The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-06-08
DR.. B.sor AT HoMz.
An Interesting interview with Him ne TO His
Pnst Presrnf.


BEDFORD, May 9l.-[Specisl. DIR. Bisot
returned here from the Jacksonville
prison last night, He has changed but
little during his long absence.
When called upon by The SENTINEL re-
porter he willingly submitted to an inter
view. The statement having been printed
that he had visited Bedford several times
since locating in Mexico, he was asked if
this was true. His answer was that the
statement was not true; that until after
his pardon he had not been near his old
home and had not seen his mother since
he fled from the state. Continuing he
said:
II was within the boundaries of Indiana
but once during the twelve years, and
that was when went through on my re-
turn from trip to the East, where had
been on business. On this occasion nv
mother was informed that 1 intended to
stop in Chicago in the hope that she would
visit me, but she was so afraid Of endan-
gerirg my liberty that she refused TO meet
Inc there"
Referring to his recent voluntary sur
render to the prison authorities, THE SEN
TISEL reporter asked whether his action
was induced by the promise Of a pardon.
Ii not, what gave him the courage to face
the risk OF spending the remainder OF life
In prison.
IL had great faith in the fact that par
don would be granted. This confidence
was based on the reports which my friends
made from time 10 time, as my case was
presented to each successive governor of
the state. Ali of them seemed TO speak OF
my claims in the most favorable way, yet
none of them would treat with me when
i stood in the relation Of a fugitive, much
less make auv promises of what would be
lone in the event of my return. felt |
must come back some time, not 80 much
IN account OF the benefit a pardon would
be 10 me as because it was the dearest
hope aud most absorbing desire OF my
mother TO see me again and know that /
was free from the bondage of the law. On
he other hand, the position | had at
iained in the world and the success had
derived in business would be endangered
II ! made the attempt to obtain the right
% liberty and failed. Ii is not difficult 60
imagine my conflicting thoughts and feel
nzs under the circumstances. / am glad
now, ] finally mustered courage enough
10 come glad beyond expression that the
ordeal is ended"
1T is hardly necessary to ask whether
your mother IL happy since your return"
at is at least hardly worth while to at
tempt to give in words a description of my
mothers feeling Her happiness has al
most made her young again"
During your absence were you in con-
slant fear OF recognition and recapture? ?"
"0f recognition, yes; of recapture, no.
Recognition and betrayal OF my secret TO
my new friends and associates before
had secured a pardon might have brought
the greatest disaster upon me, but feel
sure il would not have resulted in my be.
ing returned TO prison. / think the
authorities OF Indiana, while they could
not countenance or approve of my method
OF securing freedom, would not have
taken a step to capture me, even il they
bad learned my place OF residence"
"Will you now make your home at Bed
ford2'
81 cannot say. | have not vet had
time to mature my plans for the future
At present feel content 10 know that
am once more free 10 plan and act. Ii
gives me pleasure TO visit Bedford, be-
cause it is the home of my childhood, but
il is Elso the place where the great mis-
fortune OF INV life befell me. The lapse OF
twelve years would naturally produce