Milford chronicle., 1904-01-29
JAILoRs BEATEN iNsENslBLE
Desperate Attempt to Escape From
Norristown, Pa, Prison Failed.

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Norristown, Pas Prison Failed.
Norrist0wn, Pa, Jan. 25. 49, Warden
Abraham Gotwals and Night Watch
man Samuel Beckwith, of the Mont
gomery county Jail, were murGerously
assaulted by two prisoners, who made
a desperate attempt TO escape, but
failed. BeclCvjth was so badly batter
ed up that he had to be taken to the
Charity hospital. He received eight or
10 severe scalp wounds. At first it was
thought that his skull was fractured
The warden has a half dozen wounds
on the head. one of them being of
serious nature.
The prisoners who made the assault
are Fred Bond and treorge CORVALLIS.
Both were awaiting trial at the March
term of court on the charge of lar
ceny- Cornwallis called Beckwith to
the cell. saying that he believed that
Bond, who occupied the same CELL was
seriously ILL., Beckwith summoned
Warden GOtwals, who, not suspectiug
anything Immediately entered the cell
The instant he stepped inside, Corn
wallis closed the door, and both pris-
oners seized iron bars and pounded re
warden until he became unconscious.
This was the work of but a moment.
Then the two prisoners left the cell
ana assaulted Beckwith, who made a
desperate attempt to help his chief.
Beckwith, who is 70 years of age, was
able to make but a weak defense, and
under a rain OF blows from the iron
bars, sank fnsensible to the floor.
CORVALLIS then took Beckkwith's keys
ana revolver, and the two men started
for the main entrance.
The warden revived enough to reach
his office and telephone for the police.
In che meantime the two escaped men
were trying other exits, but did not
know the combinations of the locks.
Chief of Police Rodenbaugh was soon !
on Che ground. Not being able to es-
cape, the prisoners became thoroughly
frightened. and when the chief told !
them to throw up their hands, they /
readily did so, begging for mercy. and |
crying: please don't shoot They |
were placed in separate dungeons after /
being stripped and placed in irons.
JAPAN URGES RUSSIA
Diplon1aticaly Intimates Early Re- /
sponse to Note Is Desired.
Toxic, Jan. 27-The Japanese gov
ernment has automatically intimated
to Baron De Rosen. the Russian min
lister, that an early response is de-
sired to Japan's recent note to Russia.
1t is calculated here that the Japanese
note reached the Russian cabinet on
the afternoon of January 16, and it is
felt that sufficient time has elapsed
for its consideration and the prepara-
tion of a response. The Japanese gov
is unwilling to permit eva
sions and delays which are designed
to gain time.
The future course of the Japanese
is a carefully guarded Sc
cret. The length of time that Japan
is prepared to await the pleasure Of
Russia is unknown. It seems probable
that it has been determined to act de-
cisively within few days. The pOpu
lar temper has long opposed further
delay. While many objected to ia
pans taking the initiative, a major
ty would now welcome the issuance
Of brief uItimatum, and a declara-
lion of war if that should prove inef-
'ective. Some outside opinion here in
elines to the belief that the activity of !
he Japanese will be limited to the
seizure of Corea which enterprise it
s thought Russia would not oppose.
rhe Japanese government proceeds
With absolute secrecy, and the people
If Japan are not even informed of the
exact nature of the demands made on
Russia.
Travelled 5000 Miles to Pay Poll Tax. I
Austin, Tex, Jan. Congressman I
". S. Burleson arrived here from I
having Travelled 5000 /
niles to pay his poll tax of $1.75 in
rider that he might retain his privi-
eyes as a voter and Office holder in
Texas. The trip was necessary be
ause he did not pay this tax before
eaving for Washington, and when he
ried to have it paid by proxy he was
that under the present state B
aw he would have to pay it in person y
T forfeit his rights as voter and Il
flee holder. .