The Waxahachie daily light. [volume] (Waxahachie, Tex.) 1894-current, 1912-03-30

One OF the most prominent cha--
acters in the state of Texas today
Is DR.. Norris, pastor OF the First
Baptist church at Fort Worth. He
has really attained a national repu-
tation. The circumstances surround
ing his career during the past few
months have become so we'll known
that it would be assuming an ignor-
ance not belonging to the general
reading public for me to attempt
any history OF the case.
Last week while attending the
fat stock show I met one OF the nu-
merous detectives on duty at that
city and was escorted to the office
of ex-Congressman 0. w. Gillespie
where I found DIR. Norris In close
consultation with his attorneys and
friend. When the consultation end
ed DR.. Norris and some other gem
tfemen came into the room and the
introductions followed.
The question ciamoring for ans
wer by all thoughtful people IN
swayed by prejudice is whether DR..
Norris is the victim Of a deep laid
plot or is deep plotter himself
Are the powers of darkness trying
to drive him from the synagogue
and from the city or has he conveiv-
ed a plan by which he may pose be-
fore the world as martyr? Is Dr.
Norris a scheming hypocrite, an I'M
get for as black-hearted a set of
scoundrels as ever undertook to
drive deceney and good morals from
the limits of the Fort Worth NUM-
cipality? I have never expressed an
opinion in the premises because
have not had sufficient evidence
upon which to found one Now that
have seen and conversed with DR..
Morris | am no more enlightened
S|8than before except that l have had
opportunity to pass such hasty judg-
nent as short interview with
Hanger warrants.
|3;sr Norris is tall, slender, has a
4 &ht, almost laughing eye, which
ks directly in yours. His appear
Fee indicates the motive rather
Nan the deep intellectual tempera-
Hhaent. He Is fighter and surround
ed By different environments might
have ridden broncho or been
dead shot with pistol. A native
Texan he shows 1t plainly in his
movements and appearance, gener-
ally. With good clear, healthy
complexion there is none of that
deathly pallor which characterizes
the imperative concept" He is a
strong human magnet, an enthus-
ssfast. therefore a leader OF men.
y With a seeming openness of express
sion he does not peddle out his con-
fidcnce to every one he meets. He
impressed me neither as pious
fraud nor as bad man but rather
as live, energetic young man en-
joying life with almost the happy
gist of boyhood If his troubles
bear heavily upon him his demeanor
does not betray any evidence of the
fact. After a short talk with him I
said, Doctor, I believe you are all
right" He replied. II do not con-
slider that any compliment. I would
not thank one to tell me my wife
was virtuous' There is but one
searcher of human hearts, therefore
none but DR.. Norris and such MS
have his confidence know whether
he is a victim or the prime mover In
a carnival of crime which has shak-
en- the city of Fort Worth from CEN
ter to circumference. I can only say
that he does not present the appear
ance of bad man to me and that
most of those with whom | convers-
ed on the subject were Norris partl-
sans. The city was full of detectives
they were watching each other,
watching DR.. Norris; watching those
who are prosecuting, some of them
possibly watching for the truth nut
ali Of them watching for the oppor-
tunitv to collect for themselves the
rewards offered for the conviction
of the incendiary who burned the
BAPTIST church and the parsonage.
1t is a difficult matter to write the
characteristics of any man ana es-
peciallv a stranger. If you and Dr.
Norris will pardon this attempt !
will write on a more interesting
subject next time.
Last Tuesday morning I boarded
the train for Red Oak The ,hrst
man / met was ]. I. Wilson. l nave