The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-03
HE PLANNED TODIE.
Further Developments Regarding tn
Philadelphia Tragedy.

Pnlladelphia, Dec. 3.-Developments
IN the murder of Kate Hassett. Of
heith's Bij0u stheater stock company
VINO was shot and killed by Barry John
stone, an actor formerly with Richard
Mansneld's company, indicate that the
CRIME was Dremeditated. Johnstone
VINO after he had shot the woman. at.
tempted suicide. is in a critical condi-
tlon. The hospital surgeons intended 10
perform an operation upon him but the
wounded mans condition was such as
10 neceSS1tate poStponement. Al the
hospital it is stated tombstone is much
weaver than at any time since he re-
celVed the self-inficted wound and that
ms chances were less favorable He Is
IN possession of all his faculties and
curing the day he occasionally made in
curry concerning Miss Hassett Each
time be was given an evasiVe reply
Johnstone's sister and his brother
Robert Fl. tombstone, arrived here and
spent most OF the evening with then
tonight or tomorrow Everett Recx-
with, husband of the murdered actress
mas sent word to this city that he is on
ms way east from Chicago and expects
70 arrive tomorrow. 1t is also reported
that Michael Hassett her father. is en-
route from Aurora, ILL.,. to assist in
arranging for the funeral.
ne ponce learned today that shortly
aIter Miss Hassett had left her board
ing house for the theater last night,
tombstone forced an entrance into her
apartments. He carried coil of rome
which ne attached to a post of the ac-
tress bed. The police believe it was the
murderer's intention to await the return
OF Miss Hassett and shoot her in her
room, hoping to make his escape through
WINDOW by means of the rope. His
presence IN the room was discovered by
otner bOarderS. They assert that John
stone was greatly excited, and that he
| mad torn to shredse all of the Woman's
clothing whicA he found in the room.
rearing that he meant to harm the ac-
tress, the boarderS intercepted her at the
door OF the house and related what had
happened. As Miss Hassett turned to
seek other quarters for the night John
stone 1t is said rushed from the house
and Joined her They had not proceed
ed far when he shot her and then turn
ed the weapon upon himself
The following letter addressed to Rob-
ert II. Johnstone at Syracuse. N. Y.
was found in Johnstone's clothing: Dear
Bob; Enclosed l send you check on the
Excelsior Savings Bank for the sum of
$3.50 l want Mother and yourself to have
all my effects. clothes, trunks, etc. Bury
me inexpensively where ever seems most
| fit. God bless all and be good and true
to the world. as 1 have tried to be- Your
I brother"
The letter was dated December l, and
was written on a letter head of the C1ar-
endon hotel, New York. Accompanying it
was a brief note addressed to the cashier
of the Savings bank instructing him to
give the writer's brother the amount of
his deposit. Friends of the dead woman
say tombstone had been prosecuting her
for at least a week. and that she fire.
quently expressed the fear that evil might
befali her.
The acquaintance of Miss Hassett ane
tombstone dates back a year when both
were members of Nine. Nodjeska's COM
pany. Miss Hassett. in private life. was
| Mrs. Minnie Beckwith. Her husband re
sides in Chicago.