davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21

the johnson Jordan letter which is in
the possession of Attorney w. I. Jami-
son.
There is also a statement made by
one of the states attorneys that an
other special delivery letter has been
received addressed to Joe Smothers and
said to contain a warning for him to
continue in his silence. This letter, 1t
is said, was received after the murder.
Attorneys for the state say that this
letter introduced today will tally well
with the johnson Jordan letter. w. l.
Jamison will be asked upon the stand
to produce the Jordan letter It is more
than likely that he will do SO.
These two letters will greatly
strengthen the Jordan and Harper
stories. When the Smothers letter was
being examined today by Attorney
Hayden, John Collins leaned forward
and scrutinized it closely. He turned
away with a sneer, but said nothing
to his friends.
A. w. Knowls Testifies.
A W. Knowles, who lives across the
alley from the Collins residence, was
the first witness called today. County
Attorney Jetmore questioned him:
Q-When was the first you knew of
the murder?
A-When my door bell rang. My
wife told me Mr- Collins had been killed:
Q.-Whom did you see when you went
to the house?
A.-John Collins.
Q.-Was he crying?
A.-NO, nc was SOMEWHAT
Q.-Who was in the room where Mr..
Collins was?
Airs. Collins and Grace were
there.
Q-How was the body when you went
in?
A-The body lay on it's back The
clothing was on from the ankle to the
waist The front part of his feet stuck
up outside of the bed clothes.
Q.-Was he bleeding?
Ayes.
Q.-Was he conscious?
A.-No.
Q.-What was Grace Collins doing?
A-She was walking around the room
crying.
Odd she say anything?
A.-She said someone had killed her
papa.
Odd Mrs. Collins say anything?
A.-When I went in 1 asked her who
did it. She said she didn't know. Then
I asked her where her husband kept his
gun.
Q.-Where was the gun lying?
AIN the hall. The butt of the gun
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21

Webster Wilder who is a member of
the Beta fraternity was the next wit
ness called. He is now with G1eed,
Ware & Gleed.
Odd you attend the state uni
versity last winter?
A.-Yes.
Odd you know John Collins?
A.-Yes.
Q.-4v ere you intimate?
Ayes we were all intimate.
Odd you have any conversation
with John Collins about some one
shadowing his father?
A.-No, sir.
Odd he talk to you about a darkey
following him?
being held up. He said a darkey tried
to hold him up with a club and his
father pulled out pistol and marched
him to an electric light and made him
walk away
O.-When did he say this?
A-The Saturday night before the
murder.
him?
A.-He showed me a pistol the same
0.-Did you shoot the pistol that
evening?
Did it have a rubber case?
Al think it did. l could identity
the case.
At was in connection with show
ing the pistol he told me about MS
father being held up.
Q.-Why did you shoot the pistol?
Al don't know.
Q-You had wine supper that even
ing?
Ave had a bottle of wine.
Odd he shoot the pistol in the
A.-once he shot out of the window
Q-Why did he shoot out of the WIN
Al don't know. There was nothing
ODD he shoot before or after you
drank the wine?
A-After.
This reference to the wine raised a
large laugh which Constable Ross had
difficulty in suppressing.
The three Collins pistols were brought
in but Wilder failed to identify that
used by John Collins.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21
REVENUE LAW MUST STAND
Change Asked by Secre tary Gage is
Denied.

Washington, June 21.-The senate
committee on finance will not recommend
any changes of any kind in the war rev.
enue bill, Notwithstanding the treasury
departments desire for a delay in begin
ming operations under the bill Relative
to the statement by the secretary of the
treasury that it is desirable to have the
stamp portion of the war revenue bill go
into effect July Is, it is stated that the
finance committee is unanimously Of the
opinion that the extension should not be
made.
A member of the committee says the
date fixed was suggested by the internal
revenue bureau; that an extension would
mean a great loss to the government, and
besides, If the question is once opened,
the bill would be loaded with amendments
in the senate and it would be difficult to
secure any action. Many amendments
have been suggested and the house has
sent bill to the senate, but 1t will not be
repOrted.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21

