Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-06-13
The Washington Disaster.


]. E. Chaplin and the cause of the disaster
at Ford's Theatre in Washington, began
its session at Willard Hall in that city
yesterday morning. The hall was filled
by throng of citizens interested in the
matter.
Several clerks testified that they had
heard some time before the catastrophe
that Ford's Theatre was not safe /; had
heard clerks express fears as to its safe
ty, but not during the past month.
Smith Thompson, testified that he had
heard frequent warnings to the clerks
not to walk in that portion of the build
ing which was roped off as dangerous.
1t was called the dead line. Two
wears ago he told q lady that the build
Ing was death-trap, but he knew that
his bread and butter was in the trap
and he took chances. He had been Il
evil engineer and had frequently gone
into the cellar where the excavation
was being made, though warned not to
do so. Witness had gone with others
to see Colonel Ainsworth when he first
took charge of the building, but Colonel
Ainsworth had declined to see them:
saying "they will know me soon
enough" The witness, continuing,
said that the relations of the clerks to
Colonel Ainsworth were such that they
were afraid to make suggestions as to
the safety of the building. Witness
continued and testified that many APP
plications for leave would have been
filed but for fear of Colonel Ainsworth
''and his right bower, Mr.. Frick."
James A. Long, q clerk, living in this
city, said he was rendered uneasy by
the excavation under the building, and
had spoken of the matter to several
other clerks.
A sensation was caused by the sud
den rising in the audience of Charles
Bapcs, brother Of one Of the men killed
IN the accident. Pointing at Col. Aims
.orlh, Mr.. Banes exclaimed, "This
nan murdered my brother, and I pro-
est against his intimidating every wit
ness vino is placed upon the stand"
He was seized by an officer and escort
ed out of the building, crying as he
went, "He murdered my brother !"
When quiet was restored Mr.. War
ner said the outbreak showed that the
presence of certain people was likely to
bring about mt least Il suspicion that
the investigation was not bringing out
the truth. He suggested the propriety
Of having the men most interested en-
Guided from further participation in the
proceedings.
The Gsputy coroner, Dr. Schaeller,
was about to explain that Mr.. Aims
worth had a right to be present when
Mr.. Perry, Colonel Ainsworth's attor-
ney, rose to make statement.
Mr.. Pcrry's appearance was the sig
nal for an immediate outbreak. An
old gentleman named Butler Fitch
shreked at the top of his voice in
the name of the murdered men, [ pro-
test against this interference on the
part OF outsiders"
Morgan Spencer, clerk from Ala
bama, rushed through the crowd, and
shaking his list at Col. Ainsworth, he
yelled, That man should be arrested
for murder and not released or bonds. "
Hundreds of men echoed these senti-
ments. Every one was standing and
nearly every one was attempting to
make himself heard. The scene was
one Ct the widest excitement.
When there was iull Mr.. Perry
made himself heard and appealed to The
sense Of justice of those present as
American citizens. This gave Mr..
Warner chance, and springing upon
chair he made a ringing speech in
which he appealed to the crowd to let
the law take its course. He begged
them not to bring disgrace upon the
capital of the nation, and said more in
this case would be accomplished with
tear than sword Mr.. Warmers
words restored degree of calmness,
and taking advantage oft DR.. Schaef-
fer adjourned the proceedings until to-
day.
The indignant clerks at once pressed
forward and surrounded the place
where Col. Ainsworth was standing
with his counsel. Threats against him
were uttered freely and another out
'eak was imminent when the Colonel,
guarded by his friends and several po-
ilccmen, made his exit through side
door that led into the hotel. The
crowd Kissed as he passed and yelled
coward"
Later an indignation meeting was
held and it was resolved that a petition
be sent to the President asking him to
prevent the exclusion of the public
from the inquest, but insisting upon
the exclusion of Colonel Ainsworth and
requesting that Col. Ainsworth be
suspended pending the result of the i'll
vestigation.
Immediately after the adjournment
of the meeting the committee appoint
ed held a conference and decided not
to visit the President.
The court of inquiry appointed by
Secretary Lamont to inquire into the
causes of the accident, met in the War
Department yesterday, with General
Casey presiding. After formal organ
ization it adjourned until such time rs
the conclusion of the coroner's inquest
will permit the summoning of witnesses
and the attendance of Colonel Aims
worth. The board will determine
whether or not Col. Ainsworth should
be tried by court-martial for neglect of
duty.