***************************
Other California Counties
&
1904
| 1850's
| 1860's
| 1862
| 1870's & 1880's
| 1890's
| 1900-1903 | 1905
| 1906 | 1907
| 1909 | 1910
| 1911 | 1912 |
1913-1915 | 1917-1920's
|
QUARREL
OF OPPOSING ATTORNEYS AROUSES INDIGNATION AT
District Attorney Especially Condemned - His Row With
Sheriff Over Slot Machines.
Mrs. Snowden Testifies Again - Bank Robbery
Compromise.
AUBURN (Placer Co.), November 18 - The shameful scene
of yesterday afternoon in which District Attorney Kelly ROBINSON and Attorney
Ben TABOR were the principals was the talk of the town last night and this
morning. It is the sentiment of the people that such conduct should never have
been allowed and that the Court should have punished those guilty of the
disturbance in a severe manner.
But much more
censure attaches to the District Attorney than to Tabor. From the beginning of
this case he has shown a disposition to override all with whom he comes in contact,
evidently not appreciating the responsibility that rests upon him in this very
important preliminary hearing. While little or no doubt exists in the minds of
the people as to young Weber’s guilt, that in itself, no matter how deep, is
not sufficient to punish him. Evidence is needed to convict the prisoner. And
although Mr. Robinson himself stated at the opening of the hearing that he
relied upon circumstantial evidence alone to bring about the binding over of
Adolph Weber to the Superior Court, the course he has pursued has been anything
but a help to a prosecution as weak as he has admitted his side to be.
The fact is
that the District Attorney should be assisted by eminent legal talent. Even if
he were better qualified to conduct the case than he has shown himself to be,
the affair is important enough to justify the taking of every precaution to the
end that the fiend guilty of the wholesale slaughter of the Weber family shall
be brought to justice. The Governor and the Attorney-General will be appealed
to.
The Bee’s
regular
Slot
Machine Quarrel
Sheriff Keena
and the District Attorney are also on bad terms. It will be remembered by
readers of The Bee that they came together in a wordy war several months ago
following a publication in this paper of in interview by Mr. Robinson’s
assistant in which it was stated as coming form the District Attorney’s office
that the Sheriff had utterly failed to do his duty in the matter of suppressing
slot-machine gambling. It was said in the interview in question that Mr.
Robinson had notified the Sheriff by letter as to the law governing the case,
but the Sheriff angrily denied that he had ever received such a letter.
Thereupon the District Attorney again notified him, this time making use of a
messenger in order that there could be no denial. Incidentally, it might be
observed that the Sheriff soon after issued a notice ordering that the slot
machines be put out of commission.
Mrs. E. C.
Snowden was on the stand this morning. She told nothing new, reaffirming her
former statements regarding the fear in which young Weber’s mother had held him
and of the threat he had made to the witness that her turn would come next. It
looked for a time this morning as if the hearing would be continued until
Monday or Tuesday, but it finally was decided to go on with it this afternoon.
Nothing of interest was brought out this morning at all. It is hard to say when
the hearing will be finally concluded. The District Attorney does not seem to
know himself, or to have much of an idea as to the number of witnesses he
proposes to call.
While The Bee
probably was the first paper to publish the story that Julius Weber was
reported to have settled with the bank of Placer County for the alleged robbery
of that institution by his son, Adolph, the story had been whispered around
among the more intimate friends of the family and some of its relatives for
some time.
It first came
to The Bee from an individual who has not resided in Auburn in many years, but
it is no more surprising that he had heard the rumor than that it was talked of
in St. Louis among Placer County people several weeks ago. Indeed, the first
news came to more than one resident of
While the
general opinion is that there is no truth in the report, yet it certainly is strange
how it could have originated without some basis in fact. One theory is that
young Weber’s family finally discovered that he had committed the crime and
that this knowledge, together with the desire of his father to right the wrong,
became known to friends of the family, and as the story was whispered and
re-whispered, it gradually changed form until it reached the dimensions with
which the public became acquainted with it.
NO
DOUBT THAT WEBER WILL BE HELD TO ANSWER
The
defendant’s statement that he assisted in rescuing his little brother from the
flames has not been verified by a single witness, as no one saw him with the
child in his arms, and those who took the little boy out of the house did not
see Weber during the time the chid was being taken out. The story of a long
line of witnesses has been told, and are identical on this point.
Weber
continues his easy manner in the Court-room. He has an almost military step,
and walks very erect. There is not the slightest bit of boyishness in his
manner, his bearing being calm and dignified, and very unusual in one of his
years. His clear complexion and strong features give his countenance an
individuality that would be noticeable anywhere. He moves his thin lips almost
constantly, and gazes in an absorbed manner out of the window next to him, as
if carefully weighing each part of the proceedings.
Yesterday he
seemed to be not feeling as well as usual, and a trifle paler, though he smiled
pleasantly to those who addressed him during the recesses. Now and then he will
turn and look over the crowd of spectators back of him, but not often. He does
not seem to realize the attention he attracts, and rarely notices the crowds in
the corridors who stop to get a close view of him. Under Sheriff May is his
constant companion when he is out of the cell, and he seems more kindly
disposed toward him than to any of the other officials. Yesterday he was in
rather a cynical frame of mind and did not show any signs of affability, mild
as this quality is in him. Under Sheriff May misplaced his hat and could not find
it as he started to leave the Court-room.
