The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-08-14
SMITH IS HELD
IN $4,000 FOR
DEATH OF KING

Charles f. Smith in the Sixth dis
trict court this morning was held in
$4,000 for the grand jury on the charge
Of manslaughter OF Edward King on
the night of July 26.
James Prosser testified that he was
In the White Front saloon on Smith
street on that night from $3.50 to 1880,
and saw Smith push King and the lat
ter fall.
In cross-examination Prosser said
that he had been drinking; and Judge
Lyman, counsel for Smith. got witness
10 admit that when he came into the
saloon after seeing King in the gutter,
instead OF asking for help, he called
for a drink and thought no more OF
King.
Walter Sinsh testified somewhat In
corroboration OF Prosser. saying that
he saw King lying in the doorway OF a
barber shop next to the White front
saloon, and saw Prosser trying 10 htt
him.
Ralph Gllker testified that King was
Intoxicated and wanted To night ana
was shaking his fist at people especl-
ally in the face OF Calvin. lie and four
others found King later In the door
way of the barber shop and took him
10 his home. He said he never saw
Charles Smith until today
Two physicians from the Rhode Island
Hospital testified that King was received
there unconscious with distinct odor OF
alcohol on his breath, and that the symp-
toms showed n skull fracture. though the
only external mark was an abrasion be-
hind the right ear.
Medical Examiner Perkins testified as
20 the autopsy. Judge Lyman asked how
ne knew the body was that or Edward
King and DIR. Perkins said that he was
told IL was
Judge Lyman raised the point that the
body had not been identified as that OF
Edward King; and Judge Lee said that
lack of Identity was weak point In the
case
Assistant City Solicitor Chase recalled
Dr Calder OF the hospital staff. who tes-
titled 10 bringing the man from his house
70 the hospital in the ambulance, and the
receiving surgeon said II was the body OF
chat man on whom DIR. Perkins performed
the autopsy.
Judge Lyman said the identity was not
fully established but did not press the
point. He said that at this time he did
not think II was necessary. but at some
time IL might be.
DIR. Perkins then testified that the au-
sopsy showed a fracture from the back
of the skull TO the middle of the face;
there was no external mark OF violence.
The injury need ot-be the result OF a
blow: and he cited case I'm which a man
received a similar injury from his fall
on the sidewalk.
Detectives Godfrey and Horan testified
10 the arrest OF Smith, Horan stating
that Smith told him in the presence OF
Stoser S,nss p,sefs hs had fn@S oouted e n King 0
Lieut.. j. r. Hartnett Of Station cor
roborated the testimony as TO this state
Cant A. Frank Mowry Of station tes-
tihed that he talked with Smith. who
used the word "clouted." From what he
learned King was drunk and quarrel
Charles f. Smith was called In his own
defence. and testified that he was dis.
charged from the iS'tI,r nayy on 5u,y o. AN, Sna
intending to return TO the navy within
week or so.
lie said that on the night in question
ne was in the White Front saloon, and
had IL glasses of beer. remaining until
io:S tt
He said King was in the saloon intoxi,
Gated and got into n dispute over jump
ing freights, which lasted about Is min
utes. and then King left. Witness saw no
blow struck.
His brother was in tho doorway and he
called TO him 10 come back He then went
20 the steps 10 go home: and on the steps
saw King walking unsteadily back and
forth.
King addressed him by foul name and
aimed a blow at him. lurchng against
him. whereupon witness gently pushed
him out OF the way and returned into the
saloon.
He said he told the police that he push
ed King. but denied that he told the police
that he 'clouted" him. and said that the
use OF the word "clouted" came from the
police.
Smith was cross-examined at length
and then Judge Lee, in viewing the
testimony. said IL showed that Smith
pushed King, the fall resulting in his
death. AS 1t was not clear how much
force Smith was justified In using he
would hold him for the grand jury. and
bail was fixed at $1,000