The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-09-16

the wound was serious. saying there
was little hope for recovery. Mr.. I
Gamble said he spoke encouraginglv
to him.
Cross examined by the defense. Mr.. |
Gamble stated that Bass gave in |
struction to wire for a Norfolk sur-
geon about 10 a. m. The doctor ar
rived about 3 .. IN. Bass statement
as to how the tragedy occurred was !
taken about one-half hour after hn |
talked with Bass about dying.
On redirect examination by the
State, Mr. Gamble said he asked Bass
whether or not he could have, shot
Baker and Bass replied, 81 could have
shot Baker. but did not want to
shoot / preferred the affair to cul-
inmate as it did" He said Bass told
him he was held SO he could not
shoot Bass said he did not shoot at
Baker, but his pistol fired in conse-
quence of nervous shock. In re-
Spouse to the question by the defense.
Mr. Gamble stated that Bass said he
boiled over every time he saw Baker.
but at the OPPORTUNITIES of friends
would not shoot him.
Here the State rested, reserving the
right to introduce character wit
nesses.
Col. John L. Bridgers was the first
witness for the defense He gave a
that he was going to his law office
on the morning of the difficulty; that
he saw Dancy and Bass near the
postof1ice and spoke to the former.
but the latter did not acknowledge
his salutation. Baker was getting
his mail. Bass struck Baker as he
left the postoffice, knocking his hat
off He struck Baker three times
and Baker ran into the street. When
Bass caught Baker he ran out OF
his coat. Baker came toward the
sidewalk and as he reached the bridge
Bass grabbed him and bore him
downward. 81 was in the rear of
Bass and reached for the back of his
collar. Baker was trying to shoot
while he was bending down. I did
not see Jenkins or Carstarphen when
they took hold of Bass. About the
time they took hold of him the shot
was fired DR.. Bass was determined
and violent. He was unusually well
developed, about six feet tall. though
not in good health.
Herbert M. Jenkins for the defense
stated that he said at the preliminary
Investigation that Bass was shot before
he got his pistol, but that he did not
tell Seth Hicks, Mack Harrell and N.
E. Dawson that Bass was held when
Baker shot him. Mr.. Jenkins was pos
tive that he made no such declaration
in their presence. He said he was
standing in front of the building, and
hearing a connection looked and saw
Baker and Bass in the street. AS he
approached them two shots were fired
Bass was leaning over Baker and had
hold of him. Jenkins was in the act
of putting his hand on Bass as the shot
was fired. la
Martin Carstarphen, for the de-
tense:
Il work in the postoffice; was there
when the difficulty occurred, standing
at money order window; saw Bass
strike Baker and had run to separate
them They were in front of Cook s
drug store | was within few feet
when Baker fired, Bass leaning down
ward over Baker. / caught Bass right
arm and Jenkins and | separated them.
saw Bass pistol and took it from
him. Bass had the pistol pointed at
Bakers stomach when / seized 1t;
then Jenkins caught the same arm the
The pistol was discharged while Jen-
kns and | had hold of him. Bass shot
onl yonce" ~ a
Cross examined by State:
Il was examined at the preliminary
hearing; have recalled things since
that were different,at the former trial
He said he was not positive that Bass
was shot when he got hold of him, did
not KNOW whether ne Setid Ioetoo w 90
bending over Baker or not; said that
there are things that he is positive
about now that he was not positive
about at the hearing before Judge
/ Brown said he never had any con-
versation with Mrs. Mead, nor did he
| tell her that he held DR.. Bass and
was sorry for it, as it was on his con-
| science He said Bass did not have his
/ pistol until he was shot, and still thinks
so. He stated at the trial before
| Judge Brown that he did not see Bass
| have Baker down when Baker shot
| him, and he still holds that view. Be
| fore Judge Brown he stated he did not
know Baker was bent down; would not
deny it now" / may have written TO
! people at Williamson. Don't remem-
| Der but suppose L wrote an account to
| my mother" He did not recall what
| he said in the letter.
| The attorneys for the prosecution
are Solicitor Daniels, Bum and Spruill
and 7. T. Thorne; for the defense, Gill
| liam, G.. NJ. r. Fountain, L. V. Bassett
and w. f. Daniel, of Weldon.
| Among the attendants at the trial
are Finley Williamson and Manly
Baker, of Graham, brother-in law
and brother of DR.. Baker; Mrs II. II.
Bass and son Spencer, Mrs. Frank
Dancy. Miss Annie Bass, niece of the
| late DR.. Bass; aClvin Bass and L. w
Bass brothers of the deceased.
! A I,,iaf hob 90 real of tho ca IiaDt foo =