The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-01-09
HEARD IN COURT.
William Stokes on Trial for the Muir
der Of Joseph Ball.

The trial of William Stokes for the
murder OF Joseph Ball was begun before
Mr.. Justice Wilbur this morning. The
crime for which Stokes is accused was
committed on Nov. 8 of the present year
dnring the running meeting at Nara
gansett Park. The facts as claimed by
the prosecution are that both the defend
ant and Ball were employees at the
park. On the day OF the alleged murder
dispute arose between Stokes and Ball
In saloon near the park, known as the
Park Hotel, which resulted In the plain
tiff stabbing Ball on the left side OF the
abdomen. The wound proved a mortal
one, and Ball died the next day. Both
the plaintiff and the murdered man were
colored.
The following jurors were chosen to
consider tie case
Thomas b. sweetland, Pawtucket, fore
man; Edward A. Peirce, Woonsocket; Os-
Woonsocket; James T. Rice. Lincoln; |;
George w. Olney, Eincoln; Edward D.
Cornforth, North Smithfieid; Henry r.
Prev, Woonsvcket; Arthur w. Taft,
North Smithfeld; Solon p. Turner, North
smithfield; Charles b. Potter, Provi-
dence.
Thomas A. Crawford OF Providence, j.
Horny Moody OF Providence and Barton
w. Jencks OF Woonsocket were poremp-
toriiy challenged by the defendant and
William ii. Goodale Of North Smithfield
by the attorney general.
1t appeared In testimony that Ball re-
NAMED in the Park Hotel lying on a
blanket placed on the floor near the bar
room, from the time he was stabbed until
the next day when he was removed to the
died Immediately. His wound was
not treated until several hours after its
infiiction, and then temporarily sewed
up. A post mortem examination revealed
the fact that the large intestine had been
pierced, causing flow OF blood and
resulting In inflammation.
The bartender Of the Park Hotel testi-
fed that there was q row in the saloon
between Stokes and Ball. Stokes had q
hammer and Ball attacked him. Later
the disputants were put out OF the house
and Stokes chased Ball, throwing rocks
at him. Some time later Ball came
back to the house and said that he had
been stabbed. He subsequently said that
Stokes had done il. Ballou * Benjamin
appeared for the defendant.
Levi X. Clarke, the old man who assault
ed Superintendent Reed Of the Cumber-
land f'oor House and attempted TO shoot
him, was brought before Mr.. Justice Will
but this morning for sentence, having
been found guilty last week. Clarke said
that he was 62 years of age. He was SEN
fenced to eight years imprisonment.
Thomas Timmons, who was convicted
Of breaking into the Toulouse of the
Providence Baseball Company and steal
ing sundry articles, was sentenced to ii
months imprisor ment.
Edward Paul and John McCrystal, who
were tried yesterday for entering the barn
OF Richard Waterman, were found guilty,
and sentence was deferred for one week.
Before Mr.. Justice Rogers today the trial
OF the suit of Jane Walmsley, pro ami,
against Joseph Moss, begun yesterday,
was continued. Mrs. Walmsley brings
the suit in behalf OF her daughter, a
young child who, it is alleged, Yves
struck by stone from blast
which the defendant was making.
The cbild's skull was fractured and she
received serious injuries. The defendant
denies that tho injuries were received as
alleged. The ad domnum is placed at
$1,000. Walter Angel appears for the
plaintiff and q. }. West for the defendant.
In the suit OF Royal 9. Taft eft al. against
Frederick l.. Brown ct al, IA decree was
entered by Justice Tilinghast of
the appellate division ordering that
Charles III. Harrington be appointed
guardian ad litem for the minor defend
ants, Harrison Bliss. Bessie trothing ham
Brown and Ruth Margaret Brown.
The case OF Charles II. Russell against
Nellie a. Russell was reassigned to Jan.
10, 1895.