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About The evening news. (Roseburg, Douglas County, Or.) 1909-1920 | View Entire Issue (June 18, 1912)
WEATHER Today's Highest Temperature 86 Voir Tonight unci Wed nesdny. vou III. ROSEBUKQ, OREGON. TIKSDAY, JUNK 1H, 1UI3. No. 185 HARDMAN JUSTIFIED SHOO T Coroner's Jury Returns Verdict Shortly Before Noon Today-More Letters are Introduced in r F.vidence--Adams Planned to Kill Mem bers of the tlardman Family and Later Commit Suicide. BEN HARDMAM IS RELEASED FROM CUSTODY Says He Will Return to His Mother's Home Where He can be , Found at Any Time Only One Ballot is Taken by Coroner's Jury Evidence Adduced Before Coroner's Jury is on File. Jl'STIFIAIH.K HOMICIDE. Coroner's Jury Exonerates lien Hurdnmii For Shooting John Adams. "We, tlie coronerH Jury, sum moned to inquire Into the death of one John Adams, do find as follows: "That the said John Adams came to his death from periton itis resulting from a gun shot wound. "That Bald gun that caused the wound was In the hands of Ben Hardman. "That said gun shot wound was Inflicted by Ben Hardman. "That said shooting by Ben Hardman was justifiable under all the circumstances according to the evidence presented. (Signed: "HORACE MA ESTERS, GEOROB SCMLOSSER, CARt p. SHOEMAKER. NAPOLEON RICE. S. J. JONES, C. HARDING." After one of the most thorough In quests ever held In Douglas county, a coroner's jury this morning return ed a verdict in which they exoner ate Ben Hardman, who on Friday of last week shot down and fatally wounded John Adams, who had pre viously shot and wounded Paul Graf, near the home of Grafs' wife, at Keston. A large number of witnesses were examined during the progress of the inquest, and no stone was left un turned whereby the facts regarding the tragedy might be ascertained. In fact. District Attorney George M. Brown and Coroner N. T. Jewett were most diligent In their examina tion of the several witnesses, who told in detail the circumstances as they recalled them. Other than the witnesses w'ho were present a( the time of the shooting, several per sons were called to substantiate the contention that Adams had uttered threats against the Hardman family prior to the time of the tragedy, letters, written by Adams and found ....Art Linens and Art Accessories.... We taKe pleasure in Calling Attention to our New Line of ART GOODS lor Embroidery a Punch WorK Voile Waists Art Squares, 9-54 in. Underwear Handkerchiefs Night Dresses Jabots Corset Covers Bags Collar and Cuff Sets Doilies Crepe Kimonas Guest Towels Runners and Cushions to Match Aprons CHILDRENS' and INFANTS' LINES Brantiful Assortment. .EVERYTHING IN ART ACCESSORIES. THE LEADER INGANDKJLLINGADAMS near the scene of the shooting, were also introduced, and In a measure, explain the shooting. From the con tents of these letters it appears that Adams was a love-sick man, and through the belief that he had been wronged, visited the Hardman home with murder in his heart. That he fully Intended to kill the members of the Hardman family is unmistak able after careful consideration of tho letters. j Following the introduction of evi dence this morning District Attorney , Brown read the law governing the duties of coroner's juries, whereup on tho jury retired to deliberate. Without even discussing the affair, the Jurymen cast their Initial ballot which was unanimous In favor of justifiable homicide. The verdict was later returned into court and filed with the coroner. Following the return of the ver dict, Ben Hardman, who has been In jail since the night of the tragedy was released from custody. Showing evidence of mental strain, Hardman had little to say following his release, further than lauding the members of the sheriff's force for the manner in which he was treated during his Incarceration. Hardman would say nothing regarding the tragedy, other than informing the ofll'-ers that he intended to return to the home of his mother where he might be found at any time in the event his presence was desired. According to the usual custom of many district attorneys. Prosecuting Attorney Brown will probably sub mit the evidence adduced at the coro ner's inquest to the grand jury which convenes in November. Should the grand Jury consider the evidence sufficient they have the right to re turn an indictment charging I lard ma u with manslaughter. Should they deem the evidence Insufficient the case