Bridgeton pioneer., 1898-02-17
THE JOHNSON CASE.
The Sensational johnson Family Troubles
are Now Publicly Before the
Court Here.

sehSdIlOnal newspaper talk, started OFT as
smoothly as this bright, spring like
morning. Johnson, it is remem bered is
the man who claims to be the son of Col.
johnson, Of Vineland, and who is charged
with assault with intent to kill Felix
Johnson.
The alleged johnson was brought into
Court by Constable Willard Nickerson.
He wore light overcoat the inside
pocket Of which was bulging with letters,
papers, etc. This coat he threw off before
he sat down with his attorneys, John
sob is not especially prepossessing in his
appearance. His nose is prominent, he
has light moustache and dark hair
which was combed high over his fore
here
RefGre johnson was brought in from
jail, an audience that completely filled the
Court. room came in. Prosecutor Logue
was early in the room, and near him sat
Felix Johnson, upon whom the assault
had been made. A few moments later,
Frank Loughran, the counsel of the John
sous, Of Vineland, came in and sat beside
Mr.. Logue. He was here to assist the
prosecution with the case.
Senator Daily, the chief counsel for the
defendant, accompanied by Lawyer Ire
dell, of this city, and George E. Abbott,
an attorney from Hoboken, n. J. They
all sat down at the table for the defense.
Before Senator Daily sat down he cordially
shook hands with Prosecutor Logue. He
laid off his overcoat, removed his hstori-
cal bell crowned silk hat, and seeing H.
0. Newcomb, of Millville, went over to
him and talked quite a while. While
standing with Mr.. Newcomb the Hudson
Senator was in his characteristic attitude.
with his hands in his trousers pockets.
The prospective Democratic candidate for
Governor wore Prince Albert coat, light
pantaloons, and had upon his finger an
immense diamond ring.
As Lawyer Abbott sat at his table he
opeped bundle tied up in newspaper.
Among other things, it contained an old
daguerreotype, which may figure in the
case.
While Officer Nickerson, the first wit
ness in the case was on the stand, a New
given place at the reporters table. It is
freely commented that this yellow jour.
nal takes great interest in the case, and
has retained Senator DAILY for the defense
oItne accused.
Prosecutor Logue moved the case
against Edward E. Johnson for assault
and battery on Felix Johnson.
Tou-var Topubron rr,I tbo
against the defendant before the jury.
He stated how on Saturday evening
Edward johnson appeared in Vineland
going Co the office where Felix Johnson
was, and having conversation with the
elder Mr.. Johnson, told them that he had
come to Vineland with the express pur-
pose of killing both the Johnsons, and
the charge against Edward Johnson was
assault with intent to kill, This they
would show by the testimony that he had
pistol and intended to shoot them.
Constable Nickerson, of Vineland,
was called. He said he saw Edward on
the night he arrived in Vineland. He
was lurking around the Office of Col.
johnson abe ut half-past eight. George
+. Johnson, Marshal, Fowler and him
self were in the Office when johnson
came in. Marshal, Fowler and myself
went out the Office.
Col. Johnson said, "who is this see
looking in my window
1T is me, replied Edward johnson,
stepping into the Office, "arrest me if you
want tor he exclaimed.
He had some conversation with George
Johnson, and placed his hand in his
pocket, and pointing to another person
in the room and says "That thing over
there" about the same time he pulled a
revolver out of his pocket, and pointing
it towards me. He then turned around.
looking at some one back of me.
Who was it back of you? ask ed Mr.
DAILY.
II don't know. but heard since it was
Mr.. Johnson's son.
us this the revolver" asked the pros
ecutor, handing the revolver to witness.
Yes. sir,' that looks like the revolver.
what followed this?''
I'VE arrested Edward Johnson, and
took him to the lookup.
On cross-examination, Constable Nick
erson said he was invited to Col John
sons Office by the Colonel. When he
went there he found Constable Fowler
there. He saw man there whom he
was introduced to as reporter of the
New York Journal. Nickerson said as
he stepped out the door, a man stepped
in. In the room there were Col. johnson,
Constable Fowler, the reporter, myself
and Col. Johnson's three sons. We were
all sitting, when the defendant came in.
Did you take these positions inten-
tionaliy?"
"Yes, sir.'
Did you hear what took place between
between Felix and Edward?"
Eyes, SIR"