Evening star., 1902-01-20
HELD FOR GRAND JURY
INQUEST INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES
OF JOHN WARDS DEATH.
Testimony of Eyevitnesses to the oc-
currence-Edelin Given a Good
Character.

Robert Edelin. the colored driver Of
coal cart. who struck John Ward with a
piece of brick Friday afternoon in Simp-
sons coal yard, at 64S Pennsylvania ave
nue. southeast, and caused the latter S
death. was held for the action Of the grand
Jury today He was held by the coroner S
jury at an inquest held at the sixth pre-
cinct station. Acting Coroner Glazebrook
filled out a certificate upon which the ac-
Cused was committed to jail. Policeman
Cullinane, who made the arrest, was pres
ent at the inquest with sworn statement
of the prisoner, who did not give testimony.
The Testimony.
William G Gill 1901 11th street southeast,
testified that Friday afternoon about 2:3o
O'clock he was standing near the gate at
simpsons coal yard when he saw the af-
fair which ended in Wards death. Ac-
cording TO his statement, Edelin, was to
have purchased a pair OF shoes from two
boys for a quarter but man named Bet
ters paid 80 cents for them before the boys
reached Edelin. The latter complained that
Betters had cut him out of the purchase.
Ward who was standing in the yard, made
some remark which witness did not under
stand. The witness said that Ward picked
up a piece of brick or stone, and Edelin,
who was loading coke. picked up a piece OF
brick. Then the men began fOoling, as they
had frequently done before, and Edelin,
slapped at Ward with the piece of brick in
his hand. Ward did not jump back as he
usually did when they were f0oling and
the brick struck him on the head, Witness
heard no profane or threatening language
SO far as he knew, the men were the best
of friends Edelin, made no effort 10 set
away. but remained there and assisted in
caring for the injured man.
William H Betters, colOred who bought
the shoes. told of the conversation with
Edelin,, and said that then Ward addressed
a remark to Edelin,. Ward had stone in
his hand Edelin answered Ward by telling
him he was - old liar Witness said
he saw Edelin, strike Ward and knock him
down.
Betters told the jury that Edelin was en-
ployed in the coal yard. and Ward was
there looking for a job. Neither man
seemed angry and witness was surprised
when the blow was struck. Ward fell
backward, and his head struck against a
piece of tagging. Witness said he had
known Edelin many years, and said~he was
a man of good character, So far az wit
ness knew the men had never had any trou-
ble. Ward. he said, had no interest in the
shoe transaction.
Arthur Simpson. son of the proprietor of
the coal yard. also gave testimony. Wit
ness said Edelin, told him of the affair and
expressed himself as being sorry for what
had occurred He did not appear angry.
Edelin, had been employed about the yard
for about twelve years, and his reputation
was good
Medical Evidence.
DR.. Herbert, 654 Pennsylvania avenue
southeast. testified that he was called to
see the wounded man. He seemed to be
suffering from concussion of the BRAIN and
witness directed that he be sent TO the hos
pital. There were two injuries to his head
and both wounds had bied freely An
injury to the back of the head had been
inflicted by the fall.
DR.. r. W. Baker testified that he per-
formed the autopsy. There was no frac-
ture of the skull. Ward, he thought was
fifty-five or sixty years old. The injury to
the back of the head was more severe than
that inflicted on the temple. Death was
due TO conclusion of the brain, resulting
from the injuries.