Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-01-27
"biok" Phillips, gol0rei Sport, Ao-
cused of Killing Soldier.
TRAGEDY IN TOWN OF PHOEBUS, Va.
Accused Man Denies Charge and
Names Guilty Party.
HE MAKES A STATEMENT

known locally Is a pugilist, base ball player
and all-round sport, was arrested last night
shortly after IL o'clock and held on a
grave accusation. He is wanted at Phoe-
bus, Va. on the charge of having shot and
killed soldier, who belonged at Fortress
Monroe.
The police and detectives have been look
ing for Philips for several days. He had
been seen here at different places, but since
the receipt Of the request. for his arrest
he remained in seclusion. Policeman Pat
o Brien of the third precinct located him in
Kings court, near 9th and K streets north
west, and captured him as stated.
Philips was in bed when O'Brien called
at the house He accompanied the officer
to the station without giving any trouble.
All that is known of the crime charged
against Phillips is what he has told him.
self
Dick Phil -. as he is Familiarity known
by the police. well as by those who are
interested il, his line of sports, is about
thirtY-tw" years old. For several years he
played ball with the best of the colored
clubs. Besides enga ging in this occupa-
ton. he met a great many colored pugilists
and made quite record for himself as
Il hght"r. Across the river, at Jackson
city and Ross yn, he was prominent in the
ring. and. it is stated, won some good
Stakes.
Engaged as bartender.
Nine months ago Phillips left here and
went to Phoebus to work as bartender in
saloon. The day after the murder was
committed. it is alleged, he returned here,
where he has remained ever since. During
this time he often met policemen on the
street and conversed with them. He even
went so far as to invite some of them over
10 R"ssiyn few nights ago to see him
figure In pugilistic contest. Soon after
the request for his arrest was received the
detectives searched his parents home in
Phillips court without finding him, and it
Is believed he has kept out of the way pur-
roSely ev'r since. although he says he did
not Know until asst night that he was
wanted Then he said he went to the
EC;ise of d friend in Kings court intending
to give himself up to the officers this morn
ing.
lie said he had not killed anybody and
he was willing to return to Phoebus and
answer any charge that might be preferred
against him.
Denies the Charge.
In conversation with a Star reporter
Phillips denied that he had killed the sol
der. and charged the crime upon colored
friend of his. When lie first went to Phoe-
bus. he said, he was employed as bartender
at Frank Chismans saloon. corner of Hope
and County streets. " In the rear of the
saloon is a pool room. A Winchester rifle
he said was always kept in the pool room
and It was this weason which was used in
the killing of the soldier.
The person who used the rifle, the pris
oner declares. was Frank Watts. During
the time he was employed at the saloon
he says, the soldiers from Fortress Monroe
Frequently visited the drinking places in
Phoebus and caused .trouh,e. Many times
he was required TO put out the lights and
close his saloon to avoid a row.
The fatal shooting was done about ten
days ago. Philips had night off and
called on some colored women. His friend
Watts. he says, was with him: While
standing ON the street crowd of drunken
soldiers came along and created dis
turbance. When this trouble was over the
crowd separated and the colored men
went into neighboring saloon The SOL
diers also went to the saloon, and when
he appeared at the side door one of them
remarked: There's the black - -
now
The row was renewed and Watts he
said, went and got the Winchester rifle. He
insists the soldier attempted to use knife
before the shooting was done. He did not
see the shot fired.
Was Not Accused in Phoebus.
Before he left there the following day on
a train. Phillips gays, nobody accused him
of having done the shooting. He came here
to participate in some pugiiistic events.
Last Friday night he fought Moses Howard
at Rosslyn. and was arranging to meet
Billy Peyton in the near future The
rife which was used. he said, belongs to
Mr. Chisman. He had carried 1t home with
him every night, as he always carried with
him the money that was taken in at the
bar and pool room.
AS published in Thursdays Star, Phil
lips brother was shot and killed in this city
about three years ago. The trouble at that
time was about female member of the
Phillips family. Dick figured in that af-
fair. it is stated, and received q cut in the
leg.
Inspector Boardman notified the authori-
ties at Phoebus this morning of the arrest,
and it is expected that an officer will arrive
here tomorrow to receive the prisoner.