The herald., 1894-12-14
AGAIN CONFESSRS
Alva Johnson Throws More
Light on the Ros-
coe Robbery.
HIS PLEA CONTINUED.
Thompson Says if He Is to Be
Hanged He Must Have
a Trial.
AN EXCITING EPISODE
An Ex-Dsputy Sheriff Identifies tho
Kid as . Bank Robbsr, hut the
Kid Denies the Whole
Story.
AN EXCITING EPISODE

Alva Johnson, self-confessed train
iobbsr. IL contrite. johnson evidently
has conscience, and it is making q
coward of him. The groans OF the two
men mangled in the wrecked train on
the occasion OF the last robbery at Ros-
cos ring in his ears. Since ne confessed
fret a few days ago he talks OF nothing
but the incidents antecedent and subse.
qusnt to the two great crimes COM
mitted at the little railroad siding
tnown to railroad men by the name OF
Roscoe. johnson in all his confessions
seeks to throw the blame upon John,
otherwise, and better known in police
circles as Kid Thompson. While doing
this he appears to want to SHIFT the re-
eponsibility OF his actions upon the
kid" Although he has not said 80.
his stories would lead one to believe
that the kid" exertsd a sort of hyp-
motto influence over him.
Last evening shortly after dark John
son sent for reporter OF the HERALD
and in the presence OF the jailors made
. supplemental confession. There is
considerable new matter in this last
statement OF johnson, the principal
fact shown being that there is third
man, who although he did not partici-
pate was cogniz ant OF the crimes. John.
con says he does not know this mans
name, but Thompson does. II saw him
several times" said Johnson in his
statement. He is young man and
helped Thompson make the giant powder
bomb bs that were used on the occasion
OF both robberies.
mo, l cannot give you any accurate
description Of him because my memory
ia bad"
A motive OF revenge also figures in
the robbery cases 60 far az Johnson is
concerned, although from his own state.
rent he avenged grudge against the
Santa Fe company by robbing q Southern
Pacific train.
Il do not think l could ever have
been induced to rob the trains had not
the railroad company mistreated me.
Some years ago l worked for railroad
in New Mexico and they failed to settle
with me. Since then entertained hard
feelings against the railroad although
have eince learned that it was not the
Southern Pacific company that wronged
me-"
The prisoner then related the story OF
his settlement at Oahuengs and the
marriage with the widow of Mr.. Phil
lipe, for whom he had worked. Then
the story OF trouble with his own family
litigation over water rights and other
matters OF which the public is cooni-
zant. Mrs. johnson sat by his
sIde during the time johnson
was telling HISTORY. 1t was a
trying ordeal for the woman, but
che stood up bravely under it and
only twice during the entire narrative
did che weep-then she shed tears with
her husband. who was overcome several
times and tears welled into HE eyee.
Thompson, the tempter. according to
Johnson'a story, frat broached the SUBJ
eot of robbery to him at his (Johnaon g J
corral, in this city. At that time Thomp-
Son was shining light in the Salvation
,rmy. He learned Of Johnson's hatred
or the railroad company and told him
now easy it was to "hold up" a train.
He first proposed to rob q bank at Pasa-
dena. This johnson would not listen
to, and then tho tempter took him to
the Arcade depot and showed him the
heavy sacks of coin that were nightly
loaded into the express cars. He showed
how easy it would be and finally john
son consented. The circumstances of
the robbery, how Kid rode out on
the train and johnson drove to Roscoe
and built signal fire were related, to-
gether with the disappointing results in
the way Of coin.
II was satisfied and wanted to quit, :"
eaid Johnson, "but Thompson would not
agree-'the money is there and Pm 20.
IN ~, hov 4 n,id 10 Il
Consequently the second robbery was
planned. Then the circumstances of
the wreck and loss OF life, together with
the caching OF the coin, were related.
In conclusion johnson said: II want
the papers to state that my confession
was made OF my own free will. l have
no agreement with the officers, and
did not confess in expectation of going
free. My only desire is to right, as far as
WILL PLEAD TODAY.
Yesterday was the time set for both
johnson and Thompson TO plead. They
were taken into department one of the
superior court in tine presence Of Judge
smith. By consent the case was again
PSS"pohoh hubli tulb MUMMY WAOA tAo
defendants will enter their plea.
Some speculation was INDUCED in yes
terday as to why the case was being
continued in this fashion from day to
DAY. 1t seems somewhat extraordinary
'hat johnson should have made such a
'ircumstantial confession as to his parti.
cipatlon in the crime, whereby lives
were lost, unless some promises of im-
munity should have been made. Be
that as it may, it is the curren. belief
that the delay now being obtained in
'ourt by District Attorney Dillon is for
she purpose OF obtaining. if possible.
confession from kid" Thompson, that
vii! serve as companion statement to
that OF Johnson, and obviate the neces.,
eity OF prolonged and expensive legal
investigation.
1t seems hardly conceivable that anv
men should make confession to a crime
and in so doing practically place the
moose around their own Eecks. and yet
the confession OF johnson purports to be