The Paducah sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1898-1906, 1903-10-10
Tillman on the Stand Again and
Testifies.
Claims Con zsles Had His Hand in His
Pockets When He Met
Him.
OTHER WITNESSES WERE HEARD


half. For one hour he was subjected
to the fire of cross-examination by
counsel for the state. But one other
witness was placed on the stand by
the defense, after which the defense
rested. Witnesses in rebuttal were
placed on the stand by the state.
An argument ensued when questions
were asked the defendant relative to
editorials in The State. Mr.. Tillmsn,
in line of ruling Of the court rendered
after an hours argument by counsel,
was asked what impression was made
upon him by the editorials written by
Mr.. Gonzales.
He was questioned with reference
to the conversation which took place
in his room in q hotel in Columbia on
the night OF August 81. when DR.. Ad-
ans and Colonel Blease, were present.
Mr. Tillman said the statements were
made by him IN reply to remarks as to
threats reported to him. He said he
had been told in q dozen places in
South Carolina that he could not go
to Columbia and say what he said on
the stump elsewhere about Mr.. Con.
zales. Also he said it had been re-
ported 10 him that the opera house in
Columbia where he was to speak was
to be packed, and he was not to be
let out alive. He stated. he said IL
that threat was carried out il would
be the - tragedy in South Carolina
Mr.. Tillman. giving his version Of
the shooting, said he was walking
down from the state house after the
adjournment Of the state senate Janu-
AIRY l6, In company with Senators
Talbird ana Brow, the former being on
the outside the latter on the inside.
Before reaching the transfer station
be said, he noticed MIR. Gonzales down
the street, looking at him very intent
ly. lie said he (defendant) had on
his overonat, buttoned. He said he
never took his eyes off him.
lie said Gonzales had on an overcoat
tightly buttoned, with hands in his
pockets, thumbs sticking out. Mr..
Gonzales cut diagonslly across in front
of him, he said, and the thumb of his
right hand disappeared IN his pocket.
He said he thought MIR. Gonzales was
going TO draw a weapon, and he fired,
saying IL got your message. The
message. he said, referred to the state.
ments reported to him by witnesses
White and Holsenbach. These state
ments were to the effect that Gonzal.
es had said he had made Tillman show
the white feather twice before, and
would do it again. Tho defendants
said he did not fire Q second shot. as
Mr.. Gonzales did not draw a pistol.
On oross-examinAtion the defendant
said he had reason to expect from the
moment he saw Mr.. Con zales that he
(Gonzaels) would shoot when they
met He also said he sent word to Mr..
Gonzales to come to the meeting at
the opera house in Colum bia and make
mis- charges then. saying he did this
so no could reply to them. The cross.
examination consumed just one hour.
In answer to questions the defend
ant said the difference between Con.
zales and himself began in 1890. He
wrote . letter to Gonzales in 1899,
thinking him for kindness. and there
differences were at an end Mt that time,
He identified the letter, which was
offered in evidence by the State and
read.
On further cross examination Mr.. |
rillman said he had no ill.feeling to-
ward Gonzales until the attacks were
made on him about the time he was
in the army.
"You spoke Of him severely on cv-
cry stump In the state" queried Mr..
Bellinger.
pretty near every one" was the
reply.
Having stated that he did not care
to get in trouble while lieutenant gov
ernor, Mr.. Bellinger asked: