The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-09-13
BANEY'S LITTLE FAKE
GENERAL BELIEF THAT HINsHAw,s
FRIENDS HAVE BEEN DUPED.
Nothing Leaks from DanviIIe Grand
Jury RoOm-Hinshaw's Lawyers
Do Not Give Up.
speeIal to the InaIanapolIs JournaI

Jury room concerning the investigation of
the Hinshaw tragedy and Noah Baney's
story than before the investigation began
There has never been grand jury in the
history of the county from which so little
has leaked. Many say this is proof that
nothing is divulged except what is already
known to the public. while others think 1t
proof that important facts are being dis
closed which should not reach the public
yet. OF course, if an indictment be re-
. turned, ii will be known. 1t is understood
that If none be found the grand jury will
make a written report, stating what the in
vest:gation has disclosed. Monday morning
the investigation will be resumed with the
examination of Rev. William f. Hinshaw
the convicted wife murderer. Jest why he
is here is explained by the fact that he was
brought here at Mr.. Parker's solicitation
This was done to lend tone TO the investi-
cation. and perhaps to have weight with
the grand jury as well as with public opin-
ion. Hinshaw told his story to a grand
jury once, and telling it again would PROB
ably not affect the case.
Warden Harleys evidence is said to have
been very satisfactory to the friends of
Hinshaw. 1t was His purpose to show that
Bauey told his story before he had been
seen by any friend of Hinshaw, and that
Mr. Harley had a confession from Baney
taken by the prison stenographer before
Baney's story was public. 1t is also said
that Mr.. Harley had notes which had been
intercepted, written by Van Tassell and
Whitney to Baney telling him to keep his
mouth shut about the Belleville matter.
Prisoners have various means of communi-
eating with each other, and one of these
is by notes, not addressed and not signed,
which are passed from convict to convict
until the right one is reached, or handed to
q convict to be delivered to some special
person if opportunity offers. These We're
some of the notes that Warden Harley had.
One of these notes was dropped from a cell
window to the ground, with the purpose of
having another convict pick it up, but a
guard saw it fluttering downward and thus
it fell into the hands of the prison authori-
ties.
James r. Wilson, editor of the Indianapo-
lis People, is another witness from whom
great things are expected. Mr.. Wilson is
enjoying the unique position of not know
ing whether or not he is a prisoner. His
term of sentence has expired, and if the
costs are dismissed he is free. If not he
has thirty days yet to serve. Mr. Wilson
enjoys many liberties here, going about as
he pleases, and this afternoon he took a
drive. While in prison he did not lose his
newspaper instinct, and when Baney told
his story to him Wilson began to work it
UP for his own paper, the People. While en-
gagged in this work he learned many facts
bearing on the case which he will divulge
TO the grand jury. Hinshaw's friends rely
very much on Mr.. Wilson.
Meanwhile public interest is becoming
aroused to an extent, in some ways, great
er than during the trial. two years ago
this month. 1t must be stated that large
portion of the people here believe there is
nothing in this investigation and are anx-
ious to have it closed up and out of mind
All the evidence is being threshed over and
over on the streets. The same Hinshaw
friends who. two years ago, were so faith
full in their attendance at the trial and in
paying their visits to the Jail, are again
coming to town, but all do not see the min
lister. The theories of the Baney story add
new element to the argument over the
matter. Friends of Hinshaw point to the
fact that the very general discussion and
weighing of the Baney story is proof that
even those who are pronounced in their be-
lief in Binshaw's guilt are not so sure
about il in their secret thoughts. The pub
lie now knows that Baney's story was first
told about the time Hinshaw was taken
from Danville to Jacksonville. The first
week of November, 1895. Warden Harley
wrote to Duncan & Smith, of indianapolis,
that Baney was talking considerably. This
letter was forwarded TO Danvllle, and at
torneyS went up to Michigan City, and ar
range ments wei e perfected by which Baney
and George st. Clair, another convict, were
put to work where they would be allowed
TlI hEait1 cd
as TO pump" Banty. The Result was that
Baney and st. Clair scaled. the walls and
escaped When they We're captured 1T was
decided that they had liked up the scheme
so they could escape, and the matter was
dropped. Time wore on, and Baney talked
more and more, until the confession was
secured and the alleged test made at Belle
ville Many people think that Baney has
worked" the HinShaW people, while others
believe the Hinshaw people have been
working Baney. His statement OF last
night that a money consideration was Of
fered bl1n was taken with considerable re-
luctance by some and others brand 1t as
false.
The general opinion is that the whole
matter rests on Baney's word. Nothing
has come from Whitney or Van Tassel but
denial OF Baney'S story Baney told these
stories it is beneved, as braggart at first,
wild, indefinite statements that meant but
little, but when he found that some atten-
ton was paid TO them he enlarged on them,
perhaps devoted some time to getting the
details of the case, so he could so through
the house. Bancy says the matter was
talked in the gang with no attempt at con-
cealment. That helps out Baneys story
lie finally saw a chance for notoriety and
release from prison for few days, so he
said he would go to Bellevi1le and go
through the house. He had every reason
10 think he would be we'll treated, and he
did enjoy himself, stopping at the best no.
tells having pleasant carriage rides, smok-
ing cigars and being great man generally.
Baney it is said, will be able to prove a
perfect alibi and hence has no fears OF his
Confession So now when he is released
from Jail he smiles when asked about the
Belleyile tragedy and says he is ready to
come before the grand jury whenever
1t is claimed that the points that are
being urged as proving his story nave no
connection with the Bellevllle tragedy. Inc
trio might have gone to Chicago-perhaps
in Belleville the night of the murder. They
might have borrowed a buggy Tor some
triI-perhapS did so-but that does not
prove they Went to Belleville. These are
the theories the people are turning over
in their minds.
Pne supporters of Hinshaw seize this con-
vict's story as tangible evidence that burg
lars were in Bellevlile the night of the muir
S do believe it. it, Union B. Hunt
believes it, James o. Parker be-
ieves il and they are the only attorneys
in the case. Hogate & Clark and Duncan q
Smith have no connection with il. Mr..
Parker in card in the Hendricks County
Republican, in which he replies to certain
newspaper criticism, says that he truly and
honestly believes Hinshaw to DE innocent.
coached or influenced by William +. Him
shaw or any one else in his interest is con-
cerned, / am sure he is guiltless for the
main features of the story were told by
Baney to credible witnesses as wen as con-
Victs before either Mr. Hinshaw or any of
his lawyers had ever seen or spoken to