The Washington times., 1909-04-25
At Point of Death

W. A Thompson. the Warrenton CVa)
newspaper editor who was shot down in
tie streets of that city by Principal J.
ID. Harris, OF the Warrenton High
SchsOl. is lying at the point of death in
Prov1des@e Hospital.
The only information obtainabIe this
morning regarding the prospect of his
recovery is that he is holding his own .
The wounded man was brought to
Washington on a special train. and was
operated upon at Providence Hospital in
the early hours of this morning. 1t Is
considered remarkable. so serious are
hfs wounds. that he survived the jour
hey from Narrenton, the intestines hav-
ing been perforated fifteen times.
The examination OF Providence Hos
pital physicians disclosed the fact that
ne had been struck by three bullets.
One of them passed through his thigh.
One OF the others entered the abdomen,
and was found imbedded in the side
The third also entered the abdomen. but
has not yet been recovered 1t is
taod6ht it may have fallen out. as there
- no trace of It in the wound.
A Political Quarrel
Political differences and disagree
ment over an advertising account are
stated 10 have been at the bottom of the
III feeling between Harris and Thomp-
son. which eliminated In the tragedy
last evening on Main street. Warrenton.
1t Is known that the men had a pre-
Vious encounter. in which both were un-
armed and Thompson is said to have
bested Harris with his fists. The former
was unarmed last night when he met
Harris.
According to an eyewitness, Thomp-
son was walking along Main street, pre-
ceded a short distance by Harris. Sud
denly the latter wheeled around. whip
led out a revolver. and, without saying
q word. began to fire at Thompson.
Three bullets had been fired when by
stander grabbed the revolver. and q
Fourth bullet went into the air.
A crowd gathered. Harris was al
rested and hurried away by the sheriff.
Thompson was carried into the Warren
Green Hotel and attended by DR.. James
Kerr. DR.. Harry Kerr, DR.. Samuel W.
Maphis. Dr. Carter, and DR.. John II.
SelDy. After a consultation il was de-
cided TO charter a special train and
bring the wounded man TO Washington
in order 10 obtain the hospital attcIi-
ton that his injuries required.
The train lett Warrenton at 1880
last night, a baggage car having been
transformed into a temporary hospital.
With physicians. nurse, and lev
friends by his side. Thompson was rush
cd through TO Washington.
Stimulants Administered.
Frequent application of stimulants
kept him alive until Union station was
reached, and he was hurried in an am
bulance TO the hospital. At l O'Clock
in the morning the physicians al Provi-
dence Hospital took up the battle to
save Thompson life. The delicate
work OF probing FOR the bullets was
performed by D.. Harry Kerr, and il
was daylight before IL was decided that
everything possible to save the wounQ-
ed mans S life had been done.
The family Of Thompson in Warren
ton have been kept posted regarding
his condition, and Mrs. Thompson -
expected to reach Washington some
time today.
According 10 statements OF friends or
Thompson. the trouble between him and
Harris started several months ago
when Thompson declined TO support
Harris candidacy for the position Of
superintendent Of the WarrentOH
schools, but gave his support TO the
present incumbent. The quarrel over
the advertising account is said TO have
been incidental Thompson is thirty .
1--WE years of age. and has two children.
bachelor. He came to WarrentOn two
years ago from Strasburg. Thompson
tE a native Of Fauquier county.
Since the shooting Harris has offered
no explanation. Thompson IS alleged
~ one Of the friends who accompanied
him TO this city 80 have declared, He
shot me down Ike "A dog.