The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-02-06
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clerk. The trip was hurried one. as
the Chief reached Chattanooga Satur-
day night, and started on his return
Sunday noon. being anxious 10 get his
prisoner on Minnesota soil as soon as
possible. Powlison was perfectly will
ing TO return. He has tired, hag-
gard look, having evidently worried a
great deal since his departure.
The prisoner was brought in over
the Northwestern road, and as the
train was nearly two hours behind
time, on account of the storm, it was
nearly six o'clock when he reached
the city. He was at once taken TO the
City Hall. and for a half hour held
kind OF impromptu reception Many
acquaintance were present and shook
hands with Powlis0n, which was a sur
prise TO him. as he had thought that
al backs would be turned on him. He
was considerably affected by the signs
OF friendship shown him. A large
number Of people came in TO look at
him. He was not affected by the gaze
and met all former friends pleasantly.
He was not aware until his return
that Mrs. PowIison had gone TO the
Black Hills. and this fact affected
him more than anything else, as he
had depended upon her sympathy and
aid. He was also disappointed at the
departure of another supposed friend.
1t is doubtful whether he would have
returned SO willingly had he known Of
these things.
Pow-isOn states that he had been at
Chattanooga for the past week or
more. and made no effort TO eIude de-
lection, rather wishing to return. He
did not attempt TO disguise himself at
any time. He admits his guilt, and
says that he turned over nearly all he
had, about $500, TO Mr.. Mcconnell in
settlement.
The examination was set for nine
O'Clock Wednesday, but by agree
ment was postponed until ten o'clock
Thursday forenoon, and the prisoner
was left in charge Of the chief Of po-
lice. Mr.. B. d. Smith was retained by
Mr.. POwlis0n as his attorney.
Mr.. Powlis0n states that he first
commenced TO take goods last Septem-
Der, and did it in order to secure money
TO settle some bills in the city, con-
tracted in commencing housekeeping.
He fully intended TO return the money
without being detected, but one small
he became deeper and deep involved.
He had then intended TO confess the
whole matter TO his employer before
the invoice in February, and TO turn
over everything that he possessed in
restitution. He says that the amount
that he took has been greatly over
estimated, and that the loss to the
firm was comparatively trifiing, which
could have easily been settled But a
leave the city, which heidi at an mop
perfume time, and soon regretted IT..
He went TO Worthington. and there
intended to take a train for the South,
but got on the wrong train and went
to Sioux Falls. There he took train
for Louisville and from there went to
Chattanooga, where he remained for
nearly two weeks. He tried for three
or four days to get work, but was IN
successful. Then he secured position
on commission with the Babbett Soap
Co. of New York, and did well. max
ing on one day $500, and on another
$500, working every day that the
weather permitted. From there he
sent a letter to his wife, in a package
addressed to c. NJ. Marsh. and was ar
rested when he called for the answer.
He expected TO see his wife on his re-
turn. which was one Of the induce
ments of his coming, and he tele-
graphed from Chicago for her TO meet
him at the depot. He broke down
completely when he heard of her de-
parBure.
P8wlison denies the stories circu-
lated concerning his career N Kansas
before coming TO MankabO. He says
that the story of a seduction, and his
borrowing 500 from another young
lady TO settle is false. In regard TO the
report that he had swindled his former
partner out of any sum, he says that
the facts are just the opposite, and
that he himself was the one who was
swindled. Concerning the report that
he had swindled his uncle out OF $3.50,
he SAYS it is untrue. He borrowed that
amount and gave his uncle mortgage
ON a house and lot. and that his uncle;s
investment is fully covered. He seems
very peniUent for what he has done.
but blames no one but himself and
saws that if he must go TO the penIben-
tiary he will GO willingly and try TO
make the best of it. He does not de-
sire TO shirk punishment.
There is no doubt but that P0Wlls0n Is
receiving sympathy from a large part
of the people. owing TO the treatment
which he has received from those
whom he had right TO depend upon
for aid and sympathy. 1t is the gen
eral belief that he was weakly lead