Weber
and His Keeper
“Adolph, did
you notice whether I wore my hat up from the office this afternoon?” said Mr.
May pleasantly.
“No; I did
not. I am not noticing you,” said the prisoner, icily.
“Well, now,
I’ll be fairer than that with you,” said Mr. May, “I did notice that you did
not wear your hat up.”
Adolph looked
at his custodian with a cynical smile and replied pointedly:
“I presume you
had more occasion to notice me than I had to observe you.”
The prisoner’s
guardian has given orders to have Adolph’s wants in every reasonable way
supplied. He does not eat the same fare that the other prisoners do, being
dyspeptic. His meals are of a more dainty character.
The assertion
is still made by some that Weber will weaken and confess to the killing. But
while he is not a strong man physically the determined lines about his mouth
and the unflinching expression of his eyes do not denote weakness. If he is
guilty there is not likely to be any change in his demeanor, as he has not
shown the slightest sign that he feared the consequences of the grave charge
against him. There are not any ardent admirers of the young man in the large
audiences which have daily visited the preliminary. The faces if the people are
stern and they are closely watching the evidence which the attorneys are trying
to thrash out of the great mass of tiresome details, which have been repeated
over and over.
Mrs. Fred
RECHENMACHER, a neighbor of the Weber family, was on the stand yesterday
afternoon and testified that she heard Bertha Weber playing on her piano
between
The testimony
of the three Miss WILLS - Theo, Nellie and Margaret - showed the remark made by
Weber that he was going away to have been a most natural one, and to which no
significance or suspicion might be attached. Miss Nell Wills did not have very
much conversation with the defendant the night of the fire. The Wills family
avoided the subject of the death of the Weber family before Adolph, as they
wished to keep him in as calm a state of mind as possible. Witness did not
notice any bloodstains in the bed occupied by the defendant.
Miss Theo
Wills described the events at her home at the time mentioned, the same as did
the other members of her family. She had heard defendant say that he knew his
little brother was all right as he rescued him from the fire. The “going away”
remark made by defendant to witness, and concerning which considerable comment
has been made, was in reference to defendant going to San Francisco to attend
the funeral of his family, which had been his intention. He afterwards refused
to do, as he would have to be accompanied by an officer. Margaret Wills
corroborated the testimony of here sisters.
Attorneys
Quarrel
At the
beginning of the afternoon examination, D.W. LUBECK, Vice-President of the
Placer County Bank, was called to the witness stand, as told in yesterday’s
Bee, to testify to the effect that the bank had been reimbursed for the
robbery, which is attributed to Adolph Weber. Mr. Lubeck’s testimony was but
brief, but it became the foundation of an assault between District Attorney
Robinson and Attorney Ben P. Tabor, counsel for the defendant, as told briefly
in yesterday’s Bee.
“Mr. Lubeck,
did Julius Weber ever approach the officials of your bank and offer to refund
any sum taken from the bank at the time of the robbery?” asked the District
Attorney.
The defendant’s
counsel motioned the witness to reserve his answer, and then made objection to
the question.
“We are not
objecting to Mr. Lubeck’s answer only on the grounds of its utter incompetency,
whatever it might be,” he said. “The case of bank robbery is not before this
Court, and even if the witness should answer in the affirmative it would not
prove anything in the present case. Because Julius Weber might make such an
offer to the bank would not be evidence that Adolph Weber killed his family.”
The District
Attorney and defendant’s counsel then engaged in a warm discussion of the case,
and the Court finally overruled the objection.
The Court
Reporter repeated the question and Mr. Lubeck answered that Julius Weber had
never made such a proposal.
After the
witness left the stand the attorneys continued to be caustic and sarcastic, the
District Attorney defending his position warmly. The Court remarked that he was
not familiar with the prosecuting officer’s theory, but presumed the District
Attorney had some object in placing Mr. Lubeck on the stand.
Tabor
Resents Charge
“I am in the
same position of Your Honor and can’t comprehend Mr. Robinson’s rainbow
theories,” said Tabor.
This remark
did not quiet the troubled waters and was met with vehemence from Robinson.
“We are not
called upon,: said Mr. Tabor, “to investigate rumors and newspaper reports
about the bank.”
“And
circulated by the attorney of the defendant!” cried Robinson, glaring at his
opponent.
Both men were now
thoroughly aroused. White with anger they looked menacingly at one another.
“I want to say
to the Court that those words of the District Attorney are absolutely and
unqualifiedly false,” declared Tabor, as he sat down.
Mr. Robinson
approached his opponent and while speaking placed his hand upon Tabor’s
shoulder.
“Take your
hands off me,” said Tabor springing to his feet, and the two men came together.
No blows were struck, but only because of the timely interference of Under
Sheriff May and others sitting near the angered lawyers.
