The Washington times., 1902-07-29
JOHN NELSON ASKS
RELEASE ON BAIL

Jackson Alley, was the next witness.
He had worked for a Mr. Fontaine in
the clubhouse and had seen Mr.. Nelson
at jackson City on the night of the
fire. He had had conversation with Mr..
Fcntaine in which both men seemed to
be angry, and Nelson went into the
policy shop. which was located in the
building nearest the Long Bridge. Short
ly after he came out again the fire
started. He said the places were gam
bling resorts where policy was played
as well rs faro and roulette, and there
we're also two barrooms there.
William B. Tippett. a cab driver, who
lives at 800 F Street southwest, saw
the coach when it drove up on the night
OF the fire and Nelson, Tighe. and two
others get out. Nelson came up the
boardwalk alone. and shortly after that
he saw Tighe go into the policy shop
with bundle which looked like it con-
tained bedclothing. When the fire broke
out witness started to get his team,
which was tied near the building. and
Nelson ordered him not TO go into the
place. He said at that time the floor
of the place was wet, but he could not
tell whether 1t was gasoiene or water.
Witness also heard Nelson make a .e-
mark rejecting on Frank Foster, one of
the owners of the buildings.
When Frank Foster. the man who
swore out the warrant for Nelson. was
placed on the stand he was put through
a thorough examination, the defense
bringing out that Nelson was in part
nership with Foster and Charles E.
Sanderson In the ownership of the
buildings and the gambling affairs con-
Quoted within. Attorneys for the Com
monwealth argued against the line of
questioning directed by The defense. but
the latter were upheld by the court in
that they were attempting TO bring out
the credibility of the witness. They de-
sired also to show that Nelson was part
owner In the place. and 1t would not be
to his interests to destroy the place. In
other wordsa they desired to find a mo-
tive for the fire and for the prosecution
of their client.
Foster testified that Tighe had worked
ABOUT the policy shop for him, and said
that the latter also slept in the place
on cot. On being closely questioned
ne could not remember having seen the
latter sleeping there more than one or
two nights. and. although he had a cot
there. he did not know where the latter |
Kept 1t. He said the house which FIRST
took fire was policy shop. while the |
clubhouse. in which there was a saloon. |
was on the other end of the row and
there was policy shop conducted by |
another man between the two houses.
William II. Palmer. sheriff of Alexan- !
dria county, testified to having arrested
Nelson in this city after several at
.empts had been made to find him at his
home near Jackson City. He had no
rouble with the prisoner, who readily
agreed to accompany him TO Virginia. II
was brought out here that Nelson had
been accused some years ago of having
shot negro deputy at Jackson CITY and
had skipped his bond. Later. however.
he returned and was acquitted. Attor-
icy Edmund Burke. who is now assist
ing the prosecution, represented Nelson
n that trial
AS young man with sallow complex
on next limped upon the stand there
vas hush about the courtroom. for he
vas recognized as John Tighe, man
who had worked for Foster in the policy
shop at Jackson City, and who was
harged with arson Jointly with Nelson.
dr. Clements had directed a question 10
lighe when Attorney Shillngton arose
md interrupted the proceedings. He
asked II the witness was the same man
Who was charged with the crime with
Nelson, and when so informed request
ID that he be sent to the grand Jury
Dom pending argument on the question
IS to whether he should be permitted 70
estify.
Mr.. Shillington said the question was
me very pertinent to the point at Issue.
IS it might be apt to prove whether the
destroyed were dwelling
louses or not. So far as his client was
oncerned he was perfectly satisfied, but
rhen II is considered that Tighe is also
harged with arson 1t might be 1t would
fleet him at his forthcoming trial and
e used against him.
At this point Mr.. Clements admitted
lis error in that he had not thought of
he bearing of the question on Tighe's
osition. and the court directed that tie
risoner be taken back to Jail
After several other witnesses had
cen heard, both sides announced they |
ad called all their witnesses and the :
ourt stated that unless both sides
ould present their arguments IN TWEEN
y minutes he would have to continue
he case until today. The defense was
-illlng to submit the case with ten |
linutes for the side. but the govern
ent declined to handle the case in that
me. The court. thereupon continued the =,
lse until this merging at $50 o'clock, ,,
nd Nelson was renanded to Jail. .
AS under the new constitution =
0 jury trials can be held in tho G
tate of Virginia pending action by the
tate Legislature, II will probably not L
3 until the August term that the NJ
larges against Nelson and Tighe can \
heard whether or not the applica- S
i T. Io'~-@o On bod is Granted. r