The age-herald., 1898-01-11
ELLA BARNES ACQUITTED
The Jury Was Out Only Fifteen
 Minutes.
DEMONSTRATION IN COURT
When the Verdict Was Returned There Was an 0utburst Among the Defendants Friends
 Severe Rebuke By Judge Bilbro.

Ella Barnes, who was charged with the murder of Bessie Thomas by striking her with lighted lamp from which her clothes were ignted and she was burned to death, was yesterday acquitted in the circuit court
 When the case was called at the morn- ing session the state asked for continu- ance on account of the absence of witness es. The defense agreed to admit the tes- timony of the absent witnesses and the state was given until the afternoon ses- sion in which to make showing.
 When court re-convened at 230 o'clock the case went to trial. Juror H. A. Chali- foux was excused and B. c. Ragland sub- stituted.
 The court room was crowded with friends of the defendant who were greatly inter- ested in the proceedings.
 B. M Allen and J. A. Tanner appeared for the defense, and Solicitor Charles w. Ferguson for the state. The witnesses were sworn and put under the rule. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the in
 
 A number of witnesses were examinedc Ella Barnes took the stand in her own be- half She related the circumstances of the difficulty, stating that Bessie Thomas first assaulted her with pair Of scissors, which she got from a table in the room, and that she (Ella Barnes) grabbed lighted lamp with which to defend her. self She said that Bessie Thomas knock ed or pushed her on the bed and was on top of her, she still holding the lamp with which she attempted to strike the Thomas woman. As she flourished the lamp oil was spilled, which ignited, from which Bes- sic Thomas clothing was set on fire and she herself burned.
 At the conclusion of the testimony So- Ncitor Ferguson addressed the jury and was followed by Messrs. Tanner and Allen for the defense, who made strong appeals for their client, Solicitor Ferguson closing for the state.
 Judge BiIbro then charged the jury as to the law, lucidy pointing out the appi1ca- ton in plea of self-defense.
 The case was given to the jury at 6 o'clock, and at 6:15 verdict was rendered, finding the defendant not guilty.
 Demonstration.
 As Clerk Mccarthy read the verdict there was an outburst on the part of some of the spectators that lasted fer some moments, the bailiff rapping for order. When quiet had been restored Judge Bilbro ordered Deputy Sheriff Hillhouse to bring those who took part in the demonstration before the bar.
 Two boys and two men were brought before the judge, who was much angered at the breach of decorum. He admins tered an oath to the culprits that they would tell the truth and then questioned them as to whether or not they took part in the demonstration. Three of them de- nied having done so the fourth admitting that he had clapped his hands.
 The judge expressed himself as much dspleased with the misconduct and said that he was inclined to release the boy who admitted his part in the affair, and to fine the others.
 MT. Allen interceded for the prisoners. saying that he did not believe they meant any disrespect to the court.
 Judge Bilbro, after administering a severe rebuke, released the prisoners, who went their way rejoicing.
 Ella Barnes was surrounded by her friends, who were eager to extend congrat- ulations.
 Ella Barnes and Bessie Thomas became engaged in difficulty at the house of a friend in Twenty-third street, between Sec ond and Third avenues. It Is claimed that Bessie Thomas assaulted Ella with pair of scissors, and that Ella grabbed a lighted lamp that was sitting on table, and in the encounter which ensued Bessie Thomas was set on fire and was so severely burned that she died a short time after. Ella Barnes immediately fled, but was captured in Anniston and brought back for trial. On her preliminary hearing before Justice Cahalan. which was largely att tended, her bond was fixed at $500. which she failed to give.