will pass into history without furt her comment. Graf, who was injured by a bullet at the hands of Adams, the dead man. is said to be much Improved to day, and his recovery Is almost cer tain. Inquest Is Itesuincd. The coroner's inquest over the re mains of the late John Adams, who was shot down and fatally wounded by Ben Hardman. was resumed at in Full and the court house this morning. George Rapp, proprietor of a local rooming house, was the first witness called today. He stated that Adams first came to his house on Thurs day night preceding the tragedy and rented a room. According to Mr. Rapp, Adams informed him at that time that he Intended to go to Marshneld, and consequently desired to be called In time to take the Btage on the following morning. Mr. Rapp said he was awakened as requested, and after partaking of breakfast boarded the stage in readiness to undertake the journey. Mr. Rapp testified that Adams appeared very nervous, and It was his opinion that Adams was suffering from excessive indulgence In liquors. Portions of the register introduced In evidence showed that Adams registered under the assumed name of "G. Mlcealo." David Hull, who Is employed at the Barnard stage barn testified that Adams visited the stable about two weeks ago, and la a conversation said he was going to Sugar Pine mountain "to shoot down some peo ple". Hull said AdaniB mentioned no names at the time, simply Inti mating that he was going to Sugar Pine mountain in search of trouble. Hull also said he observed two guns In Adams' possession at the time, both of which were partially conceal ed in his hip pockets. Charles Archeambeaux, a stage driver employed between Roseburg and Reston was probably the moBt Important witness interrogated this morning. Archeambeaux said Ad ams had made u number of trlpB on the stage as far &b Sugar Pine mountain, the first of which was In January or February. On the first trip Archeambeaux said Adama sim ply told him that be was going to the Hardman home in Bearch of his wife, a daughter of Mrs. Hardman. On another trip, Archambeaux Bald Adams told him he was going to the Hardman home in quest of his two children who were staying with his mother-ln-law. On the last trip', which occurred on the morning of the tragedy, Archeambeaux said Ad ams appeared very nervous and fre quently remarked that he was going to the Hardman home to "get the family" and would probably be brought back a corpse. Adams Is also alleged to have told Archeam beaux that Graf, the man who lies at Reston suffering from a bullet wound of the lung Inflicted by Ad ams, was taking too much liberty about the Hardman ranch. On the fatal trip, Archeambeaux says Adams left the stage at the summit of Sugar Pine mountain, which is about two miles from the Hardman residence. Archeambeaux also told of visiting the scene of the tragedy, and of finding a load pen cil about midway between the Hard man residence and the spot whePe Adams was fatally wounded. Arch eambeaux says Adams displayed two pencils at the time he occupied the stage, but that one of them could not bo found. Mrs. Graf was recalled this morn ing and denied a rumor to the effect that she once chased Adams from the Hardman home with a gun. Sht also branded as false another report to the effect t hat she hail once thrown a pail of hot water in Adams' face. In reply to a question as to wheth er she ever attacked Adams with a gun, Mrs. Gral said: "Had I have ever chased him from the homo with a gun I would have certainly used it. He always came to our house to raise trouble, and 1 am sure he intended to get us." Charles Form in, who discovered Adams following the shooting, was recalled to the stand this morning and told of noticing scraps of paer about the ground in the Immediate vicinity of where Adams body lay. He Identified these scraps, and also qualified as the person who yester day put them togother. The letters were Introduced jln evidence, and read In the presence of the coroner's jury. Mrs. L. C. Williams. of "'et Roseburg. was also among the wit nesses interrogated today. Mrs. Wil liams told of Adams calling at her home fine night a few weeks agm and lea vine a letter wli h her ad dressed to Mrs. John Adams or Mrs. ftllla Nelson. At the time. A damn told her to deliver the letter to Mrs Adams In person and not end It through thn mail. letter Introduced. One of the letters introduced in evidence this