“Jail Tragedy In Hamilton Investigated,” Toronto Globe. December 3, 1919. Page 03. ---- Kowalski’s Execution May Take Place 19th Regardless of Later Murders --- POLICE SUSPECT A PLOT --- Controllers Feel Bravery of Lowry Should Be Recognized --- (Special Despatch to The Globe.) Hamilton, Dec. 2. - W. W. Dunlop, Inspector of Prisons, was in the city yesterday, and conducted a thorough investigation into the jail tragedy of Saturday. He will make a report later. Crown Attorney Washington has reported the facts of the double murder to the Minister of Justice. There is some conjecture as to whether Kowalski should be placed on trial for these murders, but the feeling is that the sentence of death for his first murder should be executed on December 19, regardless of his second and third murders. Kowalski is resting and eating fairly well, though at times he shows some restlessness. He is guarded by men accustomed to handling desperados, and is shackled hand and foot.
Kowalski’s Wife Arrested. To-night Annia Kowalski, wife of Kowalski, the murderer, condemned to be anged on December 19, is a prisoner in the jail where her husband awaits death. She was arrested at her home, 171 Sherman avenue north, between 9 and 10 o’clock. The charge against her is that she threatened to shoot James Ogilvie, Governor of the jail. With her were arrested Mike Stosek, 345 James street north, and John Kuick, 171 Sherman avenue north. They are held on a nominal charge of vagrancy. In the information laid by Governor Ogilvie he stated that Mrs. Kowalski went to the jail to-day and asked to be permitted to see her husband. When such permission was refused, she is alleged to have threatened to shoot the Governor, and he at once notified the police. Her two children, who were with her, were taken by the Children’s Aid Society. The woman made a vigorous protest against this.
Think There Was a Plot. The police of the east-end stated to-day that it was their belief that Kowalski’s attempt to break jail on Saturday was part of a plot in which friends outside were prepared to assist him with autos should he accomplish his purpose.
Should Recognize Lowry’s Bravery. The Controllers felt that there should be public recognition of the bravery of ex-Sergt. John Lowry during the terrible affair at the jail on Saturday morning. After two of his companions had been battered into helplessness by murderer Kowalski, Lowry, single-handed, grappled with the infuriated man and subdued him. In doing this he probably prevented the murderer from doing more harm and making his escape.
The board also decided to ask for a complete investigation of the affair. Some Controllers expressed the belief that there was laxity at the jail, and criticized the placing of an elderly, unarmed man as a death watch for a criminal so much his superior in physical strength.
