The Wichita daily eagle., 1893-12-17


John Dossett, who was to be hanged on
Jan. z. has bad his execution stayed sixty
days. The EAGLE correspondent was
present in the jail today when this joyful
news WAS broken to him.
John Dossttt, if hanged, will be the first
man to suffer pital punishment in Okla
homs He has been the center of a strik-
ing romance.
On he evening of Jan. 4, 1898, there was
dance in the Usage nation. The pret-
ticst girl there was Clementine DsNoya,
daughter of Frank DeNoya, one of the
most prominent men of the Osages. There
were also present two white men, John
Dossett and Sherman Long, accredited
rivals for the hand of the beautiful Glenn
entiDe. In The midst of the dance Sher
man Long fell dead. Dossett, his rival.
was arrested on the charge of having
given Long a dose of poison in a drink of
whisky
He was tried, found guilty and SEN
fenced TO be hanged. Knowing the inter-
est in the case, correspondent for the
EAGLE yesterday secured an interview
from Dossett. the first attempt to entel
the Jail met with repulse, but pass
from the United States marshal proved an
open sesame later in the day.
The Jail here is not very large, but it is
built Of massive red stone and is strong.
Passing through a number of ponderous
doors, the correspondent was admitted
into the den where the prisoners are kept,
ard WAS introduced to John Dossett.
Dossett is in appearance anyihing but a
hardened criminal. He is "A young maD,
about 80 years OF age, it, lii. in
height, of medium weight, and of light
complexion. His eyes are blue. and shine
with more than usual intelligence. He
has low voice and uses good English.
In spite Of his long confinement, his gen.
eral appearance is prepossessing.
i'Mr. Dossett," the CORES spondent asked,
''is there anything you wish to Say to the
public?"
''No. 1 thank you. The papers have
said about all that would be of service TO
me of interest to their readers. The
press has treated me very fairly aud ]
fully appreciate it. The story of the
crime OF which L am accused must be
known to all ="
''Do you still claim to be innocentf"
The story of the crime is not true" he
answered with some feeling.
lyon did not murder Long?"
No" be said, sadly. 'It is not true
that / was a lover Of Clementine De Noya.
We were good friends, but in no sense,
tcvers."
MIR. Dessett, the papers say that Glenn
eptine is an Indian girl"
''She is French. There is little Indian
blood In her"
''ts she as beautiful as represented?'
Perhaps not; but she is "A good girl and
'ather pretty"
How has she treated you since Mr.
longs death?'
81 haya NOT Saan bar ,r;tI, r.,
since then except for few minutes dur
lng my trial. Her testimony was inn
partial. she would befrend me if she
could" he added, with Sigh
wi here were you born, Mr.. Dossett?"
Il was born and raised on farm in
Hardin county, Illinois. attended the
country schools aud took "A partial course
In the normal school and in college"
How have you spent your life?"
Farming and working in stores was
ieputy sheriff of Haruin county, Illinois.
and later of Ford county, Kansas"
Have you ever been in trouble heforesn
Never. ! can't say that am Il religions
nan-nether am | irreligious. was
member OF the Baptist church in Illinois.
out have not united IN the west"
But II is said you gave Mr.. Long whisky
% drink just. before he died"
Yes. l drink occasionally, but very
seldom, and very little. l was never
lrunk"
WAS any one with you when YOU gave
Mr.. Long that drnk?r
YES: there were four of US. We all
'ook "a drink
WHO We're the others?"
They were Mr.. Longs brotbers.,n-
;aw.'
From your drinking together it seems
sou could not have been bitter enemies;u
No; 10 the contrary, we were friends ~
1t was unfortunate you left when Mr..
Long took sick. -
Il did not leave. was bitchiug m my
cam 20 go when was told he was sick. I |
stayed and helped TO care for him ;ill he !
died. L Ell the boys. his brofhers-in-law. |
asked me TO go FOR his coffin. did so. and |
got back in little over two DAYS"
At this point turnkey entered and |
gave Dossett letter. which he read |
slowly and with a flushed face. The cor |
respondent asked him q question, bur he !
ala not seem 10 hear IT. The correspond- |
fnt tried again
Mr.. DosSett, are your friends doing |
anything for you %
Yes 1 believe I shall have a new
hearing" responded Dossett. with great |
spirit. and that the truth will be known !
There Is mistake sumew here-yes. ItelI |
sou, there is foul conspiracy. am NOT |