The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-07-10
SCHENCKMAY ACT
RumOr That He Will Begin Ac-
tion Against Sheriff.
Declares Office Vacant as Result
of Drunken Orgy.
HE REFUSES TO TALK,
County Attorney Silent About
His Future Course.
johnson in a PrecariOus Con-
ditiOn at His Home.

This afternoon, Ben johnson, who
was injured in a fight at Sheriff
Wilkersons office last night, was still
under the care of physician. His
injuries are disfiguring and painful,
and he is weak from the loss of blood
The disgraceful fight in the sher-
III s office is the talk of the town today
and numerous explanations of the
cause of the fight are in circulation.
Sheriff Wilkerson arose early this
morning, and in seemingly good con-
dition, went to Rossville on business.
Deputy Sheriff Ward has little to say
in regard to the fight, except that he
is heartily ashamed of the part he
took in it. He is the only principal
IN the affair who has made state
ment. He says that he doesn't know
how the fight started, but that he
struck Johnson, who fell against =
corner of a metal filing case, cutting
his head. In the continuation of the
fight, johnson fell or was knocked
further injuries. Before the fight
started, a hack had been called to
send Johnson home, and the hack
was standing in front of the court
house while part of the fight was
going on.
One eye witness to a portion of the
disturbance saw Wilkerson holding a
raving and struggling man in bear
was drunken prisoner, went away
and did not see the rest of the dis
turbance. The entire fight seems to
nave occurred in Wilkerson's little
private office in the corner of the
main sherif's Office. It was here that
the signs of battle were found, and it
was a door to this Office which was
broken. The three men had been out
IN Wilkerson's buggy prior to the
hSht, and while out, Wilkerson had
purchased Johnson a new hat The
best of feeling seemed to exist be-
tween them. When it began to rain,
they drove, to the court house, and
went into the Office.
Another version of the cause of the
fight is that Johnson asked WiIkerson
If he would support him (Johnson)
Tor sheriff next year, and Wilkerson
answered that he would have to sup
port Col. Norton, Whereupon Johnson
flew into rage and jumped upon
the sheriff. The favOrite version in
the streets today. where the case is
being discussed to a great extent, is
that Mr.. Johnson's sister called the
sherif's Office in an attempt to find
her brother. and that WIkerson,
who answered the phone, 'jollied"
with her and refused to let Johnson
1t is charged that while Johnson
and Wilkerson were in a good
natured struggle that Deputy Ward
struck Johnson over the head twice
Win MS revolver ana AFTER he had
fallen beat him with his fists and
kicked him repeatedly in the face.
Johnson has been in semi-conscious
condition all day and DR. Mac
Donough who is attending him has
been unable to make thorough
examination to determine the extent
of his injuries. His face is beaten to
a pulp.
There is a rumor that County At
torney Schenck will bring an ac-
ton to vacate the Office of sheriff but
when seen today he refused to init
mate what he will do or discuss the
affair except to say that it is a dis
grace. He is conducting an in
vestigation.