The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-03-11
Formally Charged With Attempting
to Murder Mrs. Douglas.
A Large Crowd in Court, But No Effort
Made to Do Him Injury.
The Mother of the Accused Pleads
With Her Son to Make a Full
Confession, Which It Is Believ-
ed He Will Do When the Case
Comes Up for Hearing To-
Day.

CASTROVILLE, March 1O.-Qu1te an
undereurrent of excitement was notice
able in the town of Castroville this
morning, and from an early hour knots
of people were seen gathering on the
various street corners discussing the
probable outcome of the hearing OF the
Castro outrage case.
1t has become known that for several
weeks prior to the commission OF the
heinous assault that Peter Castro and
Buck Silva, had occupied rooms in va
cant hotel and had quietly sneaked out
on the morning after the attack with
the intention Of going away unseen. 1t
further developed that Silva and Cas-
tro were under arrest for an assault
upon an inoffensive Chinaman on Feb
ruary 10Th, and had not yet been tried.
Both were free on their own recognize
ance.
Castro has been weakening in his
firmness, and it was expected he would
either divuige the names of his con-
federates or show why and how the
deed was committed. There are four
teen witnesses, among them some who
are alleged to have been Connected with
the crime, they having been with the
gang early in the evening, but against
whom otherwise nothing can be proven.
These young men, who are the sons OF
some of Castroville's best known and
respected citizens, would, 1t rs thought,
explain certain facts before Castro went
to the Douglas house.
Last night Castro, who still persist
emily protests his innocence, made a
number of further damaging admis-
sions, which were given unreservedly
and without questioning.
AS the time for the hearing ap-
preached and word was received that
the prisoner would arrive shortly in the
custody of the Sheriff and a Constable.
the courtroom of Justice Clark was fill
ed with a large and excited crowd. It
seemed as though the entire population
of Castroville had turned out. When
brought in the prisoner was apparently
the coolest man in court. AS ne was
taken into the courtroom he showed the
first signs of weakening by drawing a
long sigh and turning paler in color
Among those assembled none had a
good word for Castro.
The charge was read and accused the
prisoner of assault with attempt to COM
nit murder by striking Mrs. James
Douglas with a stick of stove wood
The prisoner, when asked if he had an
attorney laughingly replied that if he
could get out he would be able to get
one
The examination was continued until
tomorrow morning at 10 O'Clock.
SALINAS, March 10-After the hear
ing had been postponed the, members of
the Castro family held a consultat ion
and as result the mother, brother and
cousin of the accused visited him in
the County Jail, where he was earnest
~ entreated to confess the entire plot
and name his accomplices at the hear
ing tomorrow. The result has been as
expected. and Peter Castro has promis-
ed his aged mother that he will tell
everything. Since this has become
known CONSERVATION has struck the
members of the gang. The citizens of
Castroville appeared to be determined
that the lawless men who have been
committing SO many depredations shall
be promptly punished