The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-09-26
Behind Prison Bars Mcdaniel
Directs Campaign.
Special Prosecutor Continues to
Oppose Bond.
TO GRAND JURY TOMORROW
Alleged Wife Murderer Scores
Enemies Bitterly.
"I'm Innocent and Will Prove
1t to the World"

st. Joseph, Mo-, Sept 26.-"They
have framed a gigantic political plot
to trap me-" declared Prosecuting At
torney Oscar Mcdaniel, in his cell to-
day he directed continuance of his
campaign for reelection while await
ing hearing tomorrow on the charge
of wife murder
They are willing to stoop to any
thing" he explained. "The taking of
human life means nothing to the gangs
which 1 have been prosecuting and
who are now trying to even things.
But going to beat them for am
innocent and will prove it to the
world
Brilliant to a degree reached by few
men, Mcdaniel has all the courtliness
of a typical southern gentleman. his
eyes are clear and bright, while his
gaze is steadfast and determined. 1t
seemed inconceivab1e that he was the
man charged with the revolving crime.
Mcdaniel Brilliant Man.
From outward appearance and bear
ing he is the last man anyone would
pick capable of deliberately beating
his wife to death, as charged by the
state.
Bart NJ. Lockwood. special prose-
Ryan of the criminal court to inves-
ugate and prosecute the Mcdaniel
case, says he will oppose the release
of Mcdaniel on bond. He contends
that the state case against Mcdaniel
| is conclusive and therefore the mag
| istrate has no right to accept bail.
Interest now centers in the result
of the investigation of the case by the
special grand jury called for tomorrow
morning to consider it. The states at
/ torney says he has his witnesses all In
| line and that the grand jury should be
able to complete its investigation in
| few days.
| Mcdaniel, who is candidate for re-
election as prosecuting attorney is de-
manding an early trial in order that
| the result may be known before the
| November election so it is likely that
the case will at once be docketed in the
criminal court, now in session if he is
| indicted
To Act as Own Lawyer
st. Joseph, Mo-, Sept. 26.-Refused
bail when arraigned charged with
murderirg his wife, County Prosecutor
Oscar Mcdaniel today planned to con-
| duct his own case at his preliminary
| hearing tomorrow. Altho the charge
| of first degree murder is not bailable..
MCDANIEL plans to bring such an array
| of influential friends into court ready
| to go his bond that even tho he is
refused release such a showing will
have a good effect on public senti-
| ment.
| When Mcdaniel was refused bail
he was transferred from the city Jail
| to the county Jail. isolated from the
| other prisoners. and confined in the
hospital ward. because many of the
| prisoners in the county Jail had been
prosecuted by him.
Are Stains Rod, Blood?
| Until the stains on the metal rod
found in the Mcdaniel home have
been analyZed the state will place
little dependence on the alleged death
weapon Special Prosecutor Lockwood
considers the case against Mcdaniel
complete without it. With only a little
more than a month remaining before
the election the special prosecutor
doubted today that verdict could be
reached before the prisoner goes be-
fore the county for reelection as
county prosecutor. But Lockwood
| promised to expedite the case.
Mcdaniel went to his arraignment
with the air of a man going to try
a case, rather than that of man about
to face murder charge. Between
| puffs of black cigar he laughed and
joked with the two deputy sheriffs,
who accompanied him.
Not Permitted to Say Goodbye.
Little excitement attended the ar
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