The afternoon session opened with
the testimony of Joseph Smothers, a
colored man who now works in ST.
Joseph but whose home is in Lawrence.
He is brother of Kittie Smothers who
testified this forenoon.
Q.-You are member Of the quar-
tette at Lawrence?
Ayes.
Q.-What is its name?
A.-The Arcade Quartette.
Q.-Do you know John Collins?
Ayes, I have known him for two
years.
Q.-Where did you see him?
A.-At the Beta club where we sang.
Q.-Do you remember of John Collins
coming to your house one evening when
you were at home?
A.-Yes, L remember him coming
several evenings.
Q.-Do you remember him coming
one evening when your sister let him
in?
Ayes, sir.
Q.-When was it?
Al don't remember exactly
Q.-Was it before you went to st.
joe
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21

Inns was there before.
A.-No-
Odd he generally come to your house
once week
A.-Sometimes he did and sometimes he
did not.
Q.-How often had he been at your
house.
Al don't know.
Q.-Have you seen him there so times.
Al don't know.
Q.-Have you seen him there 100 times.
Al don't know
Q.-When was he there.
A.-Some time before the 23rd of May.
Q.-Was it week before.
A.-Yes, longer than that.
Q.-WaS it a month.
Al don't think it was quite month.
Q.-Was it two weeks.
Al think it was between two weeks
and a month.
Q.-.Did you talk to your sister about
this letter.
Al took it out of my pocket while she
was there and read it over, and said L
did not know what he wanted me to keep
mum about.
Q.-When were you subpoenaed in this
case.
A.-Saturday evening.
Q.-By whom.
A--By Mr.. Harbaugh.
Q.-Did you talk to him about the case.
A--No. He told me to not talk to him
about the case.
Q.-Have you made any written state
ment about this case.
A.-No. sir.
Q.-Who paid your expenses down here.
Al did.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21

Inns from his cell at the county jail
Curious people followed them. Grant
Meade has accompanied Collins on the
trips from the Jail cell, probably as a
sort of body guard.
John Collins appeared in court in a
neat suit of black, negligee shirt and
high standing collar. He sits next to
the table and usually leans his chin on
his hand on his elbow on the table.
He appeared today as Indifferent as he
has been all along. When anything of
an amusing nature occurs he smiles
and at times laughs aloud. When the
details of the murder are rehearsed by
witnesses he sits quietly by and exhib-
it's not the least emotion.
AS the weather cleared somewhat
the crowd increased in size. The air
in no ventilation from the south and
west.
The state this morning scored a
strong point when the evidence was
given by Miss Kittie Smothers of Law
renee in regard to the letter she re-
ceived from John Collins to give to her
brother Joe.
Miss Smithers is a young co1ored girl
living in Lawrence. Her statements on
the witness stand were careful and as
much as the attorneys for the defense
tried to mix her up with hypothetical
questions, she could not be shaken in
the main testimony.
When she had testified that on the
second call made by John Collins at her
mouse, ne asked TO see joe Joe, She
said, was not at home, so she says Col
Inns handed her a letter which was seal
ed She left 1t on the stand in the
parlor and when her brother came
home she gave it to him. The next
morning she says she found it in her
brothers coat and read it. County At
torney Jetmore questioned her about
the letter but did not ask her to tell it's
contents. On cross-examination the at
torneys for the defense sprung a sur
prise by demanding of her to know
what was in the letter. 1t was then
that she replied: Joe, keep mum, for
sometime it will be worth your while"
County Attorney Jetmore then stepped
forward and handed her a sheet of
worn paper on which was printing.
The questioning was then as follows:
O.-Is this the letter which John Col
Inns handed you to give your brother
Joe?
At looks like it, but think 1t was
on better paper than that. The writ
ing is the same.
County Attorney Jetmore folded the
letter and placed it in a wallet in his
pocket, whereupon Attorney Hayden
arose and addressed the court as fol-
lows: Now, your honor, we ask that
the stenographer make a mark of iden-
tification upon this letter.
County Attorney Jetmore-We do not
intend to introduce this in evidence Just
now. so it is not necessary.
Attorney Hayden-It seems to me
that the great state of Kansas should
be fair in this matter: Just think:
Here is a young man on trial for the
worst crime known except treason 1t
does seem small to AVOID things here
on a technicality.
Mr. Jetmore-O, we'll, we don't care
Here, you can put the mark on it,
Attorney Hayden sat down, the mark
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21