“Now sit down,
gentlemen, or I will arrest you both,” said May, as the two men were being
pushed away from each other.
After a short
time Justice Smith managed to make his raps for order heard, and the indignant
lawyers resumed their seats. The occurrence caused great commotion for a
moment. The Court-room was crowded, there being many women present when the
scene took place.
Justice Smith
did not lose his temper or impose any fines for contempt. His usual affable countenance
became somewhat stern as he said:
“Now,
gentlemen, let’s get down to business and omit these bickerings in the future.”
The case then
proceeded and was uneventful. The large attendance has held up, and the
percentage of women has been greater than at any previous criminal action tried
in this Court.
The
preliminary is likely to be finished to-day, though the District Attorney could
not state so definitely.
Blood
On the Clothing
Dr. J.F. WHITE,
who made an examination of the remnants of Weber’s pants in search of blood
stains has not given his evidence yet, and considerable interest is manifested
in what the report of his investigation will be.
Word was
received here last night to the effect that Dr. H.A. L. RYFKOGEL, of San
Francisco, had found blood on the pieces of cloth left with him for
examination. He will make other tests, however, to confirm his conclusions.
There is not
the slightest doubt but that Weber will have to answer before the Superior
Court, and it is probable that the case will be set for some time about the
first of the year.
From the
principal streets here the Weber home was plainly visible on its western
eminence, but a desolate blackened spot, surrounded by a white fence, is the
dismal picture that now stands in place of the cone pretty domicile. Scorched
and browned shrubs and trees supplant the flowers and foliage with which the
home of the murdered Webers was surrounded.
The house and
its surrounding fence were of a pure white color and it attracted more attention
than any residence in the western part of the city, for its neat and
picturesque appearance and its natural advantage of view. Sitting on the crest
of the high green hills which are the boundary of the western portion of
The only
living thing of the Weber home that survives besides the son, who is now
charged with its destruction, is the family cow. The poor beast was frantic
with fright on the fatal night, and it was not until next day that she was
secured by neighbors.
Rumors have
not ceased, and each day new stories gain circulation, and are passed along
with astonishing rapidity. The rumor of the Placer County Bank having
compromised the robbery does not find any credence. The first reports traveled
over this city in less than an hour, and numerous inquiries were made.
Newspaper men besieged the bank officials for information, and it was the man
topic of the day.
Yesterday a
report was in circulation to the effect that threatening anonymous letters had
been received by some of those who are interested in the prosecution of Weber.
It is thought that these came from cranks, who had no personal interest or
knowledge of the parties concerned.
CITY
GARDENER DEAD
MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.), November 19 - F.M. KNOX, for a
long time City Gardener, died yesterday, aged 63 years. He was for ten years in
the employ of the Levee Commissioners. A son and four daughters survive him. He
was married the second time.
GOVERNMENT
AGENTS TAKE HAND IN THE PROSECUTION
Nothing has
been done in the way of prosecution, for representatives of the offices of the
United States District Attorney and United States Marshal in Oregon have asked
that the matter be deferred until they can arrive and present graver charges
arising from the dealing of Boren and Miller in that State, where the two are
said to have been guilty of subornation of perjury in connection with fraudulently
obtaining land from the United States. They worked their scheme more nearly to
a finish at
The
BUYS
ENTIRE OUTPUT
There are many
other by-products which in course of time will be put on the market. Already
they produce terrene linseed oil and turpentine. Asphaltum is another
by-product which the Company is introducing.
DRINKS
POISON TO END UNHAPPY MARRIED LIFE
DE LA MAR (Shasta Co.), November 19 - Mrs. Rosie
CATES, wife of Sam CATES, although they are now living apart, attempted to
commit suicide here last evening. She drank two ounces of laudanum, according
to her account, and then copious draughts of whisky. One poison counteracted the
other and she did not die. She applied at the drug store to purchase more
laudanum, telling what she had done. She was, of course, refused any more of
the poison. She had once before attempted suicide. She was formerly Miss Rosie
SCOTT, of
SAYS
HE DIDN’T SHOOT TO KILL
Well-Known Trinity Mining Man on Trial, Charged with a
Serious Offense
WEAVERVILLE (Trinity Co.), November 19 - The trial of
W.W. PHILLIPS, upon the charge of assault with a deadly weapon, has been in
progress in the Superior Court all week. The taking of evidence was concluded
this morning, and by evening the case will go to the jury, it is thought.
Phillips had a
quarrel with A.W. ELLIS at
Phillips drew
his gun and shot three times at Ellis as the latter ran, but did not hit him.
He snapped his pistol a fourth time. This is, briefly, Ellis’ version.
Phillips on
his own behalf admits that his weapon was “discharged” three times but claims
that at no time was it directed at Ellis. The first time it went off by
accident, as he drew it from his pocket when he thought Ellis was about to draw
a weapon. The second and third shots were fired, Phillips claims, in the air
just to scare Ellis. He denies snapping the gun in an attempt to fire the
fourth shot.
