Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-12-10
No. 1858.
United States
vs..
Frank K. Ward.
Murder.

Witnesses: Lewis Newmyer, James W.
Ginnity, Francis Hughes, MD, Edward N.
Scbaeffer. David C. Hamilton, Geo. T. McCul-
lum, Joshua Lloyd, Joseph Branson.
A true bill.
JOHN KEYwoRrH,
Foreman.
Such was the 'backing" on an official-look-
ing paper that lay on the desk of the clerk Of
the Criminal Court this morning. On the re-
verse of the paper was the clerks entry, Filled
in open court October 20, 1885, r. J. Mcigs.
against Frank X. Ward for shooting and caus-
ing the death of Maurice Adler. 1t was
soiled and thumb-worn paper. 1t
has been examined by MANY lawyers
and been produced in court many
times. 1t was brought out by the clerk
today, because this was the day finally set for
the trial of the case. This morning the de-
PENDANT and the lawyers interested in the case
appeared in the Criminal Court room when
Chief Justice Bingham took his seat at 10
o o'clock, but as there was another case adjourned
over from yesterday, still unfinished, it was
decided not 20 call the Ward case until O. clock
THE TRAGEDY.
Few tragedies have attracted 30 much atten-
ton as that which resulted in the indictment
that was called up in court today. The promi-
hence of the accused as business man and the
remarkable medical features of the case both
conspired to arouse and keep up great public
interest in the matter. The shooting occurred
on the night of June IS, 1889 in the Marble sa-
loon, at the corner of 9th street and PENNSYLVANIA
avenue. Adler was young man about twenty
one years OF age. Ward and Adler had had. it
was stated. misunderstanding about two
weeks before the night mentioned. That night
they met in the saloon, and after few words
the shot was fired. 1t was thought at first that
the injury was not serious. 1t soon became
evident. however, that the bullet which had inn
bedded itself in Adiers neck at the base of the
skull had fractured the spinal cord. Adler's
whole body became paralyzcd, his brain only
seeming alive.
For many weeks he fingered in this condi-
much attention. lie died October 3. nearly
four months after the wound was inflicted. No
case has been more discussed than that of
Ward. He has a wide acquaintance and many
friends. Whether he will be convicted or ac-
quilted and the probable line of defense to be
followed have been discussed, If possible,
among WashingtOnians rs much as any topic Of
the day.
When the court met at o'clock to take up
the Ward case the space outside the bar-the
space where there is standing room only"
because no chairs are provided--was we'll
hlied with spectators. The marshafs officers
were strict in enforcing the rules as to the per-
sons privileged to enter the rallied inclOsure
sacred to the bar. the accused, the witnesses
and the jurors, and that space did not fill up
very rapidly. There were some routine matters
that took the attention of the court for few
minutes. and meanwhile those interested di-
rectly in the Ward trial slowly came III.
Among the first to appear was Mr. Adler, the
father Of the victim of the tragedy, Il man Of
small stature. with black milstache and chin
beard and crisp. i-on-gray hair