Ayes. I went to Atchison before I
went to st. Joe.
Q.-When did you go to Atchison?
At was on the 23rd of May.
Q.-Do you remember of reading of
Mr.. Collins death?
AYES.
Q.-Was it before that?
Ayes.
Q.-How long before?
Al can't tell.
Q.-Where did you see him?
Am the parlor.
Q.-What did he say?
Ale began talking about going to
Miss Babcock's to sing. Then he asked
me if 1 could keep a secret. told him
I could. Then he asked me if I knew
the Harper boys. I said yes. He said
they are pretty bad boys. I told him
they were; if they had it in for anyone
they would give him the worst of it, He
asked me if they would steal. l told
him no, they would fight. He said:
"Oh, they are shooters and cutters are
they?' 1 said 1 had not heard of their
shooting or cutting anyone. Then he
asked me where he could see Jess Har-
per, I told him at Harvey's restaurant
eh said he did not want to go to Ittr-
Vey's restaurant and then he asked me
to send Jess to him. 1 told him / could
if he was at Harvey's restaurant. He
said he would wait there for him and
I then went to the restaurant but Jess
was not there. ] waited until O'Clock
and then went to Turner hall where
John was waiting. 1 told him Jess was
not there and he said he wondered
where he was. I told him 1 did not
know and he walked back toward Har-
vey's with me. I went to Harvey's but
he was not there and went back and
told John. Then he inquired where
Jess Harper lived and I told him. Then
he gave me five or six cigars
Odd you get letter from John Col
Inns.
Ayes.
Q.-Where did you find it.
A--On the center table My sister told
me that a white fellow brought it.
Q.-What did you do with the letter.
Al kept it.
Q.-Where is it now.
Al gave it to you yesterday.
Q.-Is this the letter. County Attorney
Jetmore shows the letter.)
Ayes, sir.
Did you talk to John about the let
ter.
Odd you ask John if he had seen Jess
Harper.
A-No.
Odd you see him after that.
Odd you know what the letter re-
-ferred to.
A-YeS. 1 think I did.
Q.-Is this the letter as you got It.
Ayes, all but the ink in the corner.
(This was the stenographer's mark.)
Q.-Do you remember when John Col
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21
Cable Communication Omen.

Washington, June 21.-There was i'm
portant news at the war department
when Secretary Alger reached his Of
flee today. The transports with $1,000
troops he was informed had arrived
safely off Santiago and that direct ca
BILE communication had been establish
ed between the United States and Gu
antanamo where the United States ma
rines now hold possession of Cuban soil
Thus not only is Captain General Blan-
co cut off from any communication
with the outside world save through
the Key West cables, within our con-
troll but the authorities in Washington
have been placed in close connection
with our forces, army and navy, which
are conducting the invasion of Cuba.
To General Greeley and his signal
corps; belong the honor of achieving
this last feat.
He was entrusted some weeks ago
with the task of re-establishing cable
and telegraphic communication with
Cuba. Under his supervision, I.ieuten-
ant Colonel James Allen of General
Miles staff, with officers and men of
the signal corps, have been busiIy en-
gagged in the execution of that work
The French cable company whose cable
runs from Santiago to Guantanamo
bay and thence to Cape Haytien, where
direct connection is obtained with
New York, was accorded the privilege
of restoring the communication with
Guantanamo and Santiago, with per
mission to send commercial and domes-
tic dispatches under a strict military
censorship necessitated by war condi-
tions. The cable steamer ManceI was
employed for the work and operating
on these lines communication was re-
stored between Cape Haytien and Gu
antanamo about 8 o'clock yesterday
afternoon. 1t is expected that today or
Wednesday the cable will be thrown
open to the general public subject to
censorship. The first message over this
restored cable was one from Lieutenant
Colonel Allen to Gen. Greeley announc-
ing the reopening of communication.
Gen Greeley Immediately directed the
officer to obtain and forward the earli-
est possible advices as to the arrival of
the United States troops transports.
Lieut. Col. Allen applied to Capt. Nc
Gala in command of the United States
naval forces in Guantanamo bay.
The captain in turn sent out a boat
to Admiral Sainps6n's squadron which
returned with the news that the trans
ports had arrived safely and were lying
off Santiago and that at the moment of
the report, Gen. Shafter commanding
the military expedition was on board
the flagship New York, ,counseIling with
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21

was made by Stenographer Wick and
Attorney Hayden said: Mr.. Jetmore,
can I see that letter now?
The latter paused a moment, then
said: Why, I guess so. We don't care.
Then Attorney Hayden re-cross-ex-
amined the witness, trying to shake
her testimony. But he was unable to
do so. The letter was then made pub
lie and it is as follows:
''.Joe, keep things mum. If anything
comes up, will make it worth your
while. TURNER HALL"
This letter was written on an or
binary sheet of writing paper and the
words were printed instead of written.
The state expects to prove beyond a
doubt that the letter was written by
John Collins, and that the characters
in it are similar to those contained in
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21
A SENSATION
Is Sprung in the John III. Col
Inns Case
By the Introduction of Letter
by the State.
YOUNG WOMAN SWEARS
That She Saw the Accused De-
liver 1t
TO Her Brother and She After
ward Read 1t.
PRISONER UNMOVED.
PRISONER UNMOVED.
John Collins EVinces Not the
Slightest Emotion
AS the Details of His Fathers
Murder are Recited.