The case
attracts a great deal of attention in
Submitted by Betty Loose betty@unisette.com
____________________________________
BURGLARS
WERE WEARING THEIR VICTIM’S CLOTHING
MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.), November 21 - Two strangers who
arrived here from Chico Friday morning, and who give the names of John ALLEN
and William LEWIS, were booked at the city prison Saturday night by Officer
BECKER, first on suspicion, and, finally, for burglary. The officer’s attention
was attracted to the pair because of their strange actions. When he held them
up at the corner of Fourth and A Streets a sandbag was found concealed in
Allen’s coat pocket.
The men were
in jail but a short time when a lodger at the
THIRD
MEMBER OF FAMILY TO DIE IN FOUR MONTHS
MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.), November 21 - The third death
to occur in one family in less than four months took place Sunday morning when
George SHELTON, the remaining member of Mrs. W.E. Shelton’s household, passed
away.
The eldest
son, Charles, died in July last, and the daughter, Miss Cora, answered the
summons in September.
George
Shelton, who was 34 years of age, was suffering with dropsy and jaundice, but
an overdose of morphine, taken accidentally to alleviate his sufferings,
brought the end.
VOTED
AND THEN DIED
COPLEY (Shasta Co.), November 21 - James R. KING, an
old-time miner in this district, was found dead in his cabin Saturday morning.
Suffering from Bright’s disease, he had gone to the
COWBELLS
ON THE BRANCHES GUARD THIS MAN’S
REDDING (Shasta Co.), November 21 - Now that the
oranges grown in the front dooryards of Redding homes are taking on the golden
hues of ripeness, property owners are greatly annoyed by the nightly
depredations of the small boy who knows a good thing when he sees it and whose
conscience does not smite any harder for stealing oranges than it would for
raiding a watermelon patch in the Summer time.
A. KLEMMER,
being subject to several raids, hit upon a novel plan of detecting the
pilferers. He borrowed a half-dozen cowbells. At nightfall he distributed these
musical intonators promiscuously among the lower branches of the orange trees
that bore the most tempting baits of fruit.
Before
daylight next morning a newsboy on his early rounds dropped a paper on the
Klemmer doorstep and stopped to gather some ripened oranges, as he had
doubtless done before. He grabbed the luscious fruit form the laden boughs that
drooped from overhead. One, two, three, four oranges dropped into his pockets.
He didn’t stop to count any more, for there was a clanger of cowbells in the
Klemmer dooryard that sent the frightened newsboy scampering down the hill with
the speed of “greased lightning.”
In his flight
he dropped his bundle of morning papers, and that fact probably accounted for
so many subscribers in
ANOTHER
MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.), November 21 - Down in
Wheatland, the home of Assemblyman-elect E.T. MANWELL, there is a warm fight on
for the position of Postmaster. It is not as important as the contest here, but
it is interesting just the same. The contestants are the incumbent, J.M.
JOHNSON, and James A. MUCK. Both men have influential following, but Johnson is
said to have a handicap in having fallen out with the members of the
This latter
body, it is said, will use its influence to bring about a change, but whether
or not Muck will be the man of their choice remains to be seen. Supervisor
MORRISON is said to be lending his support to Muck’s fight. Johnson has held
the office for four years.
PROFESSOR
KENNEDY WEDS
CORNING (Tehama Co.), November 21 - Prof K. Clyde
KENNEDY, of
MINING
DELEGATES
WEAVERVILLE (Trinity Co.), November 21 - The Board of
Supervisors has appointed the following
ALL INDICATIONS POINT TO YOUNG WEBER AS SLAYER OF HIS
FAMILY
Review of Crime and Subsequent Happenings Emphasize First
Suspicions - Preliminary Hearing Resumed This Afternoon - Yesterday’s
Developments
The crime is
remarkable for the short space of time in which it was committed, the
fiendishness of the murderer in the mutilation of the bodies, the profound
mystery that still surrounds the case, the unnatural conduct of the accused and
the superstitious terror that has possessed the people of this city, and their
terrible dread of the beardless youth, even securely caged as he is in a steel
cell at the county jail, who stands accused of the authorship of the hellish
slaughter.
On the evening of November 10th,
shortly before
Mrs. Snowden
and Mrs. Weber were sisters, as well as neighbors, and exceedingly devoted to
each other. Hardly a day passed but the two had met at one house of the other
and exchanged confidences about household affairs. The two families were both
home lovers, and cared but little for the ordinary social attractions of the
world. They had shared their joys and sorrows together and had lived happily,
both being in good financial circumstances and living in harmony with their
people aside from the occasional ripples which come to every domestic circle.
First
at the Fire
Mr. Snowden was
the first of the Snowden family to discover the flames and he hurriedly
informed his wife. She rushed toward the building and on her arrival no one had
yet reached the spot except Chris HENRY, a neighbor. The roar and crackle of
the flames were the only sounds that could be heard, as no human voice issued
from the building. The terror-stricken woman instinctively took this as an
ominous sign, and started to break into the house in search of her sister and
family. Henry saw the desperation of the woman, and with great difficulty
restrained her from entering a place that meant certain death to her. By this
time others began to arrive and as all doors and windows in the house resisted
entrance, the firemen began breaking their way through the windows.
