Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-10-26

Colonel Bowman, created a sensation at the
preliminary hearing. He stated emphatic
ally that Bowman was the worst scoundrel
that ever lived, and, that he was glad he had
killed him. He thought the dead man was
going to draw weapon and therefore fired.
ST. LOUIS, October 25.-The most sensa-
tional feature of the Chambers Bowman
tragedy since the killing of the well-known
attorney BY the ex-bank President, occurred
late this afternoon when B. M. Chambers
was put upon the stand and interrogated by
Prosecutor Warfeld. Chambers recited the
details of the tragedy 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 substan-
TALLY the same as related in the first dis
patches sent out, with the exception that
Chambers related the whispered conversa-
ton between Bowman and himself on the
porch prior to the shooting. Bowman said
he must have 81 800.
"But have not got S13," responded
Chambers
''Then," said Bowman, 81 must levy on
everything in sight"
THE PRISONERS STORY.
"I knew the character of the man, or
rather the lack of character" said Cham
bers, becoming excited. land knew that
ii he once entered the house he would gut it
without regard for the rights or feelings of
anyone. The thought then occurred to me
that would frighten him off the place. I
remembered that my gun, unloaded, and
with cartridges where could find them in
the dark if needed, as 1 was prepared for
visit from burglars, and 1 entered the house,
secured and loaded the weapon.
"When came out kept an eye on Gar
rett, for fear he would see the gun and shoot
me. When Garrett saw me, he called to
me to not do that-not to shoot. 1 told him
to leave, and then turned to Bowman and
off this place 1 expected him to 60, but
he did not move. The sight of the gun
seemed to have no effect on him whatever,
and he smiled that cunning smile knew SO
we'll. I was nonplussed. An empty gun
would have frightened me more than the
loaded one did Bowman"
"Did Bowman make motion to leave?"
asked Prosecutor Warfeld.
"No," replied Chambers, che did not.
He never moved a muscle. A thousand
thoughts flashed through my mind. 1
thought that if Bowman could see clock
or watch he would go when
THE THREE MINUTES
were up. looked down at my hand as
though looking at watch, though had
none. I thought that was in duty bound
to give Bowman the allotted three minutes.
Then 1 saw him make a motion with his
hand, and it occurred to be that if did not
shoot him he would shoot me. Thought of
the Terry-Field-Nag affair, and the quick
ness with which a man could draw pistol
and shoot. My finger was on the trigger,
and pulled it and Bowman fell"
''You knew he was dead?" asked Mr..
Warfeld. u
''Yes." N, ~- ~
"You saw him fall and his hat fly up in
the arr"
"Yes, his hat flew up as though gust of
wind had struck it. !"
'Where was GARRETT"
"He had gone"
"Was anyone else tbere?"
eyes, my sister, Mrs Hudson, ran out
and cried MY God, my God, what have you
done?' replied that 1 was sorry for her
sake and mothers, but that could not
help it."
SOMETHING OF A SENSATION.
AFTER eJlcltlnB sIdCeLnenC OI TIE unGnclal
dealings between Chambers and Bowman
the prosecutor cross-questioned Chambers so
closely that the defendant lost his temper
and the spectators in the courtroom were
keenly expectant of sensation, but not
such significant one as they were treated to.
"You were afraid Bowman would kill
you?" asked the prosecutor.
"Yes," replied Chambers.
"Why?"
because he would do anything. He was
the - scoundrel ever know"
9 As he said this Chambers leaned forward
in his chair and his face became livid with
rage. Spectators in the courtroom arose
to their feet and awaited the finale of the
scene.
"Yes, SIR" shouted Chambers, hoarsely;
"never Such a - scoundrel as Bowman
ever lived, and 1 rejoice that I killed him."
Painful silence reigned in the courtroom,
and the scene was one never to be forgotten by
those who were. present. The testimony Of
Chambers in his own behalf closed the pre-
liminary hearing, and he was held without
bail to await the action of the grand jury.
The record will be returned to the Circuit
Court at st. Charles, where motion for
bail will be argued by Chambers attorney,
Ex-Governor Charles P. johnson.