The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-06-13
JOHNSTON SENTENCED
TWO YEARS FOR ATTEMPTING TO
 ROB TH0RsBY POsTOFFIUE.
Demented Negro Creates . Scene h the United States Court Room--Decis-
 ton in the Gray Case Today.

John W. Johnston, a young white man of Thorsby, was yesterday sem fenced by Judge Thomas G. Jones. of the United States District Court to serve two years In the Atlanta peniten- tiary for attempting to rob the post ohice of the little colony town of Chii- ton county
 In February, 1t will be remembered, Johnson was caught red handed at mid night while forcibiy attempting to en- ter the building used as a postomce. His intention to visit the office that night was communicated to the post master by young man to whom John son had told his purpose. The post master concealed himself in the post office and waited for Johnson who was arrested and was brought to Montgom- cry where he has been in jail.
 Last week the Federal grand jury. now in session, returned a true Dill against Johnson. He expressed 6 desire to plead guilty and was brought form the jail into the court room yesterday.
 The young man told Judge Jenes that this was his first offense against the law and begged for leniency. He said he came to Alabama some years ago from Kansas City, Mo. He married a young woman of good family at Thors- by. Judge Jones delivered stern lec- ture to Johnson and concluded by sen-
  in the penitentiary at Atlanta.
 When you go to the penitentiary," said Judge Jones, "try to be model prisoner. do not give the government trouble and resolve when you are freed to make a good citizen of yourself. It is a terrible thing to violate the laws of your country; I hope this Is your first offense and I hope this one break will never occur again; let 1t be a lesson to you. think, under the cir cumstances, am dealing kindly with you"
 The prisoner heard these words with bowed head and when Judge Jones con- cluded he was led away to jail. He will be taken to Atlanta today.
 Something of a sensation was created in Judge Jones's court room shortly afternoon when Eugene Johnson, a de- mented negro. of Coffee county. rushed by the doorkeeper and began to address the judge on the bench.
 'Mr Jones'" he called, good morn ing;NI have not spoken to you before today. They are not treating me right and-'
 "Take him away; take him away" cried Judge Jones to a bailiff who by this time had seized the negro and was leaGing him toward the door.
 In few minutes Judge Jones or" dered that the negro be brought back to the court room.
 1T don't know whether he is drunk or crazy" said the judge. If he Is drunk I'll send him to the penitentiary."
 It was found that the negro was of unsound mind and had become over heated and annoyed by the raillery of some of his fellows. He was a witness in a cass that had been disposed of q few minutes before the incident and he was dismissed from further service and allowed to return to his home.
 When the United States court ad- 1ourned at o'clock yesterday evening until o'clock this morning the ease against Noah F. Jones, of Coffee coun- ty, was on trial. All of the testimony was in and the lawyers were about to begin arguing the case when Judge Jones announced that the court would take a recess.
 Jones, who is we'll known farmer, residing near Enterprise, is charged with operating an illicit distillery.
 Other cases were disposed of yester- day in the Federal court as follows:
 Jim Hale. of Coffee county. illicit dis tilling, contiued by defendant
 Earl Hunter, of Coffee county, illicit distilling, dismissed on information State court.
 Ad R. odom. of Coffee county, Illicit distilling, jury and verdict of guilty. Odom will be sentenced today.
 AnEeline Edwards. a negress of Golf fee county, Illicit distilling, dismissed owing to the ignorance of the woman.
 Cases are set for trial today against the following defendants: Josh odom, Sr.. Vincent A. Tharp, Harrison Wat son. Columbus wilkinson. W. Jeff Crowder, Sam Grimes. John Nichols and rhorIas E Harriaon