****************** The Daily News Batavia, Genesee County, New York State April 28-1881 # 3 Stockley's Terrible Crime, And the Excitement It Has Caused In and About Batavia. Stockley, the Assassin, Interviewed this Morning What He Says About the Murder. The terrible murder which occurred on the farm of John WELKER yesterday has created intense excitement in this quiet community and is said to be one of the most atrocious crimes ever committed within the borders of Genesee county. After the crime was committed, and the prisoner lodged in jail, little knots of people congregated on the streets and conversed about the horrible affair. Statement of the Murderer. This morning a few members of the press called upon STOCKLEY at the jail for the purpose of having an interview. The statement which he made does not deviate much from the sworn statement made before Justice JOHNSON yesterday. Upon being questioned as to whether he committed the rash act because WELKER would not consent to his marriage with the daughter Libbie, he answered in the negative. The prisoner further stated to the reporters that he did not love the girl, and only treated her as a friend. "When I came back from the village WELKER was in the lot plowing, and as he passed the bars against which I was leaning he came to a stand still, and at the same time ordered me to leave his premises, saying if I did not he would knock my brains out. WELKER picked up a stone, and thinking he intended to carry out his threat I PULLED OUT MY REVOLVER AND FIRED." "He has threatened violence to me dozens of times and that is the reason I purchased the revolver with which to defend myself." The murderer further stated that the girl, Libbie, had shown him considerable favor, and that Mrs. WELKER had also talked favorably of the daughter's marriage with him, but that had nothing to do with the affair. "My father is a farmer, he is 73 years old and my mother is 51. I have worked about home nearly all my life; was born in Darien, this last winter I have been employed in the lumber districts of Michigan, but before I left WELKER's employ last summer it was understood that I was to come back this spring and go to work for him. He always treated me well when I was with him before and I had no cause to complain. I have been in trouble before but never was confined to jail." STOCKLEY was offered a cigar, but declined to smoke, saying that he had no bad habits with the exception OF A VERY BAD TEMPER, over which he had no control. He did not converse much about the murder, but when the questions were put to him, he answered them intelligently and seems to fully realize the great crime which he has committed. He still conducts himself in an exceedingly cool manner, but informed one of the reporters that he did not sleep much of any last night on account of his constant worrying. Libbie WELKER, the innocent CAUSE OF THE MURDER, is about 17 years of age, she is a comely girl, and altogether too young to marry. Coroner TOZIER has empanneled a jury, and as we go to press with the first edition is holding a post mortem examination. The murder will create a great deal of talk for some time among our citizens. The sentiment against STOCKLEY is very strong. ** Father Carrahar's Libel Suit. It will be remembered that some time ago the wife of Owen CARRAHAR, of Rochester, made statements at the office of the Overseer of the Poor which were published in the city press and reflected severally on Rev. Thomas J. CARRAHAR of Cuba, Allegany county. The Elmira 'Telegram' copied one of the articles in question and, in spite of the fact that it published an explanation, Rev. Mr. CARRAHAR instituted a suit for libel. The suit has just been discontinued and the 'Telegram' comments on it as follows: It is fair to say that since the discontinuance of the action we have been informed that Father CARRAHAR instructed his lawyers not to serve the complaint or press the matter any farther, but that the complaint was served through misapprehension or misunderstanding. We are glad Father CARRAHAR has cleared his skirts of the imputation of duplicity and that he carried out the word he personally gave us that the action should be discontinued. In thus legally closing up this suit we desire to offer a few remarks to Mr. CARRAHAR in particular and the public in general. Toward this gentleman personally we have no unkindly feeling, although he has subjected us to useless expense and continued annoyance. The motive which actuated the institution of this suit must forever remain a secret in his breast. But one thing has been demonstrated beyond the least shadow of a doubt that the 'Telegram' is ever ready to render justice to any man, but is very backward in pleading the baby act or paying tribute to any body, high or low rich or poor. We have no desire to reproach Mr. CARRAHAR for the course which he has pursued, he claims to have acted in good faith and we regard him as a gentleman who would do nothing beyond that . But for his benefit, as well as the benefit of other misguided men who may unfortunately be induced to follow in his footsteps, we unequivocally announce that no person or persons can scare us into a settlement when we are conscious that we are in the right. - Rochester 'Express' ** submitted by Linda Schmidt *********************************************