Evening star., 1909-04-26
William A. Thompson Victim of
J. D. Harris Shots.
FUNERAL IN WARRENTON
Self Defense Will Be Plea Of High
School Principal.
TELLS OF TRAGIC HAPPENING
In Application for Bail He Describes
Assault Which Ended When He
Pulled His Revolver.

After a hard fight for his life. William
A. Thompson, associate editor Of the
Warrenton virginian, who was shot in
Warrenton Saturday night by J. d. Har-
ris. principal of the Warrenton High
School, died at Providence Hospital last
night
His remains. which are at the under
taking establishment Of the Wright Com
pany, 1887 10th street northwest, will be
taken to Warrenton this afternoon. Fu-
neral services and burial will take place
there tomorrow.
The shooting, which occurred on Main
street about 7:3O o'clock Saturday night,
was the elimination of i'll feeling that had
existed for some time between Thompson
and Harris. due to differences of opinion
over public school affairs
Not First Encounter.
William E. Marshall. Thompson's part
ner in the ownership of the Virginian. is
intendent Of the schools of Fauquier
county, position to which Harris as
pired Thompson had been supporting
Marshall actively.
A clash between Thompson and Harris
over this contest formed the basis of
their troubles. Some months ago Thomp-
son and Harris had a fist fight, when
Harris was worsted.
AS to how the shooting happened re-
ports are conflicting. Some Of the wit
nesses claim that Harris opened fire on
Thompson without warning. Others
claim that the school teacher acted in
self defense.
1t is understood that Harris will enter
a plea of self-defense when he is put on
trial.
Wounded Man Brought Here.
AS soon after the shooting as possible
a special train was procured. Thompson,
under the care of Drs. James Kerr. c.
Shirley Carter and Samuel w. Maphis.
was hurried to Washington.
Upon arrival here late Saturday night,
he was taken to Providence Hospital.
There an operation was performed upon
him under the direction of DR.. Kerr
Three bullets were extracted.
Mr.. Thompson was in such condition
as to warrant no hope whatever of his
recovery. Not once did he regain con-
seriousness.
j. A. c.. Keith, commemorative attor-
ney of Fauquier and an intimate friend
OF Thompson, came TO Washington on the
special train. He remained with Thomp-
son until he died in the hope that the
ment as to the shooting.
Mr. Keith said today that no such state
ment was made.
Inquest to Be Held.
Special Dispatch to The Star.
Gxs
over the tragedy of Saturday night last
when, on the main street of Warrenton.
J. d. Harris shot W. A. Thompson, as
sociate editor Of the Warrenton virginian,
is still intense. Friends of both parties
are deeply stirred.
The remains of Mr.. Thompson will be
7:15 o'clock train. The funeral will take
place tomorrow.
The action regarding bail stands as ii
was. as the commonwealth attorney is
out of town. The inquest will not be
held until the body arrives in town to-
night.
1t appears from the evidence at the
application for bail that about 6:15 o'clock
Saturday afternoon Mr.. Harris went to
the depot in Warrenton to escort one of
her off on the train. Miss Strother and
Miss Maphis. two teachers. were also
present.
MIR. Thompson was standing outside of
the door and made offensive and profane
says the application, directed
to Mr.. Harris in the presence Of these
women.
"Mr. Harris saw his friends off and
turned to go. Mr.. Thompson was still
using profane and violent language, it is
asserted.
Fatal Encounter.
"Mr. Harris. with the two other teach
ers. went over to the house of Mr.
Richards, near the depot. About an
hour afterward Mr.. Harris went to the
post Office for his mail
"At the drug store of Mr.. Sewers ...r.
Harris met Irwin Maxheimer, a brother
to see Mr.. Thompson and
urged him not to make any more trouble.
Mr.. MaXheimer promised to do so.
Just at this moment Mr.. Thompson
came up Main street toward Mr.. Harris.
Mr.. Harris saw him coming, and said to
Mr.. Maxheimer:
~ see Mr.. Thompson coming now. /
will CO.
He then walked up the street away
from Mr.. Thompson. About Mr.. Hilleary's
store Mr.. Harris caught up with Mason
who asked him some question.
In the meanwhile. Mr. Thompson was
approaching Mr.. Harris and using pro-
fame language.
Mr.. Thompson caught up with Mr..
Harris near a millinery store and began to
curse him. Harris walked into the street.
Thompson followed him and caught him
Oy the lapel of the coat.
He held him with one hand while strik-
ing him in the face with the other. One
Dr. more Of these blows produced severe
confusion on the right eye of Mr. Harris.
n a ton f1, xx-fNf Mr.
Harris drew a pistol. He says he shot at
Mr.. Thompson's legs. One bullet did
strike him in the leg, but two struck him
IN the. lower abdomen.
The shots were fired while Mr.. Thomp-
son was beating Mr.. Harris with his fist.
Mr. Thompson weighed 1S0 pounds and
Prof. Harris about 100.
1T appeared further that last October
Mr. Thompson assaulted Mr.. Harris and
beat him badly and had since that time
.IS . I l. i i