St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-08-26

head. But Picha thrust his own weapon
Through one of the peepholes Ia the
door, and, getting a glimpse OF Ernlsch'
fired several shots at him.
The first bullet crashed through sew
eral inches of wall, scattering plaster
and other rubbish around the murderer,
and finally lodging in the window cas-
ing on the north side Of the building.
The second shot frightened Ermisch.
ana he ran into the northern lower cor
ridor, passing clear around the lower
Tier of cells and coming out of the south
door. Picha fired at him once more,
and then opened the door, covering him
with his revolver. Ermisch threw up
his hands, after thrusting his own
weapon into the pocket of his coat.
Picha made rush for him. and En-
misch, in retreating, stumbled over
floor mat and fell to the floor. He was
quickly secured, handcuffed and locked
up in his cell. There he paced up and
down like Gagged animal, Sullenly
muttering to himself.
All through the scene, and even after
GOODNESS and determination which were
really remarkable and which best Illus
trate the nature of the man. He
evidently fancied himself the hero OF
some pleasant episode and little realized
tile seriousness of the affair for those
who were instrumental in bringing 1t on.
The excitement around the jail square
was intense. and large groups remained
gathered there for long time. All
manner of stories were atioat III an
incredibly short time, some OF when
had it that both the deputy and the
murderer were killed.
An investigation was at once begun.
The weapon taken from Ermisch was
a cheap
32-Caliber Affair
and he also had a box Of cartridges to
titit.
On Friday both the cells and clothing
of the condemned men were thoroughly
searched by the deputies as is the Gus
tom, but nothing was found. During
the afternoon they were visited by Rev.
Mr.. Bolt, who has been their spiritual
adviser, and by Mrs. Schneider, the
mother of Charles ErmiSch. The attor-
neys for the men also dropped in for a
few moments. The question naturally
narrowed itSelfdowu to the four people,
who were the only ones who had had
access to the men. The attorneys were
cut of question and Mr.. Bolt when seen
last evening strenuouSly denied being
implicated in tho affair. Later develop
mentS showed that this was correct and
and that no blame can attach 10 the
gentlemen. At any rate some of the
deputies OH guard have not exercised
that watchfulnesS required in cases of
this character. and thus it was made
possible that a weapon was struggled in.
Later in the evening Ermisch talked
to Deputy Picha, saying: You had
your nerve with you, anyhow"
Yes" replied Frank. 80 did you.
Your goose is cooked"
Questioned about who had brought
the gun, Ermisch absolutely denied that
the minister had anything to do with
the case. But he let out an important
clue which, later on, led to an in-
portant step in the case.
To a remark of Picha's he said:
"Well, your deputy wasn't smart
enough to keep her from getting a
gun to me-"
Both the attorneys of the condemned
men were at the scene at an early hour
Mr.. Encel was the first to call. and had
long conversation with his client
Wonigkeit. The latter admitted thai
they had plotted for some weeks to get
out if possible. Both men wrote notes
to each other, which they left at the
water sink where they emptied theil
pals. and where regular exchange o.
letters was carried on unknown to the
officers. The plan was for Ermisch tC
make the break and
Then Liberate Won1gkeit.
Nothing short of the desperate situa
ton the men found themselves in could
have prompted them to make SO fool
hardy All attempt. which in itself wa:
absolutely devoid of a single chance Of
success. They had often importunee
their attorneys to supply them with /;
weapon, and said if they had gun they
would certainly get out. promising no
to hurt any one. That their entreatie.
went without being needed goes with
out saying.
During the interview Wonigkeit ad
mitted that Mrs. Schneider. the mothe
of his partner in crime, had brought thu
revolver on Friday afternoon, having i
concealed in the pocket of her dress
She is woman of very large build, ant
could easily slip the revolver to her sol
while even an officer was standing be
hind her to see what was going on.
Sheriff Chapel held long consulta
ton with County Attorney Butler dur
ing the afternoon to determine on SOM
steps to be taken in the matter Nothin!
definite was, however, decided at tina