The morning call., 1893-03-17
CLOSING THEM IN.
A New Link in the Fresno
Murder Case.
POLLEY'S FREE CONFESSION.
The Strange Visit Required of the
Negro Prisoner Givens-Evidence
Pouring In.
FREE CONFESSION.
Special to THE MORNING CALL.

FRESNO, March let is stated on good
authority that the missing link in the chain
of evidence that is expected TO convict
Richard Heath and F. w. Policy was OBJ
tanned to-day.
Ever since the arrest of these two men
persons who were acquainted with facts of
importance in connection with the case, en-
couraged by vigorous action of the District
Attorneys office, have revealed them TO the
authorities.
In fact. officials have been overwhelmed
with information, and they have been kept
very busy taking ii down, having it type
written, duly sworn to and Acknowledged.
Or course the fact that the chain of evil
deDee is complete will not deter the Off
clals from continuing their Investigations.
Much of the information still to be received
VIII be corroborative OF what is already
known. while other facts Will no doubt be
elected that will throw if not new at least
brighter light on the ease.
A somewhat significant incident occurred
this aftern Don. Assistant District Attorney
Walser and two others who are working on
the case called at the Jail ard took there
from prisoner named Jim Owens. Civ
ems is negro and was arrested some
months ago on charge of embe Element
He entered a conveyance in waiting and,
accompanied by officials, was driven away
at a rapid rate. The party returned about
8 o'clock ana Givens was taken to his cell.
1t was first rumoTed he was taken to tina
McWhirter premises in order to give GER
tain information that would throw some
light upon the scene there on the night of
the tragedy.
From another source, however, 1t was
81, 4. a
person who had very important facts in his
possession. Whether the information Oh
tanned from the man is that needed by the
District Attorneys office to complete the
chain of evidence could not be ascertained,
but circumstances point to this being the
case.
The impression that Policy has made
confession is quite general. 1t Is based on
excellent grounds too.
Last Tuesday, after Policy had spent
two hours in the Grand Jury room, he was
taken back to his cell. He no sooner got
there than he asked Jailer Connolly for
writing materials Nearly the entire after
noon was spent by Policy in writing, and
when he had concluded he sent for Assist
ant District Attorney Walser. There is
very little doubt that when Mr.. Walser lett
the Jail he had Polley's interesting tompo-
sition In his pocket.
1t is stated that Heath's attorneys admit
that Policy has talked"
In order to dspel the idea that Policy
was being treated in accordance with the
French criminal procedure-that is that
he was being badgered and buldozed and
prevented from receiving the benefits of
legal advce-instead of being dealt with
according TO the laws of this country, he
was formally informed of his rights to-day.
Assistant District Attorney WaIser Wis
| tied Policy in his cell late this afternoon,
and in presence of six or seven witnesses
| told Policy all the safeguards vouchsafed
| by law to persons accused of crime. Walser
stated that it vas his right to employ an
attorney, and IL be had not the means To do
this the court would appoint one for him.
Now" asked Mr.. Walser, do you want
an attorney"
Il do not" answered Policy, without the
| slightest hesitation.
Mr.. Waiser next informed Policy that he
might speak to any person he wanted to
see, lawyer or otherwise. but the prisoner
replied that he did not wish to talk to any.
body.
When this peculiar incident became
knewn last evening it strengthened the i'm
preston already sufficiently well founded
that Policy had made a confession,