The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-10-31
SCENE IN COURT.
EPISODE IN THE PRE-
LEMINARY HEARING OF
CHAMBERS.
The Defendant Makes His Statement, De.
nounces Bowman, and Grows Livid
With Rage-The Result.

ST.. LOUIS, October 25.-The preliminary
examination of B. NJ. Chambers for the Kill
ling of Lawyer Frank ]. Bowman resumed
at Clayton to-day. Frank Jenkins, colored,
and Miss Ella Mclaughlin testified that
Bowman made motion as if to draw a
pistol before Chambers fired the fatal shot.
The examination is progressing very
slowly.
The most sensational feature of the
Chambers-B Bowman tragedy since the kill
ing of the well-known attorney by the ex-
bank president, occurred late this after
noon, when B. M. Chambers was put on
the stand and Intercepted by Prosecutor
Warield.
Chambers recited the details of the trag-
edy, from the arrival of Bowman and
Deputy Sheriff Garrett at his place, up to
the killing of Bowman and his subsequent
arrest. The story was substantially the
same as related in the first dispatches sent
out with the exception that Chambers re-
lated the whispered conversation between
Bowman and himself on the porch prior to
the shooting. Bowman said he must have
| $13 But haven't got $13,n responded
Chambers. Then" said Bowman, II
must levy on everything in sight. |
knew the character of the
man, or rather the lack
of character, said Chambers becoming ex-
cited, and knew if he once entered the
house he would gut it without regard for
the lights or feelings of anyone. The
thought then occurred to me that l would
| frighten him off the place. | knew that
my gun and cartridges were where could
| find them in the darkRof need be, as | was
prepared for visit from the burglars, and
| entered the house, secured and loaded
the weapon. When | came out | kept
an eye on Garrett for fear he
| fIn nd CHI
When Garrett saw me he called to me to
not do that-not to shoot. | told HIM to
leave, and then turned to Bowman and
said 81 will give you ten minutes to get
off this place." | expected him to go, but
he did not move. The sight of the gun
seemed to have no effect on him whatever,
and he smiled thatcunning smile knew so
we'll. | was nonplussed. An empty gun
would have frightened me more than the
loaded one would Bowman.
"Did Bowman make motion to leaveH
asked Prosecutor Warfield.
mo" replied Chambers che did not.
He never. moved a music. A thousand
thoughts flashed through my mind. l
thought if Bowman could see a clock or
watch he would go. When the three min
utes were up | looked down at my hand as
though / had one. 1 thought that Twas in
duty bound to give Bowman the allotted
minutes. Then saw him make
motion with his hand and it
occurred to me if | did not shoot
him he would shoot me. | thought of the
Terry Field-Nagle affair, and the quickness
with which man can draw pistol and
shoot. Ny finger was on the trigger and |
pulled it, and Bowman fell"
you knew he was dead2" asked Mr..
Warfeld.
Eyes,"
You saw him fall and his hat fly up in
the air?"
Eyes, his hat flew up as though gust of
wind had struck it,"
"Where was GARRETT?
"He had gone"
"Was any one else there2''
ayes, my sister, Mrs. Hudson, ran out
and cried My God NV God what have
YOU done?" replied that was sorry for
her sake and mothers, but that l could not
help it,"
After eliciting statement of the finan-
cial dealings between Chambers and Bow
man, the prosecutor cross questioned
Chambers so closely that the defendant
lost his temper and the spectators In the
court room were keenly expectant ofa sensa-
ton but not such a,signiticant denouement
as they were treated TO.
you we're afraid Bowman would kill
you," asked the prosecutor.
Yes" replied Chambers.
"Why?
because he would do anything. He
was the d-dest scoundrel ever knew"
AS he said this Chambers leaned for
ward in his chair and his face became
liyid with rage. Spectators in the court
room arose to their feet and awaited the
finale of the scene.
"Yes, sirl' shouted Chambers hoarsely,
"never such DID scoundrel as Bowman
ever lived and rejoice that killed him."
A painful silence reigned in the
court room and the scene was
one never to be forgotten
by those whowere present. The testimony
OF Chambers in his own behalf closed the
preliminary hearing and he was held with
out bail to await action of the grand jury.
The record will be returned to the circuit
conrt at St. Charles, where a motion for
bail will be signed by Chambers attorney,
ex- Governor Chas. 7. Johnson.
Caution. Buy only DR.. Isaac Thomp-
sor' Eye Water. Carefully examine the
oup lie wrapper. None ther genuine.