The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-11-04
THE TRIAL OF
GEORGE DAVIS
He is Convicted But Recommended to
the Mercy of the COurt-Sen-
tenCe Was Not Imposed,

WASHINGTON. Nov Especial
George Robert Davis, formerly a messen-
ger i'm the employ Of the Southern tx
press Company vas placed on trial to-
dav I'm Criminal court No. 1 under an
indictment alleging assault with intent
TO kill The trial is the outcome Of a
sensational episode that occurred The
morning of August 10th last, on the third
floor of the building at 92l pennsylvania
avenue According 10 the allegations
Davis at that time endeavored TO take
the life OF Arthur Baumgarten by hrins
several shots al him from pistol.
Inumations had been made that Davis
was guilty Of the theft OF a sum OF money
from The express company. and Baumgar-
ten. a manufacturer of seals and rubber
stamps. was at the office the morning OF
the shooting. and identified Davis as the
man who ordered and secured lead seal
that the express company declared was
Unauthorized and had been used for
dishonest purpose. Attorney Fred. Beall
appeared for the defendant Assistant
United States Attorneys Taylor and
Semmes representing the government
The case, from the standpoint Of the
prosecution, was briefly outlined TO the
lury after which Mr.. Baumgarten was
called as the first witness for the govern
mcnt lie stated that he had been called
To the express office 10 identify a man
who had purchased a certain seal from
him
Il stated that / was sure Davis was the
man. said Mr. Baumgarten. and he
called me a liar. He then fred a pistol
al me direct. Three other shots were
fired"
Continuing. the witness testified that
Davis visited his place Of business the
i1ih Of last June. and ordered a seal for
use on trunks and baggage. The seal was
delivered 20 Davis three days later.
pDFENHANT OK STAND.
The defense first called Thomas J. Har-
ris. of gM South Carolina avenue, with
whom Davis boarded. and Charles j. owen
20 testify that Davis had borne a good
reputation. The defendant then took the
stand
Davis stated that he Is twenty-four
years OF age and was born near Farmville,
Prince Edward county, VI. He was rear
cd on a farm and entered the service OF
the Southern Express company Christmas.
1896 The morning Of the 10Th Of August
he reached Washington from Atlenta. and
i'm obedience 10 Instructions. proceeded TO
the Office Of Mr. Hockaday.
Davis next told the Jury that he was
called into a small room. where he found
Mr.. Hockaday. Mr. Baumgarten and Mr..
Leilh Something was said about a seal
and MIR Baumgarten nodded his head. Mr..
Hockaday then remarked.
You'd better give up. as we have evi-
dence that YOU took the money"
To this Mr.. Leiih added "lll give you
five minutes 10 cough up the money"
II had never seen Mr.. Baumgarten."
continued Davis and was accused Of a
crime ] was innocent Of / was confront
ed bv three men in a small room and was
allowed ave minutes In which 10 produce
$1,000 knew nothing about. Under the
impulse OF the moment l thought only OF
defending myself and not knowing what
they were going 10 DO to me fired. ! had
no intention OF killing any one. didn't
want TO Kill any one"
After a recess Davis was cross-examinSd
at length. The defense had no additional
testimony to offer and after discussion OF
instructions. the case was given 10 the
Jury.
After being out over three hours. the
Jury brought In a verdict OF guilty. but
recommended the prisoner 10 the mercy
OF the court. Sentence was not imposed.
az the Judge wisfel 10 consider he case
moro fully. Davis was reOanded TO jail.
Davis Is well known IN RichmoA9