Among them was
Adolph Weber, who came with the first arrivals. He carried a bundle containing
an old pair of pants which he had, but a few moments before, discarded at a dry
goods store for a new pair he purchased there. Weber was seen to throw the
bundle he held in his hand and shatter the panes of one of the windows, after
which he entered. But no one saw him while in there. Whether, as accused youth
states, he attempted to rescue any of his people, or whether, as is the theory
of some, he went in to perfect some detail of the dastardly crime that is laid
to his door, may never be known. One of the firemen saw Weber lean from the
window shortly after, and in coming out his hand was quite badly cut on the
broken glass.
Finding
the Bodies
The firemen who
entered the front window of the room where the bodies of Mrs. Weber, her
daughter Bertha, and little son Earl were found, are positive Adolph was
nowhere near them. They did not see him at all until after they left the
building. These firemen had as yet no intimation that there were bodies in the
house. The light of the fire was not sufficient to see about the room, and they
were groping in search of what they might save, when they came upon a prostrate
form. The discovery of the other two quickly followed and the three were
hurriedly passed out through the window to the firemen outside.
The bodies of
Mrs. Weber and her daughter were badly burned, one in the upper and the other
in the lower parts. At the time they were taken from the room not a particle of
fire had reached there, and the first glints of suspicion began to flash across
the public mind, though there were still many who were not acquainted with the
facts, and who returned to their homes, shocked only by what they at first
supposed was the Weber’s inability to escape from the fatal flames. But a few
officials were looking with grave suspicion on the bodies and when physicians
arrived at the under-taking parlors shortly after, and a hasty examination
showed that the bodies bore bullet wounds, the full magnitude of the awful
occurrence was thoroughly established.
Adolph Weber
was led away from the scene and taken to the home of a friend, where he
remained all night, and his wounded hand attended to . He was in a state of nervous
excitement and friends watched close at his bedside all night. They made no
allusion to the holocaust, as it was their desire to keep his mind off the
calamity. He made several allusions to it himself, but his friends made no
comment on his remarks.
First
Suspicions
Weber had not
spoke to his aunt, Mrs. Snowden, for about seven months, but on the morning
after the fire he visited the Snowden home, and it was then that his aunt
openly charged him with murder. The news of Mrs. Snowden’s suspicions spread
like wildfire and the city became agog with excitement. The standing of Mrs.
Snowden, and her positive conviction turned attention toward Adolph Weber for a
lucid explanation. People grew restless and began to ask why the officers did
not arrest young Weber.
But Sheriff
Keena was silent, and began his investigation. He paid no heed to the
importunities of those who urged him to place the suspected man in prison. He
was proceeding slowly and carefully. The feeling of suspicion grew greater each
hour, and people who are not ordinarily given to strong expressions declared
that Weber should be arrested. Women throughout the city were in a state of
almost panic, at the thoughts of young Weber being at large, and would not
venture out after nightfall.
The community
stood in fear of the tall, slender youth who still mingled with citizens and
passed along the streets. If he felt chagrin or mortification at the ban under
which he had been placed, he gave no outward sign. The second night after the
fire he spent at the home of his guardian, John Adams. Weber was passing along
a dark street on this evening, on his way to the Adams home, when he turned a
corner and came abruptly face to face with a young woman going in the opposite
direction. She was so startled by his appearance that she ran screaming away
from him. He never slackened his quick, military step, but passed on.
Angry
at The Bee
The first
newspaper reports of the tragedy which were sent out did not state that Adolph
weber was under suspicion. The Bee, however, was the first to say this and The
Bee’s head lines enraged the suspected man. He began to make inquiries as to
who the local correspondent was and with a copy of the paper visited Coroner
Shepard and expressed his indignation. He afterwards visited his aunt, Mrs.
Snowden, and charged her as being the instigator of the article. It was at this
time that he threatened his aunt when he is said to have made use of the
expression: “Your turn will come next!”
This is the
most damaging thing that has occurred to clinch the suspicion that now hangs
over him, and it is the opinion that had young Weber refrained from this, and
made his demeanor toward his aunt less threatening he would have been given the
benefit of the doubt that existed in the minds of many who could not be
reconciled to the theory that he committed the crime.
The discovery
of blood stains on the piano stool seems to confirm the theory that Bertha
Weber was shot while at the piano, as already advanced in The Bee. It is the
opinion of some that Mrs. Weber was killed in the hallway with her little boy,
and their bodies dragged into the piano room, where the daughter lay, and that
then the clothing of the two women was set on fire.
But the doors
and windows being closed, the flames of the ignited clothing died down for lack
of draught to fan them. The firemen testified that the fire was still
smoldering on bodies of the two women when they were taken out and blazed up
when the bodies reached the open air at the window.
