The Butte inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1901-1912, 1901-09-06

ment to the members of tho
press yesterday that he would
reveal something Of sensational
nature after the execution. He
did SO in his office half an hour after
the body of Fleming had been tak.1
down ana given in charge of the unde.-
takers.
The sheriff brought from closet
l;unny sack containing clothing. He
spread it upon the floor revealing great
spots Of blood showing couclusivcly
that Fleming did his best to carry into
execution his threat made time and
time ag..in to the sheriff that he wouli
cheat the gallows. The day that he was
found guilty of murder in the first de-
gree Fleming told the sheriff that nc
would never have the chance to stretch
his neck. The sheriff replied:
Mac. If you do YOU will certainly
have to be more clever than think you
are. I tell you. Mac. you will not do
anything Of the kind and I will take
particular pains to see that you do not"
But notwithstanding the closest
atch 4, almost accomplished his pur-
Lcse two weeks ago last Saturday night.
The instrument he had at his command
was an ordinary needle furnished prob
ably by prisoner doing time for
vagrancy. First Fleming took towel
and wrapped it into small rope around
which he wound a long piece of thread.
This rop, he tied tightly around his
left wrist in order to stop the circula-
ton as much as possible and to pre-
vent great pain. Then taking the nee lie
he punctured the arteries Of his wrist
and thumb.
The blood flowed in a stream at first
= 1,-1, 1T
times he would keep it clear by probing
With the small instrument with which
he hoped to destroy himself.
Finally Fleming's strength failed him
from the great loss of blood and he was
forced to give UP, contenting himself
with the thought that he had made a
dismal failure. His clothing was sat-
urated with blood, as were the blankets
and mattress upon his couch.
The following morning Fleming COM
planned of being sick He said he was
troubled with collie and the sheriff orr
dered that he be given medicine Flenl-
ing remained in his bed for couple Of
days and ate very little during that
time.
1t was several days after the attempt
at self-destruction before Sheriff Nc
Mahon became aware of the real facts.
Once every week it was customary to
give Fleming and all other prisoners at
the Jail a bath. On this particular
bath day Fleming declined to come from
his cell and told the sheriff that his
reason for it were that he was not feel
ing we'll enough. The sheriff insisted
and finally informed Fleming that II
necessary he would go into his cell and
take him out. Knowing that Nc
Mahon meant what he said Fleming
came out. His cell was promptly
searched and the startling discovery
was made, Fleming. realizing he was
again beaten at his own game. told the
sheriff just what he had done and said
that while he was at the job he filled one
cupsidore with his own blood, besides
what he spilled on his clothing. He
produced the needle with which he did
the work.
But the needle route was not the only
means by which Fleming hoped to end
his life for in the ventilator pipe lead
ing to his cell was found another piece
of crude rope which he made from a
piece torn from blanket used on his
couch In this he had tied moose
showing that he fully intended TO hang
himself at some Opportune time when
the attention of the guards was not
upon him. Another time knife was
found in the possession of Fleming. 1t
had come into his possession from some
unknown source. Sheriff Mcmahon was
told of the knife by Clinton Dotson.