The Topeka state journal., 1902-12-24
SHOT AT DEFENDANT.
Lively Scene in Fort Smith
Court Room.

Fort Smith, Ark, Dec 24--AIiss Ag-
neS Frizzel who has taken part in the
prosecution of a. c. Root on the charge
of criminal slandef, interrupted the court
proceedings yesterday afternoon by fir
ing shot from q revolver. presumably
al the defendant The bullet grazed the
head of Col Brizzolara. counsel for the
defense. Root fed from the court room
precipitately, and asked to be locked
up for protection His friends induced
him to return to his home
After the shooting Col. BrizzOlara as
sailed the court for permitting such con-
duct in the court loom. A few minutes
later the colonel had Set-tO with
James FriZzel. a brother of the plaintiff
in the suit, and they produced revolvers
in the court room. Bloodshed was
averted by the prompt action of the
chief Of police who disarmed both rnsn.
The men left the building in opposite
directions, but if they should meet on
the street killing might follow.
The trial of the slander case was call
ed yesterday morning. Nearly the
whole OF the day was taken up by the
hearing of evidence.
Miss Frizzel actively engaged in the
prosecution of the case, frequently TAX
ing part in the questioning herself
When all the testimony was in the
court asked the attorneys how much
time they desired in which TO make
their arguments. Miss F'rizzel arose and
replied that the plaintiff desired an
hour and a half. Judge Bryant of the
counsel for the defense said he pitied
the jury if that much time was 10 be
consumed.
Miss Frizzel replied that a woman's
/ character was at stake and plenty of
time should be allowed. Colonel Briz-
solara. who had been watching Miss
Frizzel. had gone into an ante-room 10
warn Root of danger AS he came out
he heard Miss Frizzel's statement, and
he objected to any such remark III the
nf the iIIrT haE scarcely
finished speaking when a shot rang out
Every one in the court room arose and
made a dash for the doors. Colonel
BrizZOlara. seeing a revolver in the
hands of Miss Frizzel seized her arm
and Wrested the wea pOn away frCm her
before she could fire a second shot. They
were surrounded by court officers, who
/ seemed to think that the colonel was
trying to kill her.
/ After firing the shot Miss Frizzel be-
came hysterical and collapsed She was
removed from the court room to her
home When the smoke cleared away
Colonel BrizzoIara said to the judge:
This court through its vacillatins con-
duct during this and the Westfall trials
/ is responsible for this violation of all
/ court decorum. This court can impose 4
fine upon me for contempt if it SO de-
sires' -
When Judge Rowe recovered from his
astonishment. he replied:
Il am not responsible
You are responsible and wholly re-
I sponsible'' continued Colonel Brizzolara,
''ard I so assert without any qualifica-
/ ton whatever. You may fine me for con-
/ tempt if you want to-.
I Colonel Brizzolara. while talking to the
chief of police later, was approached By
James FrAzzeI. who inquired concerning
the court incident. and fntimated that if
I Colonel Brizzolara said anything con-
/ cerning his sister he would be held per-
soualiy responsible. The chief disarmed
them both and they departed in opposite
directions.