Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-09-20


PITTsBURG, PA, September 10
Alexander Bergman, the anarchist who
tried TO kill III. c. Frick, was placed on
trial this morning IN the Criminal
Court, Judge McClung presiding. Ii
was not generally known that the case
would be called aud there were very
few people in the court room. Berg
man looked well, Notwithstanding his
confinement, and was as cool as any one
present. He pleaded not guilty TO the
six charges Of ielonious assault and bat
terry, entering a building with felonious
intent and carrying concealed weapons.
He had no counsel and preferred to
conduct his own case.
A jury was obtained with no trouble,
and the case was opened by District
Attorney Burleigh. Ii. c. Frick was
the first witness. He told OF Bergman's
visit To the Office previous 10 the shoot
ing, and recited in graphic manner
the story OF the attempted asSassna-
ton. The clothing worn by him on the
day OF the assault was exhibited, aud
was gruesome sight. The coat and
trousers were bloody and filled with
holes. When they were shown, Berg
man coolly leaned forward, but did not
seem to take any interest in the exhibit,
He was asked II he wanted to ask any
questions, and said: al want TO ask
him II ! said | wanted 20 shoot Mr..
Lelshman, for did not" The witness
said he did not know whether he did or
not.
THAT is ALL" said the defendant, 81
have no more questions"
DR.. Litchield then took the stand
and described the nature OF Mr.. Frlck's
wounds. He was followed by Vice
Chairman Leishman, the only one pres
ent when the assault was made. His
testimony in the main was a corrobora-
tion Of the evidence given by Mr.. Frick.
When the witness concluded his tcs-
timony Bergman said: Are you sure
| intended TO shoot YonY'
Eyes, | am, and at the preliminary
hearing you said you intended TO Kill
Mr. Frick."
"What you say is not true answered
the defendant.
David Fourtney, the elevator man,
was then called, and In his testimony
said Bergman said he did not want 10
hurt anyone, but wished TO Kill Frick.
Here the com mmonwealth rested and
Judge McClung asked the defendant II
he had anything TO say. lie said he
desired an interpreter.
He refused 10 be sworn and had n
pamphlet which be started TO read from
when the Court said: "You need only
give the facts"
"Bergman-"I claim right 10 make
A full defense as have no attorney aud
no witnesses. Sknow an example will
be made OF me for my act, and little con-
cern will be had OF IL, as little as tho
murder Of John Brown and tho murder
OF the five men on the Chicago gallOws
in 1888. The injustice OF the ruling class
es is 10 blame me for this. ] belong 10
those who were murdered az Chicago.
That crime made me think and brood.
As the end striyen Tor at Chicago failed
when my friends were murdered, so will
the end sought In my case not avail"
lie had read about an hour when Judge
McClung said: "You must finish by
o'clock"
"Well," said Bergman, 81 can have
all the time / want for my defense and
will take all the time | need
"Well wo will teach YOU different II
YOU think you can dictate 70 US" said
Judge McClung. Continuing Bergman
said: "This is the beginning OF the end.
IL Is now war against the present con-
dition OF affairs. The rich grow richer
and poor grow poorer and the end is
near. These small strikes VIII soon end
In large one, and freedom 20 all work
men OF the world will follow and this
great strike Is not 80 far away as you
think. In all lands preparation Is be-
ing made for II.
"And; now for my acts.
"What was my motives Tor this crime
and what have j accomplished? Tho
proyocatlon was great"
AT this point Judge McClung said:
at isl o'clock. We will give you 6yO
minutes more"
II can't give my motives In that
time"
"Well you must" said the Court.
"My reason for my act was 10 free the
earth OF the oppressors OF the working
men. wanted to punish him, not MUIR
der him. did not assault Mr.. Frlck,
but the person who oppressed labor.
recognized no man by name, but tho
cause OF the trouble, and / wanted 70
remove the cause"
The case was then given 70 the Jury,
and without leaving the box verdict
Of guilty was found. The defendant
was at once called for sentence and said:
III did not expect justice, and j did not
get IL"
He was then sentenced 70 tWenty-one'
wears imurlsonment 10 the penitentlary
ON the five charges Of felonious assault
and entering a building With feloDlous
intent. and one year 70 the workhouse
for carrying concealed weapons. Berg
man looked sullen, and throwing BACK
his head, put his hat on and started 70
leave the room. He was AZ once taken
in charge and removed 10 jail.
An hour later Bergman was on DIS
way 70 the penltentisfy, and ats o'clock
he had donned the conylet's garo and
had begun his long term OF imprlsonr
ment.
. - !