The San Antonio light. (San Antonio, Tex.) 1883-1886, 1883-05-09
Mrs. Thompson and Others Say Davis Was
Innocent and the Storya
Fabric 4tion.


Miss Buckner, of Harrodsburg, made a state
ment to the Hon. Phil Thompson that hi,
friend Walter Davis, had made his wife drunk
and then debauched her. A few days after
this, on April II Thompson and when
Davis met. Davis saluted Thompson who
repulsed him and then shot him dead
He then gave himself up, and
at the preliminary examination he de.
Tended himself thus
MAY it please your honor know it is not
customary on occasions of this kind for the
person appearing before the court to make
any statements Of the facts, butt deem it due
10 myself, the position l occupy, the COM
munity in which have lived so long, and
who have so often honored me that should
say something in reference to this unfortunate
affair. | need not point to my long life and
unblemished character for honor before this
people as a justification OF what do, but do
feel that they should know from me, or hear
from me, portion at least OF the history of
this case. Last December, being called to
Washington by the duties growing out Of my
position, was accompanied by my wife to
Cincinnati, and being anxious to get to Wash
lngton as soon as possible, | left that city on
Monday, the same day Of my arrival there.
and left her with friends. The next day Mr.
Davis, the deceased, came to Cincinnati. and
having met her upon the street, registered
himself at hotel, and learning from her and
the lady who accompanied her that she was
stopping at the ST. Clair hotel he followed her
there, where he registered himself again under
a N cd ra and fen
took her out, and, having piled her with
drink against the protests OF her friends until
she was utterly besotted, well knowing her
inhrmity in that regard, continued his appli-
cation until he carried her to his room. de-
bauched her, made her the victim, in her
unfortunate condition, of his degraded lust,
then turned her out to wander where she
would until picked up by the night watch
man and carried to her friends. Having ac-
complisbed my dishonor, he left the house
before breakfast. While had been informed
before OF some OF the facts relating to her in
toxicatlon, and that he was the cause of her
public exposure and degradation at the hotel |
did not know the extent of the wrong until |
on Tuesday night last, as came home, Twas
fully informed OF the infamy which he had
heaped upon her and my family. | do not
believe that l will receive the censure of this
people, but whatever is the will of the court
l will bow to and bear with as becomesa good
citizen. This has broken up and DESTROYED
my domestic relations, my peace and happi-
ness. My daughter, dearer to me than all
else on earth, is an exile from home, an out
cast IRON society She has sobbed herself to
sleep on my bosom under this great calamity,
part OF which only she knew. This blood Is
but feeble atonement for her tears, and if he
had hundred lives all of them would not
atone for this great wrong. For the first time,
this morning met him, and feel that did
what every man who has a home which he
loves, and daughter dear to him, would do
II he has the courage to defend them from
wrong. In this expect and feel that will
receive the sympathy OF the good and virtu-
Gus, and now submit it to the action of the
court"
This defence was listened to with marked
silence, and there was scarcely dry eve in
court when he had concluded.
Judge c. A. Hardin who heard the cose
then said: at is perhaps improper in me.
occupying the position of Judge, to express to
Mr.. Thompson: the sympathy feel for him
as man. Under my official duty am com |
PEELED to hold him to answer any charge the ]
grand jury may find. | will allow him to give I
bail in the sum OF $1,000" !
The body OF Davis was buried on the fol- 1
owing day. He was an Odd Fellow and a t
Knight OF Honor, and both societies were re- y
presented in full regalia. An immense crowd |
vas present. !
IhomPson's son, lad of ID, espouses his 1
Mothers side, and says that Miss Buckner is |
he cause OF the trouble, and that if she STAYS
here he will kill her on sight Miss Buckner. S
Who acquainted Thompson with the action Of n
lis wife and Davis, is at the house OF Thomp- v
on's father. Mrs. Thompson was living f
here me father and mother of Thompson
'spouSihg her cause and asserting her inno-
ence. On Miss Buckner's arrival she left
md is at friends house, where she is care. a
ully guarded from interviews Z
In an in efvlew with New York Sun re- !,
'orter Mrs. Robinson. the mother OF Mrs. w t
j. Davis, said: ''Mrs. Davis knew nothing Q
Il the couse OF the killing until told her last y