The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-11-12
THOMAS CONDITION.
Tho Salvation Army Captain Was In
proved Somewhat Last Night.


Tho Salvation Army Captain Was I'M
proved Somewhat Last Night.
According to the statements of several OF
the members of the salvation army con-
corning the injuries received by Captain ].
Thomas last Thursday the conduct of the
three men who committed the assault was
of brutal nature and without any justif-
cation. A member of the army was inter-
viewed at the rooms of Mr.. Thomas yester-
day. She says she was an eye witness of
the affair and told the following story to
reporter: "We were marching up Main
street. as usual, on Thursday evening. As
we were about opposite the Atlas saloon
three men wearing high hats came out in
the street and began to march behind US.
In the rear of the column was Mr.. Corbett.
member of the army. The conduct of
the three men, who acted as if they were
under the influence of liquor. received no
attention from us at first, and it was not
until one of them followed Mr.. Corbett 80
close and annoyed him by kicking his heels
every time he took 4 step that any OF our
number made remonstrance. MIR. Corbett
turned about and asked the man who was
kicking not to march 80 close. Then it was
that the trouble commenced. The reply
that Mr.. Corbett received was vicious
blow in the head from his annoyer. his cap
falling to the ground. Captain Thomas. who
Was at the head of the column went to the
rear at once to see what the trouble
was. He saw Corbett's cap in the mud and
stopped to pick it up. As he was leaning
over the three men rushed upon him with
blows and kicks. It was horrible sight
and l became 80 excited and confused that
did not know what to do. It was all over
in a minute. We picked Mr.. Thomas up and
the first thing noticed was the blood
streaming down his face from wound IN
the head. Never mind he said. We con-
tinued our marching and he did not seem to
he hurt very much and did not complain.
The next day he began to feel the effects of
the beating and said that he had severe
pains in his side. Then he got worse and
had to 90 to bed.'
Last night at an early hour MIR. Thomas
condition was little improved. He is still
at his rooms in the rear of the Salvation
Army barracks, where he Is being cared for
by his wife and fellow members of the
army. DR.. Lesser is attending him, and is
doing all that can be done for his recovery.
Mrs. Thomas desires to thank those who
have expressed sympathy tor them. She is
very hopeful that her husband will soon re-
cover from the injuries. The members of the
Salvation Army who were at Mr.. Thomas
bedside yesterday were unable to say who
The men were that committed the assault.
Mrs. Thomas is only concerned in her hus-
bands condition and does not seem dis
posed to make an inquiry as to the identity
Of the men.
Another version of the affair is given by
one who was present and who had card in
this paper last Sunday morning headed
Two Sides to the Matter" and signed by
zone of the Brigade" The facts as related
by him are as follows: When the Salvation
Army were just passing the Atlas saloon,
the silk hat party came out to go up town.
As they did not want to take the sidewalk
and be jostling the people, and as the Sal
walton Army was marching on either side
of the track, the hat party took up their
march between the lines of the salvation
people. They were going along without
disturbing any one when one of the saliva
tionists struck at one of the hat brigade.
He was promptly knocked down. The
captain came to his rescue and got dose
of the same medicine. That settled the
row. and the hat brigade marched on
quietly.