The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-09-23
THE PRISON MURDER
Inquest by Coroner Eden at
San Quentin.
Testimony Concerning the Killing Of Con-
YiGt Bailey.
lie Received Nine Fatal Wounds In the
Neck-The Murderer Said BE
Vas Threatened.
Special to THE MoRSrNs CALI

SAN RAFAEL, Sept. 22.-The excitemen t
over the murder of Bailey by "Dutchy"
Baker at San Quentin lastevening is already
a thing of the past at the prison, so far as
the convicts are concerned. Everything is
running along as usual. This morning Cor
oner Eden impaneled a jury and drove to the
prison. where an autopsy and inquest were
held. On examining the body it was found
that the murderous Baker had inflicted nine
wounds on his victim, all of which were
within a space of two inches square, show
ing that when he drew back his victims
head he continued labbing him with his
knife until his hand was arrested by fellow
convict.
During the inquest Bailey's aged mother
appeared, and it was with difficulty that she
could be soothed At times she upbraided
her sons murderer, and then, being over
come by grief gave way to tears. 1t was
a most heartrending scene to see the mother
of the murdered man when the murderer
was called upon to testify.
THE TESTIMONY.
There were seven witnesses examined.
Their testimony elected the following facts:
Amos Lunt, the guard who was in the
dining-rOom ut the time Of the MURDER testl-
fed as follows: About 2 o'clock yesterday
afternoon l went to the dinng-room to see
that the prisoners were orderly while being
seated happened to look in the direction
of Bailey and saw Baker in the act OF strik-
ing him Iran forward, and saw knife in
Bakers hand. demanded the knife, which
he gave up. | then took Baker out and de-
HYered him to Guard Gallagher When l
returned, Bailey had been removed to the
Morgue by convicts. When Baker struck
Bailey he said: You - -, l have
fixed you. You can never threaten NE
again"
The testimony Of the other guards in the
dining-TOOm at the time corrooorates that
Of Lunt in every particular. Charles w.
COrlew, an inmate Of the prison, who was
standing abo ut four yards from Bailey and
Baker when the affair occurred, testified
that Baker came into the room after Bailey
had been seated. He walked quickly In
BaiIey's direction. and, grasDiug his head,
drew it ba k and began cutting. Bailey
uttered groau and fell to the floor. he
never knew Of any trouble between the men.
THE MURDERER TEsTIFIEs.
Henry Baker. the murderer, is about 26
years of age. When called upon to testify
he stepped up and was sworn. Not
muscle OF his lace moved, ana ne was lnt
picture Of self-c0mpOSure. He gave his
testimony clearly and without hitch, and
did not seem to take into consideration what
the consequences of his murdeTOus act are
likely to be. He testified as follows: 81
have been an inmate of the prison about
eight years, and have been working in the
laundry for the greater portion Of that time.
My trouble with James Bailey dates back
about two years. He cut me in the lack
once in the jute-mill, and since We have not
been friendly. Last Saturday he came no
TO me. pulled a knife from his bosom, and
asked me what l meant b. insulting him. l
told him to 90 away: that l wanted
nothing to do with him. lie told me TO pull
my knife. l said / had no knife, and Bailey
said: This is the last chance l will give
YOU Sunday ne laid around the yard try
ing to get me in a closet where he could
sneak in on me. When l went into the
dning-rOOm last night | saw Bailey watch
ing me. As got opposite his table he NUT
tered q curse and made motion as II to
draw his knife. As he was arising from the
table | caught him by the throat and in
hIcted the wounds. ! have always carried
the knife, as | was afraid OF Bailey. We
had been good friends for years lntu cur
dispute OF two years ago"
John SlOCum, another convict, was eX-
smined, but his testimony did not coincide
with that of Baker.
The jury returned verdict that "the de-
ceased came to his death by knife wounds
inflicted by Henry Baker"
A warrant las been sworn to charging
Baker with murder, and he will be brought
here for preliminary examination.