Weber’s
Picture Taken
Yesterday young
Weber consented to pose for his photograph. He has changed his demeanor toward
photographers. He tried to demolish one artist’s camera who attempted to catch
a ‘snap’ of him when he was first arrested. Yesterday he was brought out from
his cell by Deputy FULTON and taken to the north entrance of the Court House,
where a photographer took twelve different views of the prisoner. Weber had but
little to say during the time. Sheriff Keena, on his favorite saddle horse,
stood by and watched the proceeding with marked interest. The photographer then
took the Sheriff’s picture.
The prisoner
wanted to take the witness stand Saturday afternoon and refute the testimony of
the witnesses who had borne witness against him. He was advised, however, to
take the advice of his attorneys, who do not want him to take the witness stand
at the preliminary.
Each day new
stories of Weber’s eccentric ways come to light from different citizens who
have come in contact with him. He was a visitor at several homes here, where he
went to play chess, and his silent manner has always been remarked upon.
“Young Weber
used to come to my home,” said a citizen here yesterday, “and play chess. I
never cared much about him coming, as he was not a congenial man, and his
mysterious manner created a sort of dread in me of the boy. He had ceased to
come to my house altogether, and I had not thought of him for a long time.
“One night
after my family had retired and I was about to retire myself, the door bell rang.
It was dark at the front door when I opened it, and to my question of who was
there, a voice in the darkness said ‘Do you want to play a game of chess?’ I
recognized Weber’s voice. I was rather reluctant to receive him at that time,
but finally said I would play the game. He then went away as silently and
mysteriously as he had come.”
Annoyed
Witnesses
A newspaper
photographer tried to get a picture of a group of women who were witnesses as
they were leaving the Court-room. The women objected to this and ran back into
the corridors. The photographer was persistent and followed them about with his
camera, but did not get the pictures, as the women turned their backs on him.
Deputy Sheriff Fulton reprimanded the picture man for his persistency.
Julius Weber,
the murdered brewer, came to
Foolish
Theories
Theories
continue to be hatched, some of which are absurd and ridiculous. The report of
a morning paper yesterday to the affect that Carl HENREICH, of
Argument
against the Webers being killed by an outside party continues among the people.
It is urged that a stranger could not have kept the assassination so closely
guarded. That had this been the case, the Webers on the first alarm would have
fled from the house. That an outsider could not have made an entrance into the
Weber home, killed its inmates and then locked the house so securely without
having caused alarm to have been given.
Yesterday
Under Sheriff May and Coroner Shepard entertained the newspaper fraternity who
are here by taking them on a pleasant drive through the surrounding country,
visiting various points of interest and attractions.
Everything was
quiet at the Court House yesterday and aside from being brought out to have his
photo taken Weber did not leave his cell all day, spending a great deal of his
time in writing and reading.
The search for
the pistol with which the Webers were killed continues. The hillsides were
scoured for the missing weapon yesterday, but without success.
At the
prisoners request, his aunt, Mrs. Snowden, visited him yesterday for a few
moments. He merely inquired of her if she had thought about headstones for the
graves of the dead Webers. An official, at Mrs. Snowden’s request, accompanied
her. Several local pastors spoke of the great crime in their sermons yesterday.
Submitted by Betty Loose betty@unisette.com
____________________________________
Sacrament Evening Bee
THROWN
FROM A WAGON AND DASHED TO DEATH
YREKA (Siskiyou Co.), November 22 - Word has reached
here of the supposed accidental death of Allen HILT, a prominent citizen of the
northern part of the county. Hilt’s team came home driverless and after a
lengthy search by his friends Hilt’s body was found on Bailey Hill. Life was
extinct.
The real cause
of the accident has not been fully ascertained, but it is thought the wagon
bumped against a large boulder by the side of the road and that the heavy jar
threw Hilt out and under the wagon, which was a heavy one, and that it passed
over his chest, killing him almost instantly.
Hilt was a
perfectly sober and industrious man and had a large number of friends
throughout the county. He was a cousin of M.E. BUCKER, a business man of this
place.
It was plainly
an accidental death and the Coroner has decided not to hold an inquest. When
found a gold watch and considerable money was on the body of the deceased.
SWALLOWED
A NEEDLE WHILE EATING
The roast
turkey was served at the noonday meal and no one came across the needle. At
suppertime Mrs. Cummings, in setting the table, ripped a bite of the roasted
meat and swallowed it. After she had done so she realized that the needle was
stuck in her throat. A hurried trip to the office of a physician resulted in
the recovery of the little piece of shining steel. By some surgical appliance
it was dislodged about three inches below the larynx and Mrs. Cummings retains
it and the turkey wishbone as souvenirs of the day.
DARLING
GIVEN THE GLAD HAND
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Tendered Banquet by
Citizens of
VALLEJO (Solano Co.), November 22 - The most brilliant
function, locally speaking, ever tendered a distinguished visitor was given by
the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce last night at the New Bernard Hotel, in honor
of Assistant Secretary of the Navy Charles H. DARLING. Assemblyman-elect Frank H. DEVLIN presided,
being Chairman of the local body. The tables were laid for fifty and beautifully
decorated, the menu being a choice one.
