Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-03-19
RICHARDS TELLS HIS STONY.
He Is Now In Omaha and VIII Soon
Surrender.

He is Now In Omaha and VIII Soon
Surrender.
Omaha, Neb., March 12.-Ex-Deputy
United States Marshal "Bill" Richards
IS stopping in this city with friends.
He was interviewed at the Willard
MOTEL by Des Moines man with re-
gard to his disappearance and the
Sullivan robbery, with which he is
charged with having been an accom-
plice. Richards is considerably chang
I'D in appearance and looks like he
mad gone through considerable trouble
IF late. Streaks of gray have appear
ed through his hair and it is evident
that he has undergone considerable
suffering. In the conversation had
with him he stated that he was will
ing to come back to Iowa and face
any and all charges as soon as few
matters have been arranged. During
his stay here his wife arrived from
Creston and met him at the depot.
They talked over the troubles which
have beset him, and Just as soon as
it is possible Mr.. Richards will re-
turn to Creston to take up his resi-
dence at that point.
The story he told is as follows: 81
am absolutely innocent of any connec-
ton with the Sullivan robbery and
can prove 1t by several reputable wit
nesses that such Is the case. was
not at the Sullivan home at the time
of the robbery, and its accomplish.
ment was without any knowledge up
on my part whatsoever. / was In
Hamilton the day before the robbery
occurred, Just as has been stated In
the papers, and went there to meet
my brother, who is engaged in the res.
tuarant business. Baird was brought
% Knoxville, wounded from the effects
Of the shots fired by Sullivan that
night. had known Baird for years
and was instrumental in sending him
% the penitentiary. We had been
personal enemies since that event,
and when I approached him in Knox
Vile, recognized him at once. Baird
stated to me:
"Bill, am going to die. have
caused my mother great deal of
trouble, and she is almost crazy now
over my wicked ways. For God sake,
ion't tell my name so that she will
not have to suffer for this
Il did not promise him what would
10, and turning around In the crowd
some one suggested that doctor
should be sent for. Others Joined in
saying Let him die; don't send for
ioctor.' The scene and the words of
Baird touched my heart, and | stated
that a doctor ought to be sent for.
Some one said. Who will pay for the
ioctor? / declared that | would IL no
one else would. A doctor was sent
for and when he arrived he wanted to
know who would pay him for his
;rouble. told him that would, and
asked him how much ii would be. He
replied that it would be Sc. I told
him that did not have the money
with me, but that / would raise the
amount In the morning, which | did
by borrowing it, and the doctor was
paid. did not tell anyone who Baird
was purely out of sympathy for tie
wounded man. / returned to Creston
the next morning and when I read in
the papers about the alleged connec-
ton had with the robbery and being
In trouble over another matter
simply lost my head and skipped. l
was 81 200 short in my accounts with
thV SotatC Aoi was
traitor. The relatives were pushing
me hard for q settlement. had
given surety bond and knew that
the bond company would be soon after
me unless a settlement was reached.
This, in connection with the hue and
cry raised by the papers, caused me
to go out of the state. came up TO
Omaha and from there departed for
Mexico. / was In that country for
several weeks, but no matter which
way would turn would meet some
one from Iowa. / returned to Omaha
and have been here since in oommuni-
cation with my friends. have been
indicted in Marion county and the
bonds have been fixed at $4,000. This
sum is too large for me to raise and
my friends are now making an effort
10 have 1t reduced. As soon as this
axes place and the bond Is furnished
shall return and surrender. am not
1t all afraid Of the outcome when the
Ease comes up for trial and my limo.
,ence will be clearly shown.
II have always believed that IL had
made no demand for a doctor when
9aird was in Knoxville likely to bleed
o death not the slightest suspicion
would have ever been aroused as to
any connection with the robbery. The
mere fact that was acquainted with
9aird and did not disclose his name at
hat time is all the foundation there Is
,r has been to my being implicated in
he robbery. l have devoted a good
many years of my life to the hunting
Town of criminals, and not in single
instance has my conduct been other.
wise than straight and honorable.
When the trial comes up, II 1t ever
ioes, can show, by reputable wit.
lesses where / was during my trip
rom Creston to Hamilton and return.
During my trip conversed with more
han fifty people. There is scarcely
IN hour Of that time which cannot be
accounted for. Possibly did wrong
in skipping out, but many better
man with less trouble than / had
has made unfortunate steps of that
kind. l am anxious to meet the
charges, but l do not care to remain
IN jail under bond"
Mr.. Richard has employed an at
torney at Knoxville to look after his
interests.
NEW BUILDINGS FOR DRAKE.