Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-06-13
passed over. and Mr.. Carter said in answer
TO question that there had been common
rumor among the clerks that the building
was insecure.
DIGGING HIS GRAVE.

insecurity of tho building while the exca-
tion WAS being made. and only the other
day tJune Sd or sth) he supposed William
Schreiber, who was killed IN the disaster.
raid 10 him, pointing TO the excavation J:
" Carter, soc they're digging your grave. v
Both Schreiber and Mulcdy, who were
killed. bad frequently spoken TO him about
the dangerous condition of the building.
David III. &. Brown. a third. floor clerk.
had boon warned by messenger nearly
every afternoon TO 90 carefully on the
stairs. MIR. Brown was asked IL there was
any fear on the part OF the clerks that they
would be turbed II they protested against
remaining IN the building. "Yes. sir.r he
answered. and then quickly added, II de-
cline to answer that question" "On what
ground do you decline TO answer ?" asked
Dr. scaaeffer. "On the ground of my own
position"
Did you hear tho letter of the Secreta-
ry OF War road promising protection to
clerks who testifed?"
YES. sir" was the answer. II do not
fear Colonel Ainsworth. for he has done
me two favors, but do fear Mr.. French.
whom MIR. Thompson called Colonel Aims
worth'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 great many clerks. himself
had had the courage to do so against be-
ing kept in the old theatre.
What had the clerks TO epprehend?"
was asked.
Discharge" said Mr.. Brown.
James A. Long, another clerk, had felt
60 insecure since the excavation began
that he had secured leave OF Absence and
applied for insurance on his life. Albert
n. Crosby. third floor clerk, was not a.
lowed IN finish hrs
STARTLING ACCUSATION.
While be was beng examined man walk
cd slowly TO place behind Colonel Aims
worth's chair and said something in such q
loud voice that it brought warning
"Sh-sh-" from some of those present.
But the man was not TO be hushed. He
stepped forward. and standing behind and
directly over Color Ainsworth. cried In
O voice trembling with passion: You
murdered INV brother. and Id like to know
what right you have to sIt here and intiml-
date witnesses" There was n moments
silence after this passionate outburst, and
then n wild shout of approval.
Colonel Alnsworth sat calmly IN bis
chair without even turning his head TO see
who denounced him. Lieutenant AIMS. OF
the police force, walked over TO the dis
turber and pushed him toward doorway.
"Who Is he?" asked some one.
HIS name is Charles q. Banes. whose
brother was killed" was the answer from
dozen clerks.
Banes Is real estate agent. The shout
of the clerks continued. That's right;
ne did 1T" put him out" were the en-
dorsements of the accusation of Banes.
AINswoRTH APPARENTLY IN DANGER.
Some men were on their feet. and it
looked for minute as If Colonel Aims
~ hut hQr rrnr ia
from the police lieutenant finally brought
quiet.
Before the witness was allowed to pro-
ceed Mr.. u. N. Warner. one of the Jurors,
and q wealthy citizen OF Washington, sug-
gested 10 the coroner that the episode
that had Just occurred showed the ex-
istence of feeling that could best be
silenced by the Withdrawal OF the parties
against whom II was directed.
II mention no Names" SAID Mr.. War
ner, but simply make the suggestion
that the party most concerned should
withdraw as a party. There Is belief
among many OF those present that his
presence serves as an intimidation 70 VIII
nesses. There is feeling here which does
not break ont. but which is nevertheless
present, that intimidation IS being carried
on. and therefore object 10 the presence
Of anv person who is likely to be blamed
for participation IN this affair"
AINswoRTH WILL NOT WITHDRAW.
Loud applause followed Mr. Warmers
remarks. and DR.. Schaeffer whispered a re-
ouest to Colonel Ainsworth TO Withdraw.
Ue refused TO do So however. and the
coroner. turning 10 the jury, said he had
no right 10 exclude from the hearing any
person who was likely to be party 10 the
verdict.
lg a cin Il. hnQn
afraid TO testify and would have refused
TO do so but for the letter of the Secretary
of War.
Mr.. Ross Perry. as the representative of
Colonel Alnsworth. arose 10 make some re-
marks on the subject, aud his first word
was signal for the most exciting Incl
dent of the dav. Butler Fitch. an old,
white haired clerk of the record and peD-
sion DIVISION. started the trouble. SIT
down." he shouted; you're an outsider
and have no right here. | protest
against an outsider speaking here"
"Sit down, SIT down" echoed his
tellow-clerks in voices that were not
restrained. Fitch cried out something
about murder and his words were echoed
from every part of the hall. Record-aud-
pension-divislon clerks were on their feet
irving to make speeches. as though pub
lie meeting was being held. All this time
Mr.. Perry stood lmmovablp. and when the
uproar had quieted somewhat he appealed
to the crowd TO lot him speak.
Il appeal TO you as American CITIZENS
for far play" he cried. You did not
give us fair play" yelled an excited lndi-
vldual
Old Butler Fitch kept crying, mo in
timldation."
Morgan Spencer, of Bridgeport. Ala, a
government clerk, called out az Colonel
Ainswor;h, You should be arrested for
murder and not released on ball."
"nANa nrMl" THE CRY.
Here the tempest broke in IT'S full fury.
"Hanc hun :" was shouted from dozen
throats. Every man III the spectators
seats rose at the cry. Hang him Hang
him" The shout grew louder.
Colonel Ainsworth sat cool and collected.
Somebody said after the uproar was over
that his hand moved 10 hls inside coat
pocket and remained there. His features
seemed absolutely Immovable. There was
the faintest suggestion OF a smile on his
iins Mr.. Perry renamed standing. but
made no attempt to Quell the mob, for It
had CROWN 10 be such. Lieutenant Amis
was utterly pOwerless 10 still the tumuit.
4 mad rush had Just begun IN the direction
of Colonel AInsworth when Juror warner
arose and standing on his char begged ior
order.
VIOLENCE BARELY AyERTED.
The sirht of him standing stonped the
r,sh. DIR. Sciaeffer duects d Mr.. Warner TO
take hIs seat. but the latter refused. and.
raising his voice, managed to make him-
aeI. heard. HIS first words brought quiet.
This outbreak of feeling must be sup
pressed" he said. mot by the strong
hand of the law, but by the hand ot ira
ternity. (Applause. appeal to you TO
have fair play as American citizens aud
NOT TO stain the fair name of the glorious
capital o. tins republic: | appeal to you
in tho name OF the Master who reigns
above"
thinking and cried. Yes, yes" ile saw
his advantage and made an appeal to let
The ouestion of allowing COLONEL AIMS
worth remain be settled by cool heads.
when lie took bis seat. however. there
were more threatening mutterlngs. aud az
400 o'clock p. NJ. DIR. Scheefer quickly adj
iou,ned the inquest until 10 O'Clock TO-
morrow at the First-Precinct Police Sta
tion. - .
INDIGNATION NETTING OF CLERKS.
Tho departmen. clerks stood about the
hall talking excitedly over the, incident.