The
hospitality of the Chamber of Commerce was much appreciated by all the
distinguished guests, which included besides the guest of the evening, Senator
PERKINS, Congressmen-elect KAHN, KNOWLAND and HAYES, Admiral McCALLA, all the
heads of departments at the Navy Yard, including Constructor ZAHM, Captains
MOORE and TILLEY, Commander RANSOM, Civil Engineer ROUSSEAU, Captain BURNETT
and others, including foreman of every shop on Navy Yard. Congressman Theodore
BELL was unavoidably prevented from coming, and also Congressmen-elect McKINLAY
and WYNN.
Assistant
Secretary Darling made a pleasant and encouraging speech, touching upon the
desire of the Navy Department to consult the needs of
The Assistant
Secretary especially complimented
Other speakers
were Mayor RONEY, Senator PERKINS, Congressmen-elect Kahn, Hayes and Knowland,
the last named three expressing their determination to further all needs of
BOTH
KILLED IN DUEL OF KNIVES
Evidence Of Silent Tragedy of the Long Ago Found on
Desolate Range
ALTURAS (Modoc Co.), November 22 - While riding on the
stock range east of
Nothing
remained but the skeletons, some clothing and the knives with which the
horrible duel was fought.
The left
forearm of the larger person was broken, to judge from appearances, during the
fight, and marks from plunges and strokes of a knife are plainly in evidence on
the collar bones and some of the ribs.
On the smaller
person three fingers appear to have been severed from the left hand. This must
have been done in grasping the death-dealing knife of his larger foe.
No other marks
were found on the skeleton to bear witness to this old tragedy so (illegible)
swift and fatal. Time has obliterated all other evidences of that terrible
struggle.
It is evident
the participants were locked in each other’s embrace when death came.
The knives
were large hunting blades such as are used by Indians, and the shape of the
skeletons together with the small pieces of clothing found leave no doubt as to
the parties having been of that race.
WRIGHT
CASE ABOUT READY FOR A VERDICT
OROVILLE (Butte Co.), November 22 - In the WRIGHT
murder case, Assistant District Attorney Guy R. KENNEDY argued for several
hours last evening for the prosecution. This morning’s session was taken up by
Attorney W.E. DUNCAN, for the defense.
This afternoon District Attorney Warren SEXTON made his argument. The
case will likely be settled to-night.
An interesting
fact which has been noted in connection with the case and which is considered
favorable to the prosecution, is that every man on the jury, excepting one, is
a married man, and being such may be in sympathye (sic) with FARLEY in his
famous troubles, which led up to the killing.
Attorney
NO
DECISION YET IN McKEE GAMBLING CASES
OROVILLE (Butte Co), November 22 - The decision in the
HENDRIX-McKEE and the PAYNE-McKEE cases, wherein Hendrix and Payne seek to
force McKee to pay checks cashed during a dice game, is still in doubt,
although a decision was expected some days ago.
The case
involves some interesting points of law and consequently the public in general
is waiting the decision with marked interest.
The fact that
Judge GRAY is withholding his decision is taken to indicate that the Judge
considers it a problem of great importance, and wants to consider it thoroughly
before making his ruling.
However, it is
expected that after the Wright trial is disposed of the Judge will give his
decision and thus relieve the curiosity of many and the anxiety of others more
directly interested.
KILLED
BY OWN GUN
AGED
MAN WAS WITHIN TWO INCHES OF DEATH
As he sat
there the rope supporting the iron weight broke of its own accord. It had
probably rotted from its long immersion in the water of the tank. The iron
weight fell to the ground with the velocity accorded by gravity. It grazed the
aged man’s shoulder, made a round hole through the board seat, two inches from
where he sat, and imbedded itself in the earth beneath him.
SEEDLESS
LEMON
ROCKLIN (Placer Co.), November 22 - L.B. DANGERFIELD,
living a few miles from here, in the Citrus Colony district, has succeeded in
producing a seedless lemon.
The fruit has
been sent to the Horticultural Department of the
NET SEEMS TO BE DRAWING CLOSER ABOUT
YOUNG WEBER
Witnesses Tell of His Whereabouts on Night of the
Murder - Blood Stains on Clothing.
If Not Held on Present Charge, Prisoner Will Be Tried
on Others.
AUBURN (Placer Co.), November 22 - In the event that
the Court should find an insufficiency of evidence to hold Adolph Weber to
appear for trial before the Superior Court for the murder of his mother, he
will be immediately re-arrested on a second charge. There is not, however, the
slightest doubt in any one’s mind here but that the prisoner will be held.
Sheriff Keena
received a letter yesterday from a woman in
Since Under
Sheriff May gave his testimony he has not been in as good standing with the
prisoner as formerly. Sunday the Under Sheriff was away and Deputy Fulton in
charge of the jail.
“I suppose
you are the only one in the Sheriff’s office in good standing with Adolph, now
that he knows Under Sheriff May is a strong witness against him,” said The Bee
correspondent to Deputy Fulton.
“I don’t
know,” replied the officer. “We never have any conversation and he has never
asked me a question since the night of the fire.”
The only other
inmate of the portion of the jail where Weber is confined is a woman. A coal
oil stove sits in the corridor next to the cage, and the woman spends her days
in the corridor, while Adolph is inside the cage.
