Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-14
NUMEROUS ASSAULT
Alleged Slayer Of Edmonia jackson
Attacks John Nelson.
PREVIOUSLY THREATENED TO KILL Elm
Nelson an Important Witness
Against the Prisoner.
ELEVEN JURORS SELECTED

The trial of Edward Smith. colored, in
dicted for the murder, the 18th of last No
vember, of Edmonia Jackson which began
today before Judge Bradley in Criminal
Court No. 2, was preceded by an incident
that for a few moments was rather ex-
citing. Just prior to leaving the Jail for
the court house this morning Smith at
tempted to murderously assault John Mel
son, one of the most important witnesses
for the government. Had it not been for
the watchful eye and prompt and decisive
actlon on the part of Deputy Marshal Jas.
Springman, Nelson would probably have
been in no condition to testify for some
days to come.
Nelson is the man who will testify that
while they were felow-prisoners in the
District Jail Smith informed him that 1t
was his intention to kill Edmonia Jackson.
According to Nelson. when he babe farewell
TO smith at the expiration of the term on
a Police Court sentence the latter was then
serving, the reply was: On, FL be back
In few days. but I'll come to the other
side of the jail meaning the wing wherein
are confined the prisoners awaiting trial in
the criminal courts. That was the 10th of
November.
Five days later the dead body of Edmo-
MA jackson was found, and, true to his
word, smith was returned to the jail and
He had told Nelson, according to the lat
ter story, that when ne got out there
would be another case of Strather'
Strather was the man who murdered Rosa
Talbot the 18th of October.
Nelson a ..Trusty."
Nelson is ''trusty'' at the Jail; a pris-
orer who is not kept in close confinement
in consideration of good conduct and will
linsness to work. He and Smith had 7 OF
net until this morning since the murder
Smith was well aware however, of the
statements on the part of Nelson in rela-
ton to the threats to kill Edmonia Jackson.
w hen the alleged murderer was taken from
his cell this morning by Deputy Marshal
Sprlngmann he remarked: I'm going to
KICK the CUTS out Of that --- Nelson"
"Oh, no you're not" answered The dep
uty mashal as he handcuffed Smith to an
otEer prisoner named Johnson.
Nielsen and Smith, each handcuffed to
iotunda of the jail from opposite uirec-
tens. When near the entrance they were
brought to halt while lunches, to be
taken to the court house We're handed out.
BE careful of Smith, for he means to
DO you up Springmann had previously
warned Nelson. You're not afraid of
Tim, are you?"
"Oh, no. was the reply.
As the deputy marshal turned to sort the
boxes of luncheon the two men were about
three feet apart. Taking advantage of the
opportunity, Smith moved forward and
kicked with terrific force, aiming one of
the very heavy shoes worn ty him at the
pit of Nelson's stomach. Noticing the
moveu ent Mr.. Springmann, quick as a flash
grasped Johnson, to whom Smith was hand
cUffed, and gave him a jerk. johnson, CT
necessity, pulled Smith back. At the same
moment Nelson jumped to enc side and the
How did not carry.
What do you mean by that?" the deputy
marshal den anded.
L can't help it, the prisoner made reply
Clenched His Fists in Anger.
During the trip to the court house in the
van Smith continually clenched his fists in
anger. Nielsen was given a seat on the out
side with the driver. AT the court the men
were kept separated. During the proceed
ings In court two deputy marshals, instead
Of one, as is customary, kept close watch
on the prisoner.
When eleven competent talesmen had
been secured for Smiths trial the panel was
declared exhausted. Court then adjourned
until tomorrow morning, when the jury will
be completed and the introduction of testi-
were the following: John Mcdonald, j. w.
Simpson, Samuel d. Phillips. Theodore b.
Grow, VIM. NJ Beall, Henry F. Ash, James
c. Reeves, Charles D. Collins, William Ha-
ney. Otto l.. Wolfsteiner. Wylie Palmer.
The Crime Alleged.
Edmonia jackson, 1t is charged was
by Smith in house in Madison
alley, between E and F, list and I'd streets.
The body was not discovered until Novem-
Der 10. 1t is the belief that during the
time intervening between the date of the
murder and the finding of the body Smith
slept regularly in the loom with the re-
mains. y Ratchet, 1T is charged, was the
weapon used in committing the murder.
The house was entered by the police and
The crime discovered as the result of
been aroused because of the non-appear-
ance of the woman at her accustomed
places.
Messrs. F. S. Key Smith and Warden
Voorhooes have been assigned by the court
to defend Smith. The prosecution of the
case is in the hands of Assistant District
Shillington.