Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-19
Nebraska
HEALTH OFFICER KILLS SELF
William G. Rohde Commits Suicide
Because of Ill-Health.
THOMAS JOHNSON READY TO HANG
STRIKER of Omaha VIII BE EKecu.
tiOBer-Furse Boosts for Alma
Two More Officers Go
TO Texas.
CFrom a staff Correspondent.l

WuuALu - fNonuef twenty years ntdllu
officer Of this city. killed himself shortly
before o'clock today in the rear room
Of his office by shooting himself through
the breast with an old Springfield rifle.
The ball went through the shoulder sever
ing the olavian artery and death resulted
from loss Of blood.
Dependency caused by I'll health is sup
posed TO be the cause, for over a year he
having suffered considerably from nervous
trouble
Captain Rohde began service as a city
eofficial late In the sos and had served
internationally since that time. He was
greatly interested IN military affairs and
for several years was captain Of Company
d. Second regiment. and such was
called with his company by Governor
Thayer to patrol the state house during
the exciting election OF 1891. He leaves a
widow. one son and two married daughters.
all Of this city.
NorthweHteru~sAlumn Feast.
The Northwestern University Alumni as
ISOLATION OF Nebraska held its second
annual banquet at the Lindell hotel to-
night over fifty members of the associa-
ton and former Northwestern students
from over the state were in. attendance
OF the 200 alumni in the state 1t is esti-
mated that fully forty we're here tonight.
President A w. Harris of Northwestern
was the honor guest The following Gas
the toast list, with Rev. A. j. Northrup
of this city presiding:
The Law Sschool and the Public" G.
A. Robbins, Lincoln.
The College Man and the World" e. W.
Marcellus, Crete.
"Our sisters-in-Law," Mrs. ]. F. Stevens
Lincoln.
Growing Features in Northwestern and
Nebraska" H. c. Brock, North Platte
The Northwestern University" President
Harris.
johnson 20 BE Hanged Today.
II once wrote some stuff wanted to give
TO the public through the newspapers, but
1 got sore and tore 1t up l = lots OF
things In there about other people and now
am glad / gave 1t up, because 1 want to
die right"
Such is the statement of Thomas John
son, the negro murderer from Omaha, made
this afternoon just as he was starting on
the last twenty-four hours OF his lifes
Journey.
1.-THE same spirit that I have now, of
absolute resignation and charity toward
everyone prompted me to hand over that
gaspipe and knife last Sunday" the negro
continued.
AS for the crime for which he hangs to-
clared that he had told the story as much
as he cared to-
II will admit however" he said. that l
lied to the Omaha police when l was first
taken In custody, but little thought the
consequences at the time. Later l saw
what the different stories would lead to.
but did not give up hope Of parole until a
few weeks ago.
81 am going to die like a man and meet
my God as think should" he said.
ExecutIOner Here.
c. B. stryker Of Omaha the man who
has officiated at several hangings at the
penitentiary, went out this afternoon to
make preparations for Johnson's death
Asked how many such affairs he had pre-
sided over. or how long he had been serv-
ing in that capacity, he showed no inclina-
ton to talk of them.
"Oh, the people here just use the form
of gallows that l got up and II they want
me to manage when they have use for them
! come down" he said as he passed on his
grewsome task.
Doesn't Like Getting Caught,
Mrs. ]. Armstrong Of Sinking Springs, o.,
was arrested this morning at the Lincoln
hotel and locked up at the police station on
the charge OF shoplifting. The woman's
trip to the city police station was the occa-
sion of much excitement, as she was
screaming and cursing loudly as she was
taken along the streets. AS soon as the
woman was locked up she kicked out the
lights IN the womans ward and did consid-
cradle damage around the place. She is
thought to be insane and her relatives. If
they can be communicated with, will be
notified at once.
Dentists Like Lincoln.
This city today was awarded the dentists
state meeting for next year, the first time
in many years that II has gone TO one city
twice in succession. Grand Island, Omaha
and oxford were other contestants for the
honor. The following officers were elected
for the coming year; DIR. c. c. Farrell Of
Cozad. president; DR. f. H. Brueung OF
Omaha. vice president; G. H. Wallace of
Omaha. secretary, and w. A. McHenry Of
Nelson. treasurer
Purse boosts Alma for school.
Railway Commissioner John w. Furse
today acting on behalf OF Ex-Governor
shallenberger and the people of his home
town OF Alma, presented each member of
the State Board OF Public Lands and Build
ings with a fine photograph album giving
views in and about Harlan county and a
statement OF reasons why the new south
western agricultural school should be To-
Gated at that place. The Joseph snyder
farm is located practically in that city and
is the spot selected by it's citizens 10 offer
the state board as a site for the new
institution.
Two Officers Go 40 TeXns.
Lieutenant Colonel W. Edmund Raehr Of
the First regiment Nebraska National
Guard of Omaha. and Captain Roy F..
olmstead, commander Of Company A. First
regiment of York, have been assigned by
Adtutant General Phelps to attend the
army maneuvers at San Antonio. Tex, for
two weeks. The two officers are 10 report
for duty at San Antonio on May q.
LabOrer Gets Big Judgment.
The district court jury which tried the
tl5,OOo damage suit of Peter ApostoIus
against the Union Pacific railroad. and
which retired last night. this morning re-
turned a verdict in favor Of the plaintiff
and fixing the amount OF his recovery at
$500
Jury Says Child KILLED.
BEATRICE, Neb.. May lS.-lSpecial Tel
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