Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-04-12

crALS SAT.
A reporter of The STAR yesterday afternoon
while engaged in his duties had occasion to visit
the District Jail. and ~ he stood in the rotunds
of the prison talking to one OF the Officers
Howard J. Schneider emerged from his cell,
which 10 situated few feet back OF the heavy
wire network which separates the south wing
of the prison from the rotunda, and glanc-
ing toward the reporter FOR moment
turned and quickly entered his cell. The
reporter had sat within . few feet OF
Schneider every day OF the long
trial. and the prisoner recognizing him entered
his cell, as he afterward stated. because he did
not want to see or be seen by any newspaper
man. In few moments, however, he changed
his mind, for he came out OF ms cell, noddeo
pleasantly to the reporter and began exerciEng
by pacing up and down the long and narrow
corridor which runs in front OF the cells
The duties of the reporter required him to
visit the cell of a prisoner located in that coz
ridor some minutes later, and as ne passed
down the corridor In company with Mr. Ed
ward Burke, the clerk of the jail, Schneider
was met q few feet beyond his CELL
81 FEEL RATHER BADLY"
As they reached Schneider the latter grasped
the extended hand of the reporter, and in
answer to an inquiry As to how he felt replied,
in q voice choked with suppressed emotion, II
feel rather badly
There was no need for the wretched man to
say that, for his sunkeu eyes, his blanched
cheeks, his parched lips, his trembling frame
too plainly indicated that the man the reporter
then saw was but wretche1 wreck OF the man
who sat before him during the days OF the
long trial The reporter attempted to speak q
word OF announcement to Schneider, but the
prisoner suddenly burst into tears and said in
pleading voice: Don't say anything about
me in your paper" and turning away quickly
entered his cell.
The reporter continued on his way to the
cell Of the prisoner he wished to see, and, OBJ
t,ining the Information he was seeking. passed
out As he returned he passed Schneider's
cell he latter was standing at bis cell door
and called toe reporter 10 him.
asked the reporter.
The reporter was somewhat startled by the
question and besitated in making reply.
You were there" urged Schneider. "You
heard everything. Now tell ME what you
thought of the verdict"
DO you wish me to give you my opinlon?'
asked the reporter.
.'Yes, do" said Schneider.
Despite his disinclinatiOn to add to the man 8
pain the reporter was forced to reply that he
thought the verdict was justified by the testi
mony.
II don't see how you can say that" said
Schneider, passionately. II told the jury just
how it happened. / showed them the bullet
holes In my clothes, and they must have seen
that they were made by bullet. My mother
and sister told them they saw the pistol in
Frank Hamlink's hand, and they wouldn't have
he'd to have saved me or any one else"
The reporter suggested that it was said that
the letter to Miss Lightfoot had more effect
with them than anything else.
Schneider did not reply for some time, then
he said: II don't see why it should. / only
meant in that letter tina: wanted to get d.
vorce from my wife. had no feeling against
her, and God knows / didn't intentionally
But could see that the jury was down on me-
They wouldn't believe any thing my witnesses
said. didn't have a fair show"
THE STAR TREATED HIM FAIRLY.
Then the wretched man gave way completely,
and as the tears rolled down his face he
grasped the grated iron door of his cell and let
his head fall. At length he looked up, and
again grasping the hand Of the reporter. said:
But The STAR treated me fairly, and although
may never be able to. return the kindness
want to say that / appreciate it." He then
turned away and threw himself upon his COY
The reporter and Mr.. Burke added word or
two Of encouragement and inquired il they
could do anything for him, but Schneider 8
was left alone.
The jail officials assured the reporter that
Schneider's collapse since the verdict was the
most sudden and complete they had ever seen,
and said that since his conviction Schneider
had eaten hardly enough to sustain a baby
milk punches being about the only thing he
can be prevailed upon to take. They are OF the
opinion that unless something can be speedily
done to relieve his dependency the man will
either die or lose his mind.