The second day Of the preliminary
hearing of John H. Collins, charged
with the murder of his father, on the
morning of May 13, was begun today at
9:15 o'clock The crowd was not so
large today, probably owing to the rain.
Every seat in the appellate court room
was occupied, both first floor and bal
cony, and many stood near the railing
and at the rear of the room.
AS on yesterday there were more wo-
men in the court room than men. They
gave the closer attention, and most of
the time looked at John Collins.
Constable Ross brought John H. Col
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21
TWO CENTS.
OFF TO CAMP THOMAS.
Seventy Eight Kansas Recruits Leave
Garnett.

Garnett, June 21.-The recruits for the
Twenty-first Kansas volunteers who
left with Lieut.. Col McCrum for Camp
Thomas, Ga, were:
Garnett-J. NJ Hiatt, Cliff Huff. Ev-
erett Knight, Samuel McNdillin, George
r. Buchtt, Glenn Lincoln, James Mes
senger, o. T. Douglis, Clarence G.. Mat
thews. Calvin Adair. Ed L. Stewart,
John s. King, Henry Duttson Fred Sy-
berts, John Foxronthy, Bert Gilger,
Nelson Abbott, Jonathan w. Marshall,
Henry Digal, Carl McEmen. Harry
King, Chas. King, o. j. Woodcock,
Chas. Wonderly. Thos. Lul1ins, George
Crone, Lewis Gehr, Will McEwen, Lew
is Boyce, Oscar Melholan, Will Can't
rell. Harry Gowdy, Nathan Norris.
Charley A. Manners, Milton A. Oman.
Stephen Thompson, Harry A Shull,
Geo. Grenenger, Peter DeBroeck. jeff
Bridges, Ira Vess, Oliver V. Stewart,
John Farrah-43
Winfeld-John o. Cannon, Frank
Boulton, Earnest Baird, VIM. Wey-
mouth, Andrew Edwiniston, Bert
RAIDER, Chas. Randles, John Graham.
Albert Compton, Fred Weymer, Mace
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21
General Shafter With $4,000
Men
On Board 81 Transports
Reaches Cuba.
IN GOOD CONDITION.
Only a Few Cases Of Sickness
on Board.
The Voyage Was Made With
out Incident.

Copyright. 1898. by Associated Press)
On Board the Associated Press Des-
patch Boat Dandy, Mole st. Nicolas,
June 21-The United States army for
the invasion of Cuba, commanded by
General Shafter arrived off Santiago de
Cuba yesterday at noon. The troops
numbering about 10000 men were on
board 81 transports. The time and
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21
IMPEACH VAN WICK.
Richard Croker Offers Suggestion
to Politicians.

London, June 2L-The Daily Chroni-
Gle this morning contains an interview
with Richard Croker, in the course Of
which he is represented as saying: III
Mayor VanWyck has done wrong. why
don't the Republicans remove him or
impeach him? They take no action be-
cause he has done no wrong It's all
party move on the part of the Repuo-
1icans''
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21

Davis, Vernon Plank, Morris Smith.
Jas. Muncey. Henry Gabbard, John
Puyle, Ed Forbis, Albert Tabor, John
A Weimer, John Mattox, Thos. P. VIII
son, Chas. Fink, Bert Oaks, Armstrong
L. EvanS-24.
Ell Dorado-David F. Kelley, Irwin
Snider VIM. Lankford, Judge Bruner,
Joseph MiIheiser, Arthur Darrian, Chas.
Hill, Budd Andrews, Walter PaScoes
Fred I1ehr, Thos. A. Wallace-11.
TOTAL 78
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21

pointed toward the east and south, and
the muzzle toward the west.
Q.-Where did you find Mrs. Collins
when you went into the room?
A-She was sitting on the edge of the
bed holding Mr.. Collins head.
Q.-You asked her if she knew who
did this?
A-Yes, she said she didn't know.
remember she said that she didn't see
anyone
Q.-What else did Mrs. Collins say?
A@She said it was not a burglar.
Q.-How did she happen to say this?
A-Dr. Tefft said 1t was a burglar
and Mrs. Collins said that it was not.
Odd you examine his clothing?
A-Yes. 1 found his trousers care
fully folded on chair.
Odd yu find that anything had
been taken from the trousers?
lContinued on Sixth Page.l
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21
WISCONSIN, Recruits Second Call

