The herald., 1898-10-12
WHO hit BILLY BROWN?
STILL REMAINS AN UNSOLVED
MYSTERY
DE GR00T ASKS FOR ARREST
Under the Boiler Ordinance, but Chief
Moore Finds It Does Not Cover
the Situation

Officer Samuel N. Baker was yesterday
exonerated from the charge preferred
against him by William Brown. The ac-
tion was taken by the police board after
they had heard several witnesses In behalf
Of the officer and the unsupported testi-
mony Of the complainant. A full board
was present and Brown was the first wit
ness sworn. He told the same story as
heretofore, in effect that Baker had, while
he was a prisoner In the jail, struck him
In the face, kicked him twice and said.
"Ill kill you, you old Ba-
ker was given the privilege OF cross-exam-
ining Brown, and made an attempt to OBJ
tain from him an owledgment that
two years ago he broke into Massie Il
Whites saloon. Brown would not ac-
knowledge that he had committed the Of
fense, although It developed that he was
arrested for 1t and afterward dismissed.
Officer j. M. Baker, testifying In behalf
Of his brother officer, stated that Brown
was a boiler-maker by trade and very
good workman when sober, but when In
his cups was abusive and foul-mouthed.
He stated that several years ago he was
given a ten-days' 'hoater," and In that
way became known to his associates as
TEN Days" Brown.
That's all you know bout 1t, is it?" In
terrupted Brown "Well, gentlemen, that
Is not true at all. I never was given a
'foater' in my life. The way came by
that nickname was this. Some years ago
in Gainesville, Texas the foreman ordered
me to go over and repair a boiler at a GER
tain place. 1 went and the Job took me
only day or so, but brought in bill for
$20.13. The foreman said, That Is just ten
days pay and from then on was known
as Ten Days Brown"
Henry Hartman, a stammering trusty,
who helped Officer Baker remove Brown
from the cell to the dungeon on the night
In question, testified that he and another
moval, and that Baker did not touch the
prisoner. Bakers subsequent testimony
was somewhat in conflict with this state
ment as the officer acknowledged that he
caught hold of Brown In self-defense and
threw him down. The trusty In answer to
Commissioner Gibbons query, stated that
Brown fell down, but as to whether he
fall caused the bruised face and black eye,
he did not know.
He said that Brown, with two others, was
turned over to him about 1880, and Officer
Richardson at the time warned him that
they were ugly customers and to look out
for them. Brown and a fellow named
Lynch were put In a cell together, and
within half an hour after repeatedly tell
ing them to stop talking and raising dis
turbanoe, he decided to separate them. As
he opened the door Brown tried to get out
and was pushed back. Baker was then
forced to defend himself from an attack
in which he stated that he merely threw
Brown down. ut Is hardly natural" said
the officer, "that should strike man of
that size. I weigh nearly 200 pounds and
Brown is a very small man."
The testimony completed. the report Of
the chief, recommending the dismissal of
the charge, was taken under considera-
tion, and on the motion Of Commissioner
McLain was approved. In voting on the
motion Mayor Snyder said he wanted II
distinctly understood that If proof is ever
secured convicting an officer of striking a
prisoner, the commission will deal very Sc
verely with him. But the question Of "Who
struck Brownw still remains shrouded In
mystery.