Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-08
PLEADS SELF DEFENSE
HILLEY B. HOLMES REASON FOR
SHOOTING GEORGE BELL.
Defendant Committed to Jail to Await
Result Of Bells
Wound.


who shot and seriously wounded George
Bell, also colored, yesterday afternoon, as
published in The Star last evening, was
committed to jail this morning without
bond to await the result of the wound re-
celved by Bell. The bullet entered Bells
temple. and his condition was so serious
when he reached Sibley Hospital that the
surgeons would not operate upon him. Later
IN the afternoon he was removed to Freed
mems Hospital, where, 1t was stated this
morning, ne was in dying condition
A plea OF self defense was set I'D by the
prisoner as soon as he was arrested, and
witnesses to the shooting seem to bear out
his claim. He did not shoot, he states I'M
til after Bell had pointed shotgun at him
second time and threatened to shoot him.
Bell. whose age is given as f1fty-two years,
lived at 90 Hanover street. Holmes is Il
member of the 9th Cavalry and is stationed
at Jefferson barracks, Mo- He came here
three days ago with Sergt Robert Wells to
assist In bringing James e. Jones, an in
sane soldier, to ST. Elizabeths Hospital for
the Insane. Wells and Holmes were to
have started upon the return trip Yesterday
afternoon, and when the private failed to
meet the sergeant the latter went in search
OF him and found that he was under ar
rest.
Trouble Starts in Saloon.
After delivering their insane patient to
the physicians at the hospital the two col
ored cavalrymen sought out Magnus Chinn
former cavalryman. They found him at
the home of his sister on Hanover street.
and had spent part Of the time with him
during their short stay in the city. Chinn
and Holmes were together yesterday after
noon, and were going to the house of a
friend in order that the latter might say
farewell, when the suggestion was made
that they take drink in a saloon at North
Capitol and N streets. Entering the saloon
the men called for beer and then walked
across the ROOM Bell, who had apparently
been drinking, was about the place, and ex-
pressed the belief that the two visitors had
said something about him. He asked
Chinn what he had said. and repeated the
question to Holmes. Not desiring to get
into alteration with the stranger,
Holmes said to his friend that he thought
he would leave the saloon. This, it is al
legged, was after Bell had made an effort to
strike the cavalryman. When Holmes ana
Chinn got outside the saloon they thought
the affair had ended and started through
an alley to go to Hanover street.
Lets go in the back gate and surprise
my sister" suggested Chinn. and for this
reason they started through the alley.
Fatal Shot Fired
They had gone but short distance before
they Bell coming toward them carry
ing a shotgun, which. it is alleged, was
raised and aimed at Holmes. The latter
jumped to one side and the gun was low
cred. He then made an effort to get out of
the way and Bell raised his gun a second
time. Then it was that the cavalryman
drew his revolver and fired one shot. Bell
dropped his shotgun and tried to walk
away. He went a short distance and fell
upon his knees Then he got up and stag
gered a short distance before he fell to the
pavement
The police were notified of the affair and
the wounded man was hurried to the hos
pital. Holmes made no effort to escape, but
surrendered to the police. His plea, as
already stated, was self-defense. Attorney
Campbell Darlington was consulted and he
appeared in court this morning as counsel
for the cavalryman.
Because of the condition of the wounded
man. however, the court would not accept
bond and the prisoner was committed.
At the latest report from the hospital this
afternoon Bells condition was improved.
The bullet has not been located, but it is
not believed to be lodged in the brain