I suppose, however that should never have
heard Of thought OF him again If it had not been
for the murder trial Mrs Dirclall at the table
for time. She up from her fathers place.
London, and spent several days at the hotel. She
was a lady of refinement and culture and also dined
at times at our table SO far as know, Benwell
was not at the hotel while Blrchall was there Sew
eral young men called upon him, however, and Ben
well may have been among the number. Birchall left
Morley's before did The luggage which he is said
to have left in my only hand satchel that
he had forgotten. i gave ii TO the manager of the
hotel. / do not know whether he called for it OF
whether it was sent TO him. lie left the hotel rather
suddenly and ostensi0y TO 90 to his father in laws
house | suppose he then went TO Canada. was
greatly shocked and surprised when read OF his ar
rest for murder. / fear that he stands little chance
of securing a reversal of the sentence have great
sympathy for his wife. l dislike the notoriety which
this thing has brought upon Inc, but my standing in
the community cannot be hurt in the slightest way by
this fancul and absurd story OF my leter-writing.'
Mr.. Lewis is q tall, handsome man, with q rudy
complexion, and is about fortyfive years old. lie Is
engaged the promotion Of various engineering
terprises. His business took him to London last win
ter.
Woodstock Ont, Oct. 31.-The Colonel letter to
Birchall still the most interesting topic bere Re
garding the matter of getting the letter out OF the jail
every here knows there would be no trouble at OIL
There have been less than six officials there since
Blrchall was convicted and, besides, nearly every
newspaper man who has to has been allowed
70 see him. well clergymen, doc
tors and many others. Four out Of every
five who have had the privilege Of com
pairing the letter with Brchalps writing declare that
il could not have beer penncd by any other hand than
the prisoners. Few influential business men have put
their names 10 the petition in behalf of Birchall and
,here is the name OF only clergyman ON the list
N.at of MI Wade the prisoners spiritual adviser The
authorities here In receipt of new orders from The
Government, and the prisoner Will be more strictly
looked after in future
Toronto. ont, oetA3l.-The argument on The motion
made to have bithall examined In Toronto In connec
ton with the libel suit brought against The Toronto
Globe" by Graeme, on account OF certain statements
which appeared In that paper, alleged TO have been
made BY Birchal rejecting on the plaintiff, was today
adjourned until Tuesday. Mrs Birchau and Mrs
West-Jones her sister, arrived here to day After
waiting day or two 10 cndeavor to get signatures
attached 10 tho petition for the c0mmuation OF Birch
ais sentence they will go to ottawa TO present it to
the Government