The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-12-24

the first one John has eaten with the
family since 1897
His Prison Leave Taking.
Collins left Lansing at II O'Clock
"Wednesday morning. He had ben in
formed of his pardon the night before
and Immediately made his plans for
coming to Topeka. He was unable to
sleep at the prison Tuesday night and
was up good and early the following
morning. Much time was spent in
taking leave of the officials and 9TH
ers at the prison. He spent so much
time in bidding goodbye to those with
whom he has been associated for the
past decade that he missed the 10
O'Clock car which he had originally
intended to take
Collins and his stepbrother arrived
in Kansas City during the noon hour
They went Immediately to the Bios
som house where they took their din
ner. Most of the time in Kansas CITY
was spent in this hosiery as Collins
wanted to keep from the gaze of the
public as much as possible. He was not
recognized on the way to Kansas City
however. While in Kansas City his
identity was known to only a few
friends and newspaper men. He re-
NAMED at the Blossom shouse until
about an hour before train time when
he went to the Union depot. He spent
the remainder of his stay in Kansas
City in this building. Not once during
his walk UP and down the long wait
ing room WIS he recognized
Smokes Three Cigars
Collins was smiling to himself all
the way from Kansas City to Topeka
with the exception of the short time
while the train stopped in North Law
renee. He was afraid he would be
recognized by some of his friends at
the station, and was. uneasy until the
train had started again. He pulled
his hat down over his eyes and re-
moved his glasses and never looked
out of the window once. During the
rest of the trip Collins was decidedly
cheerful.
During the trip from Lansing to
Fopeka, Collins refrained from talk
ing except when questioned and then
he gave short and direct reply. He
seldom took the initiative in conversa-
ton Only once between Kansas City
and Topeka was Collins recognized. A
quick witted news agent on the train
who saw the picture of Collins in last
nights State Journal was the first to
learn his identity. Collins and Meade
were sitting in the front end of the
smoking car and the news agent whis-
pered his discovery to some Of the
passengers and sold his papers on the
strength of it.
During the day John Collins smok-
ed three cigars which he casually. re-
marked was a pretty good record for
cigar since his confinement. but has
used pipe all of the time.
During his ten years in Lansing,
Collins had never been outside the
sight of prison guard. On two oc-
casions he was outside the prison
walls
When Collins Left Prison.
Collins left the Lansing prison shortly
before IL o'clock Wednesday morning in
company with Grant Meade: his step
brother Collins was dressed in dark
gray suit from the prison tailor shop
and wore light necktie and soft black
hat. He also wore a black overcoat
Which his stepbrother brought from ST.
Joseph fog him.
Collins seemed greatly annoyed. at
the fact that several reporters intended
to accompany him to his destination
Mr.. Meade was visibly annoyed and
tried to argue the reporters into stay
ing behind. When he found that the
reporters intended to hey orders he
tried to plan to slip out with Collins by
the side entrance. The officials of the
prison, however. have never allowed
discharged prisoners this privilege, So
Meade was frustrated.
When he realized that notoriety could
not be avoided. he said; IF we go to
Kansas City and let you talk to us all
you want on the way down will you
promise to leave us there?"
We may GO to Topeka and probably
we may go to st. Joseph instead he
said. Collins expressed Willingness to
be guided by Meade.
DOESN'T Like NeWSpapef Wen.
Collins was up bright and early
Wednesday, long before daylight. L
went to my cell Tuesday night
and sat down on my bunk to think.
said Collins. Il simply couldn't calm
myself and go to sleep. l sat up until
midnight just thinking and when I
tried to dismiss all thought of the hap
py days to come, 1 found it impossi-
BILE so. after tossing about for awhile.
1 got up and dressed and sat up until
opening time in the morning.
Il am beginning to realize now how
sweet freedom is. The last few hours
were long ones.
Collins got shave in the prison bar
Der shop and went to the prison tailor
shop where he was fitted with prison
suit of dark gray material which was
on hand. The sleeves had to be short
ened so he was compelled to walk about
the corridors waiting. He talked free
~ to the reporters and frequently greet
ed some guard who was passing
All had a warm hand clasp
and the best of wishes for Collins.
Newspaper men, as class. de-
test" said Collins. individually I
like many of them but honestly L