New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-09-21
SCHEPPS PAID EARLIER
VISIT TO HOT SPRINGS
Came to Spa July 20 and 0e'
parted Next Morning in Flight
for Mexico, It Is Declared.
TALKATIvE THEN, IT IS SAID
Arkansas Lawyer Asserts That
Those Who Heard Gunmen's
Friend Are Still Within
Reach-Hart Pleased.

fBy telegraph to The Tribune
Hot Springs, Ark. Sept D.-A decidediy
interesting and somewhat sensational
feature developed In the schspps case to-
day, when James L. Graham. q wen
known local attorney. called on W. D.
r'Ba,") Mssterson and informed him ne
had in his possession Information ~hio"
Graham believed would be or interest "
Lieutenant Charles Becker.
Graham told Masterson that he knew
schepps first came TO Hot Springs at least
a month before he was apprehendcd mere
Schepps arrived here the first time on inc
10 o'clock train on Saturday Night July
20 and left hot Springs the following
morning for Mexico. asserted Grahani'
who further declared that while hero
Schepps discussed the murder OF foseh-
thai and made statements that wouin DO
OF much benefit 70 Becker. In that 'neS
either did exculpate the accused ponce
official or that they were Of such nature
as TO discredit their author az ~ithess
for the prosecution.
II was Masterson who gave out inc
news that ne had received visit from
Graham. He did not state who the men
were who we're authority for the state
ment that Schepps had talked abou,
Becker. Graham was equally non-oom-
municative, all effort 10 get oeta'ieh
statement from him failing.
In reply 70 numerous questions put TO
him by newspaper men Graham. however
admitted he had called on Masterson;
said he had evidence that schepps was N
Hot Springs n long time before his capt
ure, and that Schepps talked with oth-
ers regarding the killing Of Rosentha'
only Ave days after the murder.
schepps had said he left Hot springs
the morning altar his arrival. although
he came hero 10 say. Graham asserted.
lie had heard that schepps made state
ments on that initial visit which would
DE Of great value 20 the Becker Interests
and that the ones with whom Schepps
converS.d were stili In Hot Springs aud
could b.. summoned should John ". Hart
counsel for Becker. 30 desire. when inc
investigation took place In this city.
Graham declined 10 awe tho names o'
those with whom Schepps talked when on
his first trip. when asked when ne
learned ~ thir Welt of schepps he SAID
information had come 20 him before ne
left Hot Springs several weeks ago 10 or
game new fraternnl order. Grahah
wac gona until about ten days ago. He
stated that he GA no; care 20 mention
the fact o. schspps's hrst Tisit 20 the
Arkansas Spa when he heard 10. lie had
conferred only with Mastsrson on the
subject. ana had not me, Mr.. Hart
1, Is believed that the defence VIII have
a surprise 20 rprins when the hearing Is
IN progress hy producing either those 10
whom Graham referred OF others vho VII
testify tina, sch.pps oXculpated Becker.
Mr.. Hart. after n days conference with
those who had previously been seen 1y
District Attorney whitman, said:
L have no statement 10 make AT this
time, any moro than 10 say that | alu
very much pleased with my investigation
to-day. We felt thSt tho truth was IN
Hot Springs, and the truth ~ all We
want That which We believed vas here
and which brought u. TO Hot Springs
has been found"
To the direct question as 10 VhetheI ne
had come upon any one who would testify
sohepps had said Becker had nothing 10
do with the killing OF kcsen,hal. Hart
would not reply. but no reiterated mat
40 was satisfied With his inquiry to-day.
The commission for c. Floyd Hun, ap-
pointed 10 take testimony. has not
vet arrived. but n and tho interroga-
tories arc expected here IN the morn
ing. II they arrive. the taking OF test-
nony will In all likelihood begin to-mor'
row afternoon, and ~ both sides are
anxious 10 get through with the hearing
a. quickly as possible, a night session
may be held.