The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-02-25

Grassland is wen known in the west
and has made political speeches
throughout Kansas and is well known
in Topeka. Jasper Childers of Topeka
was a candidate for the position when
Grassland was appointed and it is pos
sible that Childers may succeed him.
Faulkner, the man who was shot, is
also negro and is from Baltimore and
is superintendent of the Liberia Con-
struction company. He has written a
story of the shooting for the New York
Sun in which he says.
'Crossland came to Liberia last May
He procured of me room and board,
afterward rooms for the United States
legation. As soon as Grassland had
thoroughly acclimated. my family hav-
ing shown him all courtesies. and the
best of attention, he began to act
toward my wife in an unbeconing
manner My wife resented his actions
and informed me of the same.
Il spoke to Grassland of his actions
and he admitted his wrongs, apologized
profusely, assuring me it was not in
territorial and that it would not be the
case again. ] accepted his apologies.
In a few days he began to pretend
to Mrs. Faulkner that he was 50 very
much hurt, she having complained to
me of his actions. and why did she do
it, and that he had apologized to her
for his actions and thought that salts
factory. This he did several times, un-
til my wife, after continuously endeav-
oring to avoid the converse ton, re-
ported the matter to me.
Il told Grassland that he must desist
from his attitude toward my wife or
would have him leave the place. but
the following day in the evening Cross
land again brings up the conversation
in my absence. I, being downstairs.
heard him, and rushed up in his pres
enCe. Grassland at once rushed or ran
into the street and in so doing fell ana
dislOcated his left arm and lacerated his
face / would not have taken Cross
land back into the house had he not sent
man to beg me for Gods sake. for the
AXE of his position. to consider the mat
ter and let him come back and talk it
over with me.
Il wish to state emphatic that I had
no fuss with Grassland. that a no time
did I carry a weapon on my person and
when shot I had nothing to defend or
protect myself nor was Grassland actu-
ated by any act on my part or about
the lease, as he states, but 1t was
deep animosity in his breast since the
night he ran ont in the street and 1t
became town talk that ! had severely.
beaten him.
That he had planned to take my life
is beyond q doubt from threats he made
to DR. SpurgeOn. then secretary Of lega-
ton, and also his having for eight days
clauses in the statute books of the lega-
tion which referred to his being arrested
for murder or otherwise in the United
States legation, marked the same, and
had them at the door to show the peo-
pie when he shot me.
During the time he was abusing me
he sent the runner of legation to lock
all the doors that no one could come in
till he was at the door and presented the
law. etc.
An the foreign diplomats have from
the day of the shooting withdrawn their
relations and even warned him at a diplo-
matte dinner. if called upon TO respond to
the toast of the nations. should ne call the
names Of their respective countries they
would rise in their seats and reDudiate
anything he said of their nation.
The I~iberian government have asked
the American government to call Cross
land home. ANA am sure my government
viii thoroughly Investigate and place the
blame where it lies. Thanking you kindly
for your considerat 3on. yours respectfully.
''TJDAIAS J. r. FAJ7IsNN Err
AIonroXia Liberia W c. A. Jan 26 'o2