The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1910-02-23
USES GUN TO SAVE
HER HUSBAND
Pretty Southern Woman and As
Navy Revolver Are Central Figures
in 100000 Damage Suit.

SPOKANE. Wash. Feb. ga pref
~ young woman, endowed with all
the grace and charm and fire of a
true daughter OF the south. sat de
murely in choir loft. toying daintily
with a grim 45-ca!ibre Navy revolver,
which she had carried into the
sanctuary. just to make sure that hex
preacher husband would get square
deal at the hands OF disgruntled
church officials who were trying to
Dust him.
That was one dramatic incident in
church row in the little town OF
Colfax. near here, that. with its after
math, has set the whole state 10 talk
ing
The pretty little southern woman IL
Mrs Virginia Bnss The preacher
husband is the Rev. III. c. Buss. The
aftermath is 100000 suit for dam
ages brought by the young preacher
against officials OF the First Baptist
church Of Colfax.
The row had its origin nearly a
year ago. when Buss was given charge
OF the expenditure of small sum in
improvements OH the church building.
Certain OF the officials were not salts
fled with the result. charging that
Buss had spent more money than he
was authorized TO spend.
Buss denied this and for several
months there was an undercurrent oil
ill-feeling that finally developed into
an open factional fight
few weeks ago, meeting of the
deacons was called. forcing the resig-
nation of the preacher. Buss was
present at the meeting and his %
year-od wife was spectator.
The meeting, starting with digni-
fed discussion OF the subject before
il. increased in warmth as It pro-
crossed. until both sides were ex-
pressing their views, personal and
otherwise. with no small amount OF
candor
When Mrs. Buss saw her husband,
who is small man, contesting
against what she considered TO be too
heavy odds. she considered immediate
re-enforcements necessary
Born under Southern skies, her girl
hood spent amid the traditions OF the
Old South. she had no doubt as TO
what re-enforcements would be most
successful. She slipped quietly from
the church. tripped over to the par
sonage. a few doors away, and In
few moments was back in the choir
loft. She took no pains to hide the
fact that during her absence she had
provided herself with heavy arma-
ment.
She took a position directly above
the table where the meeting was In
progress. resting her arms on the
chair rail absently swingly the bis
navy revolver.
None of those who were present
charge Mrs Buss with any intention
other than Of bringing the meeting
to an abruDt end She was eminent
" successful The church officials
adjourned hastily and left the build
ing.
Buss held the fort. A meeting OF
the congregation was called by the
deacons The question of the removal
of Buss was put TO a vote. When
the votes were counted. II appeared
certain that the preacher was ousted
Then Mrs Buss came forward de
murely and presented 81 proxies in
favor Of her husband.
They were enough to give him the
majority She had accurately sized
up the congregation and had quietly
gore about town. again marshalling
re-inforcements.
The deacons declared that the vot-
ing of proxies was not allowed by the
church laws Buss and his friends de-
clared the proxies were good. While
the new angle of the fight was at
fever heat. Buss accepted the ruling
of the deacons
He went from the church TO law
Office. A few days later. he and his
wife fled suit for sl01,500 damages
against IS prominent Colfax people.
alleging conspiracy to drive them
from the church. to ruin their reputa
ton and to force them from the
town
1t is freely predicted that the ready
wit and fighting spirit OF little Mrs.
Virginia Buss will plav no small part
In the trial OF the case.
Organizers and Managers wanted.