morning was written by Ad una on the day prior to the trag edy, and was enclosed In an envelope hearing the return mark of the Hoffman hotel, at Eugene. The let ter was addressed to "Whom It may concern." In this letter Adams not only evidenced considerable love for liis wife, but also told of his plans, to kill the members of the Hardman family whom he blamed for his do mestic troubles. This letter was in complete yesterday ijtercioon taud was only deciphered late last night. It reads as follows: "To whom It may concern: "I, John Adams do ou this day take the law In my own hands for revenge for the people that 1 do kill for Betting my wife, who used to be KUla Nelson, or now at present, Mrs. John Adams, against me. My dear sweetheart Rilla told me on the fif teenth of May she would write to me If her folks would let her in a week and It has been a month and I think she has been turned against me by her folks and It lias broken my heart. I will own up that I am crazy. I am worse than that at the present time. I have wept every day Blnce the day we parted In West Roseburg. "Am sorry for mjn deed, but I havo brooded bo much over her that my poor heart is broken for the love of my wifie, dear, which I should have, but cannot get on account of her people. We were married in Eugene at 10 o'clock on January 11, and it was the happiest hour, of my life, but It did not last long, for just as soon as her people found ft out they commenced to try to i) urate ub and finally did it, but they have not got a Nelson to doc! with this time, but have got a Pennsylvania Dutchman what dont give a damn If he does die for he Is heart broken and they broke it by persuading my dear sweetheart, Rilla, to leave me. "I am sorry I have brooded so much over It, but I will tell you the God's truth I oan't; my poor heart "idles while I am writing this for the love I should have from my dear wife who has been turned against me. "There Is one thing I wish you would do for me and that is to give my pension papers to my dear love, ft will help her In her old ago if she lives to be old which I hope to God and will pray as long as life is in my body for God to take care ot iier fur me. "Please tell my dearly beloved wife that my love Is all for her and I dye for her rather than live without her. "Good by "Yours, "JOHN P. H. ADAMS, "Spanish-American War Veteran. Co. M. 3 ft V. S. V. Inf. "P. S. Tho only thing 1 am sorry for Is that I could not get the rest of tho relation my dear wife's broth ers and sisters that were against me, there is more but I bettor not try to get them or the sheriff will get me and I would rather dye than to go to Jail, us I have a clear record. If I thought r could get them without killing any one else I would, but I don't want to kill some poor Inno cent person. I would rather leave them go for 1 am a crack shot and would not be taken alive, but dead. Good by, God bless you all and es pecially my dear wife and step chil dren. I have a brut her and sister, but nobody out here knows where they are and they are well off. Please do not try to find them and put any dls grare on them. I will carry It all. A second letter waB addressed to "My Hear Heloved Wife, Mrs. John Adams or M rs. HI) la Nelson." In this letter Adams accuses his wife of failing to keep a certain promise, no doubt made shortly prior to their separation. He also tells bis wife to accept his pension papers that she may escape hard work in the future. In this letter Adams intimates sui cide, and says he is only sorry he couldn't get some others". "My Dear Wife: I am sorry that you didn't keep your promise, If you had I would never have done this, but seeing that you did not keep It. I took It for granted that they were all against you for marrying me bo I though I would hotticr them a little bit to and put them or noine of theni out of the way ; in ca.