The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1893-06-13
special to the REcoRp-UN1ov.


ent.
The first witness, Benjamin Refs, testi-
fed he had not seen any area roped off as
dangerous inside the building. For sew
eral years he had heard rumors that the
old building, particularly the rear wall
(which did not fall, was unsafe. Colonel
AinswOrth was there during the time of
the excavation.
Charles Troutman, clerk, testified he
had been warned by J. w. Webb, in
charge of the first floor, not to approach
the area on the floor roped off while the
excavation was going on. No other
warning of insecurity of the building was
given. The day before the accident Col
onel Ainsworth examined the roped-off
space infinitely and thought he went
downstairs to see the excavation. The
old employees told Colonel Ainsworth the
building was shell and death-trap.
Smith Thompson, clerk, testified the
messenger of Colonel Ainsworth, sta
toned on the stairway, frequently noti-
fed the clerks with bated breath that it
was the ColonePs order that employees
should walk on tiptoe up and down the
stairway. Witness was an engineer, and
examined the building. There were no
props where the excavation was going
on. He declared the feeling of the clerks
toward Colonel Ainsworth was one of alb
ject fear.
a burst of hand-clapping from the as
sembled clerks followed this declaration
Warner asked if there was such a feel
ing of fear that the clerks were afraid to
make suggestions as to the dangerous
condition of the building.
1T was" emphatically answered
Thompson, and he added that the feeling
extended to Jacob Fruch, Ainsworth's
right bower, and to 0. B. Brown, Chief
Clerk of the building.
AT this point letter was received from
Secretary of War Lamont which created
a sensation. The letter was to the effect
that the War Department had been in
formed that apprehension existed among
the department employees that they might
Ieopardize their positions by testifying
before the jury. Colonel Lamont wrote:
ut seems hardly necessary for me to saw
such an impression is entirely ground
less; but to allay any such fear as NAV
exist. beg to inform you that no en-
ploye of the department will endanger
his position in any way on account of any
such testimony"
Jefferson w. Carter, a clerk in the
wrecked building, testified that there
had been common rumor among the
clerks that the building was unsafe.
The first witness at the afternoon ses-
sion was David Brown, a clerk, who said
he had been instructed to go carefully up
and down the stairway in the building.
Brown was asked if there was any fear
on the part of the clerks that they would
be disturbed if they protested against re-
lnaining in the building. ayes, sir" he
answered, and then demurred, but finally
said: 81 do not fear Colonel Ainsworth.
Tor he has done me two favors, but | do
fear Mr.. Fruch." Brown said further
that there was much feeling about the in
security of the building, and a great
many clerks, himself among them.
would have protested if they had the
courage to do so against being kept in the
old theater. what had the clerks to ap-
prehend," was asked. Discharge" said
Brown.
While Albert n. Crosby was being ex-
amined man walked slowly to place
behind Colonel Ainsworth's chair and
said something in such loud voice that
1t brought warning "Sh-sh." But the
man was not to be hushed. He stepped
forward, and, standing directly over
Colonel Ainsworth, cried 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. Colonel Ainsworth
sat calmly in his chair. Lieutenant Amiss
pushed the disturber toward the door
way. His name is Charles G. Banes.
whose brother was killed.
The shouts of the Government clerks
present continued, and it looked for a
minute that Colonel Ainsworth was in
danger. But sharp words from the Police
Lieutenant finally brought quiet. Before
witness was allowed TO proceed B. II.
Warner, one of the jurors, suggested to
the Coroner that the episode showed tho
existence of a feeling that would best he
silenced by the withdrawal of the party
against whom it was directed. Loud
applause followed Warmers remarks.
and DR.. Shaetfer whispered a request to
Colonel Ainsworth to withdraw. He re-
fused to do SO, however, and the Coroner
said he had no right to exclude him,
RosssPerry, representative of Colonel
Ainsworth, arose, and his first word was
the signal for the most exciting incident
OF the day. Butler Fitch, an old, white
haired clerk. started the trouble. "Sit
down." he shouted. You are an out
slider, and have no right here. protest
against an outsider speaking here" ''Sit
down, sit down." re-echoed the clerks
Fitch cried out something about muir
derer.r and words re-echoed from every
mart of the hall. Clerks were on their
feet trying to make speeches, as though a
public meeting was being held.
Morgan Spencer of Bridgeport, Ala
hama, and a Government clerk, called
ont TO Colonel Ainsworth, "You should
he arrested for murder, and not released
on bail"
Here the tempest broke in full fury.
"Hang him." was shouted from dozen
throats. Every man in the spectators
seats. rose at the cry of Hang him, hang
him. and the turmoil grew louder.
Colonel Ainsworth sat cool and collected.
Somebody said after the uproar was over
that his hand moved to his inside coat
,,ocket and remained there. His features