The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-06-18
Declares He is Innocent and Wants
A Lawyer.
Jailer Advised to Keep
Visitors AwaW.
The Prisoner is i'm a Very
Nervous State.

Alfred, June 16.-County Commissioner
Isaac Hanscom of Lebanon visited the
county Jail at an early hour this morning,
having been called there by n message
from Jailer Anderson with reference TO
engaging Waterman. The man, appar-
entity, most desired for this position is
George Hanscom, who performed similar
duty during the imprisonment OF Frank
Parks, charged with the Kittery muir
der of which he was finally convicted.
George Hanscome Is man of remark
able physique, and by his previous expe-
.rience is particularly adapted for tbs
duty. He is now employed ON the rail
way, but has expressed a desire to accept
the position of night watch at the Jail.
While at the Jail this morning, County
Commissioner Hanscom formed the ac-
quaintance of George Champion, who
talked freely with him.
He approached the grated door Of cell
10, in which the suspected man is con-
fined, in company with Jailer L. II. An
aerson.
Champion was lying on his cot, but
arose and received an introduction to he
commissioner, VINO told the prisoner
that his home was in the town of Leba-
non at Hanscom Corner.
That remark reminded Champion that
he had once been employed by a cattle
driver named Names, now deceased, and
used to drive cattle in herds through
Lebanon. 1t also reminded Champion of
4his more recent movements.
why" said he, when l went from
my sisters home in Somersworth up to
THE Go )dwin farm in West Newtleld, ]
walked a greater part of the way, but did
get ride with mail carrier from n
point ON the Somersworth road to the sta
tion at East Lebanon, from which point
l walked through Hanscom Corner"
II have grocery store there" re-
marked the commissioner.
Yes, l remember passi ing it on my
way to Newfield, F." was Champions I've
ply.
49, The commissioner then spoke of Mrs
Champion saying: Il see that the news
papers all speak very highly of youI
wife,
-. 'She is a good little woman" said the
prisoner, with tears trickling down hi.
cheeks.
49, Mr.. Hanscom states that Champion
Ras very umch affected by this allusior
TO his wife.
Addressing himself to Jailor Anderson
after he had recovered himself somewhat
the prisoner asked for some tobacco.
THAT is something for which you will
have to provide money" was Mr.. Ander-
sons reply.
Thinking that he might learn what
had become of the money supposed to
have been secured by Champion at the
Goodwin homestead, the jailor con
tinued, "You must have some money
Somewhere"
II will have my wife send me some,
said the prisoner.
Champion maintained that he is limo
cent of the crimes with which he is
charged, when the jailer and county
commissioner took their leave of him.
Champion now wishes to procure a
good lawyer to defend him. When spok
en- to this evening by Jailer Anderson
Champion betrayed his intense nervous
ness by jumping almost instantly from
his cot on which he was lying, to the
door of his cell He has been committed
m only one mittimus, but three mor'
will be made on Monday.
Jailer Anderson today received two
letters, one from Attorney W. ;. Mat
thews of Berwick and another from
County sheriff u. b. Thompson of New
field, advising the jailer to allow no one
TO converse with the prisoner.
,TT. 70
Alfred, June 17.-George Champion
the suspected murderer Of the Goodwin
household at West Newfleld, was visited
in Jail this afternoon by his sister ant
niece, Mrs. George Horne and daughter
of Somersworth, N. H who brought I
note to Jailer Anderson from Count!
Attorney Matthews, granting them tina
privilege. They spent half an hour il
conversation with Champion through
his grated cell door, Jailer Anderson be
ing present and hearing all that was sai'
during the interview. Their talk wa
upon the finding Of the bloody shirt AM
as to the employment of counsel. 1t wa
agreed that an effort should be made t
secure the services of exMayor Charlie
5. Hamilton of Biddeford to defent
Champion. Champion, during the con
versation made no statements that wer
discriminating, but on the contrary, in
sisted that he was innocent of the crime
The visitors wept during the interview
but Champion retained his composure
although he gave evidence Of feeling hi
position in the presence of his sister. !
night watch over Champion will be in
stituted Monday night.