Madison, wis, June 21.-Gov. Scho-
field has issued orders for the Fourth
Wisconsin regiment of infantry and
battery "A, to mobilize at Camp Doug
lass next Monday. This is Wisconsin's
quota under the second call for volun-
teers The present strength of these
twelve companies is 1,326 men.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21
GENERAL sHAFTER.

place for the landing of the soldiers
has not been decided upon. There were
IA mild cases of diphtheric fever and
some cases of measles on board the
transports, but the troops generally
speaking were In good condition and
were in excellent spirits. The voyage
was without incident.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21
Hobson is Safe.

New York, June 21.-In response to a
cabled inquiry, Mr.. Ramsden, the Brit
ish consul at Santiago, sent the follow
ing dispatch to the World:
Nothing happened to Hobson or 9TH
ers during bombardment."
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21
Luther Benson Dead.

Indianapolis, June 21.-Luther Benson
the noted temperance lecturer, died at
Rushville, Ind.s this morning.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21
Summer Tourist Rates.

Colorado and return for $24.00 from
June 1st to Oct. 31st, via Santa Fe
Route.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21
1ers which Created the Sensation in Court Today.
Webster Wilder Testifies.

Q.-Who furnished the money.
Al did.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21
MISS MOORE,
OF Lawrence.

the johnson Jordan letter which is in
the possession of Attorney w. I. Jami-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21

[Continued on Sixth Page.l
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21

Ayes. I went to Atchison before
went to ST. Joe.
Q.-When did you go to Atchison?
At was on the 23rd of May.
Q.-Do you remember of reading of
Mr.. Collins death?
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-21

Webster Wilder who is member of
the Beta fraternity was the next wit
ness called. He is now with Gleed,
Ware & Gleed.
Odd you attend the state uni
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-04-02
GOSSIP OF THE
LENTEN SEASON.
Bah Declares That the Prop
er Study Of Woman
kind Is Man.

nt out A<tiAtCh ~fo~S
that has had a regular
and full attendance Is
that one where the teach
er instructed her schol-
ars In the art of being
charming. At least 1t
isn't put this way-I be-
lieve there Is some sort
Of a health title given to
it--but the general idea
is that you pay $40 for
20 lessons and learn how
to be lovely forever and
a day after.
The teacher Is, first OF
all, a woman of sense.
She began by saying that
the average woman did
not know how to wash
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-04-02

ent TO her daughters happiness, was
matter of fact and dispassipnate, and
Margaret craved Elise's clinging arms.
The letter from Russell Thorne, the
man whom she had secretly loved for
many months, lay close TO her heart.
II had come TO her that morning, asking
her promise of marriage. asking her for
the gift already bestowed, her maiden
love How happy she was! The white
snow had never glttered with so crys-
tallino a glow. Surely the sun had new
er before so kissed and glorfied the
dripping trees!
she approached Elise Cowden's cot
tage with brisk step. opened the front
door. as was her wont, and ran up TO
the young girls room. Pausing an In
slant on the threshold, she heard a
sound Of sobbing.
ELISE, darling. what Is the matter?"
she asked, alarmed, as she opened the
door.
Another sob was the only answer
Tell me. dear"
The little head only burrowed itself
deeper i'm the pillow. Her own dreams
forgotten, Margaret very tenderly drew
from the girl her little story. He had
seemed TO love her tsob), and she cared
for him so much. and now he was gone
away (sob). She knew some one had
come between them, aud her heart
would break" The little frame was
shaken with grief.
:'Who is IL. darIing3 will make II
all right. Doesn't Margaret always
smooth things out for you?"
Margaret felt ready to promise any,
thing.
Elise dried her tears.
You will bring him back TO me. Mar
garetY' she aueried hopefully. though
her breast still heaved.
''Of course I will" Margaret said
soothIngly. who is it?"
Russell Thornc. Margaret