Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-07-01
Result of q Brief illness.

years.
Result of q Brief nlness.
Mr.. Johnston's attack came on several
weeks ago, when he attended reception at
the Watson home in East End. When he
left there he complained of stomach troubles
and later Inflammation of the bowels set in.
He remained in bed until a week ago, when
he started TO prepare for the famous Fitz-
simmons case. He, however, was COM
PEELED 20 return to Mercy Hospital. He be-
mother and sister were summoned to his
side. but life was gone before they arrived.
The news OF his death cast a gloom over
the Court House, for every one who knew
Dick Johnston loved him. In Criminal
Court there were but few dry eyes, and Fitz-
simmons, the murderer and outlaw, and
attract any attention. The oppressive silence
vas finally broken by Thomas NJ. Marshall,
who said:
The news we have received this morning
touches the hearts of all of us. We have lost
dear friend. In view of this and out of re-
sPect for him whom We all loved and hon.
ored, would move thatthis court adjourn
until such time as your honors may select
his successor. There is much that might be
sald, but cannot say more just now than
have said"
resumed his seat and buried his face in his
hands. Judge Collier then said:
Never in my life have received so great
love the deceased District Attorney.
loved him because he was a man, because of
his devotion to duty, because of his in
tegTitv, because of his desire to do justice to
all, the high and the low, the rich and the.
Door say now, in my humble opinion, the
people Of Allegheny county have suffered a
loss which it will take them a long time to
est, as well as the most distinguished member
OF the Allegheny county bar"
Judge Slagle's Feeling Tribute.
Judge Slagle, whose emotion was apparent,
said: Il have nothing to say whatever. Mr..
Johnston was very near to me, not only
officially but personally; SO near to me that
I cannot express myself now. approve of
the propriety of the motion made by Mr..
Marshall. TINS court will adjourn until
Monday morning, and any business inter
Nening will be postponed until that time"
Court was then adjourned and the County
Commissioners at once caused the desk
and railing surrounding it, of the District
ATTORNEY to be draped in black. The sable
covering of the desk will remain for 80 days
in memory of the brilliant mind whose
possessor has occupied the place with such
credit to himself and benefit to the peo-l
PIE o. this county
The Executive Committee of the Bar As
sociation met yesterday afternoon and is
sued a cali for meeting of the Association
this afternoon at O'Clock to take action on
Mr.. Johns tons death. The officers of the
meeting will be: Hon. John DalZeu, Presi-
dent; judges Collier. Magee and Porter, and
George Shiras, Jr., John S. Robb, Thomas
Patterson, W. NJ. Watson and William J.
Brennan, Vice Presidents; Arthur Kennedy,
{. \. Fagan and H. L. Goehring, Secretaries;
Henry Never, o. c. Dickey. K. S. Martin,
James s. Young, Lewis McMullen and E. Y.
Brech Committee on Resolutions. All of
the members of the Committee on Resolu-
Ii0ns are life long friends of the deceased
lawyer.
Resolutions of Coincidence.
As soon as court adjourned the criers and
tipstaTes Of the Quarter Sessions met and
adopted the following resolutions:
WHEREAS. It has pleased Almighty God to re-
move from our midst the Hon. K. H Johnston,
District Attorney: therefore.
Resolved That ia the death of the Hon. R. H.
Johnston the officers of this court have lost true
:r1rnG. yEe that always could be relied upon to
give us good advice and kind assistance.
Eesoyed IhaI IN his death the county has lost
an honest and true man, ''the noblest work of
heartfelt sym pathy in this their sad aIiction.
Eesolved. That we attend the funeral in body.
Resolved, That a. copy of these resolutions be
sent to the family. JOHN W. patterson.
&c. NEGLEY,
GeoRGE ". AsBoTT,
JOHN WALLACE,
N. ". BoYUE,
II. q. MUEILEB,
THOMAS A. PENDER,
n. S Williams, who went to school with
Dick Johnston. as everybody familiary called
him, said he was the same kind of boy that
he was q man. He was popular with his fel-
lows, and was always genial and kind
hearted. IN 1850, when he WAS not more than
26 years Old, he came within an ace of being
nominated by the Democrats ioT Congress
1nau at Large. In that year his party won,
and II he didn't reach the National House
then there is no telling into what high Office
he would have landed if death had not sud
denly checked his mortal career.
Sketch of MIR. Johnston's Life.
Mr. Johnston was born in the Fourth
ward, Pitteourg, July 10, 1S56 His father
was William Z. Johnston who was Governor
OF Pennsylvania from ls4s 20 1852 When
Mr.. Johnston was u years of age he was
sent 20 Helmuth College, London Ontario
From there ne went to Yale law School,
graduating Il 1876. He practiced in Kittar-
ming until 1882, when he commenced his
His greatest reputation was made as a
criminal lawyer, although he had n
large civil practice. Ia 1889 the Dem
Ocrats pItted him against Arch H
Rowand for District Attorney and the result
was the most crushing defeat the Republi-
cans ever received in Allegheny county
During his term he has already convicted
five men of murder in the first degree. His
greatest case was when he defended Super
intendent Stow, Of the Ft. Wayne Railroad,
who was charged with the murder of Miss
Weyman, who was killed by a train at the
Federal street crossing. Although Franklin
B. Gowan wos one OF the Prosecuting At
toTneyS, Mr.. Johnston cleared his man He
was also an attorney in the Panhandle rob-
berry cases.