Morning journal and courier., 1892-02-03
MISS n1rrcHKLL DEFIANr.

Hut Miss Johnson Painted When Charged With Murder - ssPresen, Insanfty'' she Flea for Miss Mft.
 chell, Who Yielded the Raxor. and ssNst Guflty'' for Miss Johnso n, Who is Charged With Being an Accessory.
 MEMPHIS, Feb. 2.-'tNot guilty" mur-
 mured Miss Alice Mitchell, with @ slight,
 defiant shrug of the shoulders in the pres
 ence of the-judge of the circuit court and
 few spectators in the court room. "Not guilty" said Miss Johnson, in a low but
 distinct voice, trembling with emotion,
 when the clerk of the court finished read
 ing to her the joint indictment charging
 her and Miss Mitchell with cutting the
 throat of Freda Ward Both prisoners
 wore formally arraigned and for Miss Nit
 chen the plea of insanity was entered and for Miss Johnson Attorney Patterson en- tered plea of not guilty.
 This was a disappointment to the s0. 900 people of Memphis, each of whom hay ing appointed himself a committee of one to be present at the arraignment. It was the intention of Judge Duboise to have the prisoners brought into his court in the morning, but as he did not make his in- tention known to others than the court officers only the regular loungers and 8 few lawyers and one newspaper man were present when the young ladies were ush- cred in.
 When Miss Johnson entered every per son in the court room jumped to his feet. "Take you seats" shouted Judge Dubois, in terribly harsh voice, and every one sat down. After Miss Johnson came Alice Mitchell, the murderess, preceded by her brother and followed by her aged mother. Both were heavily yelled. After passing sentence on 8 negro chicken thief Judge Dubois, without deigning to look at the fair prisoners, said in a sharp, rasping voice:
 "Mr, Clerk. arraicn these two prison- ers."
 Both girls arose to to their feet. Then Clerk Hunter began to read the indictment son with murder. When he came to the words "did cut, stab and wound Freda Ward" Miss Johnson raised her face and winced. A rigor seized her, and she began to sink down, when her father put his arm around her and held her in @ standing posture: Miss Mitchell betrayed no sign of emotion.
 When the clerk finished reading, he said: "What say you both," and before her attorney could interpose, Miss John son quickly and nervously said, 'T am not guilty" Miss Mitchell took the cue from Miss Johnson, raising her head and saying in thin voice, ''Not guilty"
 Your honor," said Attorney Patterson for Miss Johnson, q desire to enter plea of not guilty"
 Colonel Gentt then arose and said, Your honor, I desire to enter for Miss Mitchell plea of present insanity, and will present the plea to you in writing later on" The judge looked straight in front of him and said, "Very well, sir. MT. Sheriff, take these prisoners on my left to jail and keep them there until fur ther orders." AS Miss Mitchell turned | away she lifted her veil and good view | of her face was obtained. |
 AS the last person, MT. Johnson, went | through the door, there was a stampede | toward the rear entrance of the court house | by those eager to see the two girls. One | man was knocked down and badly crushed, but before the first man got out of the | door the party were in @ closed carriage and were being rapidly driven to the jail. | The trial to decide the state of Miss Mitch | ell's mind will begin during the week. | The state will act on the defensive and will | strongly combat the theory of insanity ad- | vanced by the defense.
 It will attempt to show that Miss Alice | was moved by malice and not | sctuated by any insane impulse. If she is | adjudged insane then Miss Johnson will | be put on trial for her life. Another wit ness has been found who saw the tragedy, | and he said while Miss Mitchell was slash ng Freda Ward with the razor the young lady was begging for mercy. Since the finding of the indictment both girls seem to appreciate fully the gravity of the situa- jon, and the confinement in jail is telling | on them