-e ou marry again they will never bother you again. I have to -hey parted ! you and me but they will nev er p- -ou and your next TEN TAFT DELEGATES BOLT TO ROOSEVELT All are Negros From the South-Delegates go Armed and Violence is Feared-Suggested Weapons be Taken Away. MISSOURIAN AND CHAIRMAN CLASH OVER MOTION California Creates Consternation by Inscription on Banner Offending Object Removed Taft People Absolutely Refuse to Roosevelt's Plan for Seating Dele gatesWise. Man Temp. Chairman. (By Private Wire.) CHICAGO, June 18. Ten Taft negro delegatos this morn- lug surrendered to Roosevelt. If Taft la nominated It Is be- lleved that Roosevelt will bolt the convention. Violence is feared here toduy. Borne rec- ommend the disarming of all delegates and spectators enter- lug the convention. I have a seat in the convention. The feeling here In intense. Roose- velt's arrival has increased the 4 belief that his first move la de- signed to abrogate committee roll call of delegates and sub stltute Roosevelt's. IJINGER HERMANN. (Special to The Evening News.) CHICAGO, June 18. The repub lican iiatioiu-J convention was called to order and opened Its doors to the public at 11:02 o'clock tlhs morn lug, and .Immediately Chairman Itosewater, of the national commit tee called the assemblage to order. I-'iiiliIlglit Taken. A request was made at 12:16 that the great audience stand and remain quiet while a flashlight photograph was taken. Two minutes later every one In the Immense building waa brought to their feet by tho Inspir ing strains of the "Star Spangled Banner". Following the photograph ing. Father Calllgau, of tho Catholic church, pronounced the) Invocation at 12:20. At 12:25 the reading of the official rail of the convention oc-! cur red. Hardly bad tho reading concluded when Governor Hadley, er ' Missouri, arose and after receiving recognition of the chair moved to I amend the temporary roll. I tames rose to a point of order at this juncture, but was not recognized by; fhe chair. Itosewater ruled against Dudley's plan to substitute delegates for those seated by the committee. The Mlssourlnn, demanding to "be shown," apealed from the decision of the chair, but was ruled out of order. Klaiidpnt IM-lslon. Following Hud ley ' argument the opposition, led by Congressman Payne, of New York took the floor, but he waa jeered and interrupted throughout his address. At the con clusion of t lie arguments the chair called upon the clerk to read a state ment he had prepared, which ruled that all motions were out of order "THERE'S A REASON" The Deposits of this bank, which opened for business In April last Just two months ago have already excoeded $80,000.00 THE UMPQUA VALLEY BANK Officers and Directors O. V. ('OSIU)H', I'n.ldcnt J. M. TIIKONK, Ca.liK'r II. W. KTHONIJ, Vlrc-I'mldi-nt J. AIKKV, Vlrc-IVtilrtrnt II. 1. I liK.Mt A. i. HKI.IXIWK l. It. HIIAMIIIIOOK Perkins BIdg. Roseburg, Oregon EXTRA EXTRA Root elected tem porary chairman. exceptlug tiro reading of the tem porary roll. This decision waa ap-. pealed from by Hadley. California Cannes Hippie. As seats tilled up on the floor ot thq convention the congestion be came so great that police had to shove delegates down the crowded aisles to their section. California created considerable commotion when the Golden state delegation en tered bearing aloft the huge banner on which waa Inscribed: "Let tho people rule California for Roose velt 77,000 strong.' . As soon aa Sergeant at Arms Stone saw the cause of unusual excitement he de manded that Captain Healey take all banners out and allow no more to be brought Into the hall; Healey ques tioned authority for such an order, but In meantime the delegatos who carried the banner, which apparent ly had a maddening effect upon Taft. supporters, folded up the offending streamer and calm followed the sud den tempest which seemed imminent. So much noise was made In delegates finding places thnt no one could hear Chairman Rosewater pounding away with his gavel, nor wns the Invoca tion of Father Calllgan heard by many beside the ofllclul stenograph e. Tuft l'ore4'H Klmiri I'ut. When the republican national convention opened today at noon the Taft forces were firm In their re fusal of tho demand of Roosevelt do votees that the administration fac tion agree to a proposition that no vote on temporary organization be valid unless afrirmed by about 440 delegates, a majority of whose right to seats was unquestioned. Roose velt leaders declare that this propo sition wuh ii i u do In the Interest of harmony, and also because it was de sired that the proceedings of the con ven Hon bo such on to reunite the shattered wings of thn party. Taft supporters flatly refused tho of fer, saylug that It would simply mean a deadlock. I'olfre (tiiurd Peace. Great numbers of police are scat tered about the coliseum, and with them are 400 spectul deputy sheriffs. The first stale delegation to ar- ( Continued ou page 4.) "(Continued on page S ) I'