The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-06-13

toned further about this feeling
and he said it extended to Jacob Freech,
Col. Ainsworth's right bower, and the
chronic pessimist of Washington, and to
0. B. Brown, chief clerk Of the building.
jefferson w. Carter, a clerk on the
third floor of the wrecked building, took
the stand, but before he began his
testimony DR.. Shaeffer received a letter
| from Attorney General Olney rendering
the use of an assistant to give professional
adVlce IN conducting the inquiry. This
oder was declined because the district
attorney had already made the same
offer.
LETTER FROM LAMONT.
Another letter to the coroner created a
buzz. 1t was from Col Lamont, Secretary
OF War, and read as follows: In the
matter of the investigation now in
progress before the corOner's jury in re
gard to the loss of life on June 8, 1893, at
the Tenth street building, which
was occupied by the record
and pension office of the
war department, the department
is informed that apprehension exists
| among department employees that they
may jeopardize their positions by testify
ing before the jury. 1t seems hardly
necessary for me to say that such appre-
hensiOn is entirely gromdless, but to
allaY any such fear as may exist | beg to
inform you that no emplOye of the de-
partment will endanger his position in
any way on account of any such testi-
mony given before the coroner's jury in
this case"
Mr.. Carter was asked by Mr. Warner
about the feeling between Col. Ainsworth
and his clerks, but DIR. Shaeffer inter
rupted, saying the investigation must be
confined to the cause of the calamity
MIR. Warner replied with some feeling
that great many eXtraneOus subjects
had been introduced and some of them
had showed a bitter feeling against Col.
Ainsworth. He thought he had
order to satisfy his mind whether
there was or was not any prejudice on the
part of witnesses that would cause them
to do injustice to officers of the govern
ment.
DIGGING A GRAVE.
This furry passed over and Mr.. Carter
said in answer to a question, that there
had been a common rumor among the
clerks that the building was insecure.
He had heard casual comments about the
insecurity of the building while the ex-
caYation was being made, and only the
other day, June or 4, he supposed, Will
lam Schrieber, who was killed in the dis
aster, said to him, pointing to the exava-
ton: Garter, l see they are digging
your grave.n Both Schrieber and Mul-
ledy, who were killed, had frequently
spoken to him about the dangerous con-
dition of the building
David H. p Brown, a third floor clerk,
had been warned by a messenger nearly
every afternoon to go carefully on the
stairs. Mr.. Brown was asked if there
was any fear on the part of the clerks
that they would be disturbed If they pro-
tested against remaining in the building.
! Eyes, sir. :" he answered, and then quickly
added, Il decline to answer that ques-
ton"
"On what grounds do you decline to
answered. asked Dr. Shaeffer.
"On the ground of my own position"
''Did you hear the letter of the Secre-
| tary of War read promising protection to
the clerks who testlfed?"
Eyes, sir. " was the answer.
F'I do not fear Col. AinSworth, for he
has done me two favors, but l do fear Mr.,
Freech," (whom Mr.. Thompson called
Col. Ainsworth's right bower).
Mr. Brown finally decided to answer
the original question. He said there was
much feeling about the insecurity of the
building, and a great many clerks, him
self among them, would have protested, if
they had had the courage to do so, against
being kept in the old theater."
What had the clerks to apprehend,' -
was asked.
Discharge" ," said Mr. Brown.
James A. Long, another clerk, had felt
so insecure since the excavation began
that he had secured leave of absence and
applied for insurance on his life.
A SENSATIONAL INTERRUPTION.
Albert N. Crosby, third floor clerk,
was not allowed to finish his testimony.
While he was being examined a man
walked slowly to a place behind Col.
AinswOrth's chair and said something in
such loud voice that it brought the warn
ing: "Shl ShH' from some Of those
present. But the man was not to be
hushed He stepped forward and stand
ing beside and directly over Col Aims
worth said in a voice trembling with
passion: ''You murdered my brother
and I'd like to know what right you have
to sit here and intimidate witnesses"
There was a moments silence after this
passionate outburst and then a wild shout
of approval.
Col. Ainsworth sat calmly in the chair
without even turning his head to see who
had denounced him.
Lieut.. Amiss of the police force walked
over to the diSturber and pushed him to-
ward the doorway.
''Who is hel" asked some one.
''His name is Charles G.. Banes, whose
brother was kllleQ, 90 was JOe answer from
a dozen clerks. Mr.. Banes is real estate
agent.
The shouts of the government clerks
present continued. ''That's right He
did it, put him out" were all indorse-
ments Of the accusation of Mr.. Banes.
LOOKED DANGEROUS FOR AINswoRTH.
Some men were on their feet and it
looked for a minute as if Col. Ainsworth
was in danger, but sharp words from the
police lieutenant finally brought quiet.
Before the witness was allowed to pro
ceed B. H. Warner, one of the jurors and
wealthy citizen of Washington sug-
gested to the coroner that the episode
that had just occurred showed the exist
ence of a feeling that could best be 81
fenced by the withdrawal of the parties
against whom it was directed. II men
ton no names" said Mr. Warner, "but
simply make a suggestion that the party
most concerned should withdraw, as there
is a belief among many of those
here that his presence serves as an
intimidation to the witnesses. There is a
feeling here which does not break out,
hut which is nevertheless present, that
intimidation is being carried on, and |
therefore object to the presence Of any
person who is likely to be blamed for par
ticipation in this affair"
Loud applause followed Mr.. Warmers
remarks and DR.. Shaeffer whispered a
request to Col AinswOrth to withdraw.
Il t..Wnr and an