Richmond planet., 1904-02-20

Learning that Henry Williams, col
tpred, charged with feloniously assault
ing Mrs. Shields. (white )and her child at
Roanoke. Va, Jan. 30th, 1904 had been
brought TO this city and lodged In the
Jail here until his trial would take place,
Editor John Mitchell, Jr.. decided TO go
down there and interview the prisoner
He called up the Jail by telephone and
was told by City Sergeant J.C Smiths de
putty that he could see Williams at about
IL o'clock. he reached there at about
1l:30 Sunday morning
THE NEW JAIL.
The new Jail presented a sombre ap-
pearance. Opening the door he found
himself in the presence of Deputy
Ferneyhough and Deputy Nance. The
former remarked that as other reporters
had been permitted to see Williales, it
would be all right for Editor Mitchell to
nee him.
A few moments later the march up
stairs began. AS they would enter a
heavy iron door. it would be locked be-
hind them. Every effort and precaution
was taken to guard against u surprise.
Reaching the upper tier of cells, it was
noticed that the lock was itself locked
in n box. When this was opened the
door swung open.
LOCKED In THE PRISON.
Deputy Ferney hough remained outside
and looked it ngain while Deputy Mann
and Editor Mitchell found themselves
securely locked in the prison.
The inmates occupy cells and there
are two beds to each cell. They are
sleanly kept. The Deputy stopped in
front Of one of these, next to the last
nno on that tier. He spoke to Williams
and the prisoner who was lying on the
upper berth peered out and asked Of the
Deputy "Who are your" II am the one
who have you in charge" was the reply.
AN EsouIRINa PRISONER.
Bditor Mitchell laughed and said 'I
expected to hear you ask who / am. /
znl Editor of the PLANET, oolored
journal Published in this city and i
wish TO secure a statement from you"
Williams came down from the upper
berth which he occupied and standing q
few feet from the iron grating, with his
hands at times grasping it, he began his
recital
He is about s feet inches in height,
well built and his arms indicate great
ssrength.
AN ORDINARY INDIVIDUAL.
he is of Light brown complexion,
hight moustache. and he talks with a
freedom that is surprising. He has q
pleasant countenance and would be
passed on the street at any time without
inviting notice for so commonplace is
he in appearance that many colored
men in this City would pass as his
double
Said he:
MY name is Henry Williams. I am
"a years of age l was in Richmond in
1894, having come here Oh an excursion.
No, have never been in the peniten-
tary here. / was in the penitentiary in
Pennsylvania.
IN PENrESrIARY AT ALLsaHKNY.
"As what place" asked the Editor. cat
Allegheny, over from Pittsburg. was
put there for sorapping."
You mean for fghting?" Eyes, /
came from Uniontown, Pennsylvania
and arrived in Roanoke Jan. 18th. had
left Roanoke to go to Pennsylvania to
work. worked in the mines-soft coal
Eaines. waited in a hotel.
My father and mother live in Gillian,
West Virginia. My fathers name is 81
Williams and my moyher's name is
Laura Williams.
got to Roanoke at 10 O'Clock and left
ON No. 8. went to the express office
and got our trunk.
HIS ooLoRED ooMPANIoN.
Albert Hairs.on, colordd boy who
Aad come from Pennsylvania in company
with me was with me. Both of us had
ss0shss in the trunk. We had it sent to