SAYS ASSAILANT
USED CLOROFORM.
MRS. W. A. JOHNSON TELLS OF
ATTEMPT ON HER LIFE.
WOKE WITH PAPER OVER FACE.
THEN SHE WAS STRUCK AND
KNEW NO MORE.
Weapon Used by Her Assailant Is
Found -- The Woman Is Dying,
but May Make Fur-
ther Statement.
Mrs. William A. Johnson, Buckner, Mo., who was struck in her bedchamber on the night of August 20 by an unknown person, became conscious yesterday morning. In the afternoon she made a statement which throws much light upon the attempted assasination. Several discoveries were also made during the day which will aid the authorities in their search.
"When I awoke," said Mrs. Johnson, "I had a drowsy sensation. At the same time I was conscious of a newspaper over my face. A strange smell was in the room. I tried to get up, and succeeded far enough to see that t here was a light in the room. Then all became blank.
"I do not know who struck me, but I have my suspicions."
The attending physician said last night that Mrs. Johnson's rally was only a temporary one and that she might die at any moment.
The weapon with which Mrs. Johnson is supposed to have been struck has been found. It is a piece of lead weighing about three and a half pounds, shaped like a cartridge, three and a half inches long and one and a half inches wide. Its size corresponds with the shape of the wound on Mrs. Johnson's head.
A bottle of chloroform, two-thirds empty, was found in the drawer of a dresser which those familiar with the house say was used only by Johnson himself.
"I did not know that there was a bottle of chloroform in the house," said Mrs. Johnson.
Additional proof that the married life of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson was unhappy was furnished yesterday when it was discovered that about six months ago Mrs. Johnson consulted an attorney in this city with a view of getting a divorce from her husband. After talking to the lawyer she decided not do to so.
Johnson spent most of the day in Kansas City yesterday, accompanied by Whig Keshlear, a speciall officer, who had been detailed to guard him. In case Mrs. Johnson should die papers charging Johnson with murder in the first degree have been prepared and will be served at once. In that case the preliminary hearing will be held the day fter the funeral before Justice James Adams in Buckner.
County Prosecutor I. B. Kimbrell is holding himself in readiness to go to Buckner and take the dying statement of Mrs. Johnson.
