The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1882-07-13

Was 1t an As,-ssinat ton or a Homicide?
The sudden taking off of Jack Harris left
so little time for discussion that Our citizens
are just beginning to realize the enormity Of
the act and to form their opinions upon the
evidence so far adduced. The opinion which
seems to prevail in all quarters is that the kill
ing of Jack Harris by Ben Thompson was
murder as ioul as any that has stained the
name of our community in the past.
Had Thompson taken plque at some
! other of our citizens, tor Instance MAJOR
Kampmann, his HONOR the mayor, or Par
son Neil, and had deliberately visited thei.
premises, under similar circumstances and
shot his victim from behinpa screen, instead
Of being on trial to-day he would have been
nung b, an outraged community without the
Intervention OF the forms OF law.
There was no good reason for Thompson
killing Harris-,here had been no injury done
Thompson by Harris grave enough 10 excite
his revense-there was no sue den quarrel, in
which the heat of passion was aroused bu.
1t was long drawn cut skImlsh to dellbeI
ately kill Harris, who Knowing the character
of his opponent, determined to defend him
self and his premises to the death.
for him. Harris coming in unarmed learned
that Thompson had been in and making
threats, and he did what any other man
would have done, he got his shot gun and
stood inside his room ready to defend him
self and premises against assault, while So
standing he was shot down.
From all the testimony before us, from all
the circumstances attending this unfortunate
affair, we can't help but refer to the fact thai
thompson was allowed to assail an establish
ment and its proprietor who was left the denler
resort of taking his gun and standing at his
threshold to defend himself, when there were
plenty of police and the scene OF the tragedy
was within calling distance Of the sheriff. Of
fee and the mayors office.
Had Thompson come stealthly to the city
and slipped upon his victim, unawares it
would have been different, but he Ime in open
daylight-he made himself conspicuous upon
the streets-he was cornwall with Ibis honor
he expressed repeatedly mis- determination
to close up Harris saloon; he seemed to court
interference, to challenge the peace officers to
place him in restraint, but up to the very mo-
ment of the killing the guardians of the public
peace kept out of his way, and allowed him
to a>sai the most pubic place in our city and
Kill a man and walk away, eventually surren-
de'ing himself to the custody of the law as il
he had done deed worthy Of commentator
| at least excusable.
Thompson is peace officer of the state; he
knew that his presence at the Vaudeville
would provoke trouble, but he not only wen,
there but he went there to seek out the pro-
prietor and to engage in a deadly encounter.
We say, give Thompson full justice, but let
the majesty of the law be INDICATED. He had
no more right to Kill Jack Harris than he had
to kill the most worthy citizen OF our town.
Mr.. Bergh the Il, & Por Oning Outrage.
Notwithstanding circumstances the practice
of dog poisoning still continues. This very
morning a crowd OF children watched the re-
voting scene Of poor dying animal on the
Military plaza which. to crown the infamy,
had collar on with its license tag. mo. 80,
1882"
tits high time that the inhuman miscreants
who, apparently act under protection OF an
unconstitutional law, should be deservedly
punished.
have received from Mr. Bergh, of New
York, the following letter, which | submit to
the public, asking all persons who Sympathize
with the movement to join in the formation Of
such society which shall prevent this and
other outrageS. ). A.
New YORK, July s, 1882.
S. ANTOLDI, ESQ-Dear Sir: Your postal,
with copy of The EVENING LIGHT of date
une 10, 1882, was received
The marked article in the paper, recites
scence which, if true, is digrace to any CIV
illzed community. and does not argue well for
the cause of humanity. You ask: "Could
you not suggest some remedy"
Ireply, yes. Organize society for the
prevention of cruelty to animals at San An
tonic, for the purpose of enforcing the humane
statutes OF your state: insist that all animals
condemned or otherwise, be killed in a hui
name manner and, il possible have the mat
ter placed entirely under the control of your
society.
All Galveston. there is society in active
operation, of which P. c. Tucker Esq, is
president, w. I. Austin, Sr., secretary, and
| would suggest correspondence with either
of these gentlemen. with reference to organi-
zation.
have caused to be forwarded to your ad-
dress copy of our charter, bylaws and other
documents pertaining to our work, with the
hope that they NAV aid YOU to accomplish the
object suggested herein.
Very respectfully,
HENRY BRRGH, JR Sec'y.
JUDGE SEIMERING will lecture before the
normal school.