The evening times., 1899-11-20
THARPB'S TRIAL BEGINS
The Former Soldier in Court
Charged With Murder.
The Work of Securing a Jury Com
pIeted-Nany Talesmen ChaIleng-
ed Because of Having Already
Formed Opinions-The Prisoner
Confident He Will he Acquitted.

Dock n Tharpe. formerly member oi
the Fourth Regiment Immunes. was put
on trial today in Criminal Court No. l OF
the charge of murder. He is accused OF
killing a fellow soldier. Aaron D. Bishop
at the Sixth Street Depot, on the night oi
May 81 last. The prisoner, when brought
into court for trial was dressed in the uni
form of a volunteer of the United States
Army.
1harpe. before taking his seat. near his
counsel. Major Fred Beall. greeted some
LADIES who were present and who have
manifested much interest in the outcome
OF the trial.
when Tharpe entered the courtroom II
was with a bold. fearless step. His coun-
ter-nce was bright. and his face was not
paed by his long confinement in Jail, He
app sared to have the utmost confidence
il occurring an acquittal.
Jae Government is represented at the
trial by Assistant District Attorneys Tay-
iol and Semmes.
efore the selection of the special panel
which would try the case, Justice Cla-
baugh explained the charge for which the
empansling of jury then commenced.
II this point il was developed that there
weld be some difficulty in secu.ing the
paI el.
ne first Juror called was B. y. Cham
be-. He stated that he has formed an
opinion from what ne had heard of the
cas- and was satisfied that il would take
. strong testimony to remove ms prejudice.
Harry H. Skippon admitted that he, too,
ha. formed an opinion. but stated that he
Co. Id render an impartial verdict based
upon the evidence. He was challenged for
cause by the defence. but the challenge
was not allowed. The defence then made
the challenge peremptory, and the juror
wss made TO stand aside.
W II. c Bsyly. tie fifth juror called,
ha' also formed an opinion in the case,
from reading the newspapers. Four or tve
other members of the panel were made TO
stand aside for similar causes.
The following jurors were finally chosen
tC nass upon the guilt or innocence of the
accused: William F. Slater, Robert l. john
son. Andrew Miller, Orlando Smith. John
H. Anderson. Malcolm Henry, George W.
White. John w Dunbar. H. J. Bridget,
Dent Freeman. Ralph w. Lee. and Will
liam Lauham.
When the panel was chosen the defence
hal exhausted only eight of its peremp-
toy challenges. The Government did rot
take much advantage Of challenges. Be
fore being excused for lunch the jurors
were not sworn. in order that they might
attend to any private business before en-
tering the jury box.
II is expected that the trial will be con-
cluded tomorrow afternoon.
When the court convened after recess
A. sistant District Attorney Thomas c.
Taylor made the opening statement COW
er ng the Governments case. The story
related was substantially the same as told
OF The shooting of Bishop in this mornings
edition of The Times. Mr.. Taylor also
called particular attention to the fact that,
although the defendant fired directly at
Policeman Acton, he was guilty of the
murder of Bishop.
The first witness called for the Govern
ment was Policeman Joseph Acton, who
told the story of the killing of Bishop in
every detail. He stated that Tharpe fired
five shots. the first and second of which
were discharged directly at the witness.
The first shot, the witness stated. struck
him on the left elbow. Acton said that
TLarpe had been drinking. but he did not
consider him drunk