More
Light in Jail
Yesterday
workmen were engaged in changing the jail windows. The solid sheet steel
outside of the windows will be removed and a heavy screen put in place of it.
The screen netting is of a very thick mesh, and heavy wire, and is said to be
even more difficult to penetrate than bars. The change will make it light in the
jail, which is dark now, even in day time.
During Jos.
GOLDBERG’s testimony yesterday, as given below, no reference was made to
Weber’s old pants being torn. The question was not asked, as at the Coroner’s
inquiry. It will be remembered that Weber claimed to have torn his pants on a
fire hydrant, and it was for this reason that he purchased the new pants.
Most of the
Snowden relatives, who came here in response to the tragedy, and some of whom
were witnesses against the defendant, have returned to their homes.
Miss Bertha
HESS, a cousin of the murdered girl, bears a striking resemblance to Bertha
Weber. Her appearance in the Court-room attracted general attention, as she
looks more like a twin sister than a cousin. Both young women are said to have
been alike in disposition, and other characteristics.
Rumors and
groundless stories continue to crop up at every turn and reports start from the
merest mention of suggestion.
The attorneys
did not have any serious contentions yesterday, and the Court adjourned at 8 to
meet again this morning at
Weber seemed
to be in good spirits yesterday. He chatted pleasantly with the newspaper
people during recess.
Notwithstanding the large number of women who visit the Court-room,
there doesn’t seem to be any of the class who admire criminals and who might
extend favors to the prisoner.
The
prosecution finished with its witnesses last night. The conclusion of the
preliminary proceedings is as indefinite as ever, and people have stopped
guessing when it will be closed. Unless some further ground is to be gone over,
there seems to be good reason for supposing it will be finished to-day.
People
continue to flock to the Weber examination, although the crowds are somewhat
diminished in comparison to the first attendance. Yesterday morning the
Court-room was occupied by the Superior Court in hearing the appeal of Sam
DAVIS, recently convicted of burglary, and the spectators did not put in an appearance
until the hour announced for the continuation of the Weber investigation.
Adrian WELLS was recalled to the witness stand.
Young
Wills Talks
“Did I
understand you to say in your former testimony that Adolph Weber mentioned his
mother to you on his way to your home the night of the fire?” asked Mr.
Robinson.
“We object to
this witness trying to answer as to how the District Attorney understood him,”
said Tabor; “let him ask a direct question.”
Here a short
discussion ensued as to framing the question.
Witness Wills
finally answered that the defendant had not mentioned his mother’s name at the
time in question. The witness then explained a former statement he had made in
which he said the defendant referred to his mother during the night as being dead.
Defendant’s remark was that his mother had been “taken out burnt,” and from
this witness believed that defendant knew his mother was dead. He so
interpreted the remark.
Attorney Tabor
then questioned the right of the prosecuting attorney to cross-examine his own
witness.
Mr. Robinson
then again referred to the fact that the case was not a trial and that his
honor was not trying the case. His reason for asking the questions objected to
was that the witness had twice stated that Weber had said his mother was dead,
and that he now testifies that defendant said “she was burnt.” Tabor’s
objection was overruled, and the witness stated he did not remember of so
testifying.
Mrs. Snowden,
on her own request, took the witness stand to correct a statement she made
about the character of the front door in the Weber home.
Removed
the Bodies
Clarence GEAR
assisted the firemen to remove the bodies from the burning house. He had gone
to the front porch of the house, where the Firemen, RUTH and LUKENS, were breaking
through the front windows. He received the body of Miss Bertha Weber, and
handed it down the stairs to others. Thought it was Ruth who handed it to him.
There was no light in the room except an occasional flash from the flames
through the windows. It was then that the body of the little boy was handed to
him, and he passed it on to William I. May. The body of Mrs. Weber was then
handed out, and there was considerable smoke coming form the window. He could
see the flames in the hallway and the glass in the front door breaking from the
heat. Witness saw Adolph Weber at the foot of the front steps when he first
went to the window and did not see him pass him or enter the room. It might
have been possible for Weber to have done so, but he did not see him. Ruth and
Lukens were the only ones he noticed enter the window when he arrived there.
Witness remembered distinctly to whom he gave the little boy’s body, but could
not state positively form whom he received it; thought it was from Ruth.
Sold
Weber Trousers
Joseph
GOLDBERG, the clerk at COHN’s store, where Weber purchased the trousers, said
he knew the defendant only by sight.
Weber had visited the Cohn store at about five minuets to 7 or 7 o’clock
the night of the fire, and requested to be shown some cheap trousers. This was
done, and he put them on, rolling up his old pants and handing them to the
clerk to be wrapped up. Weber had not acted in any way that attracted the
witness’ attention. Goldberg was later entering a restaurant when a telephone
message was received of the Weber fire, and he ran to the fire house and
sounded the bell. He was positive as to the time he gave, and fixed the alarm
as being at twenty minutes to 8. The defendant was in the store about ten
minutes making his purchase. Deputy J. Fulton, whose daughter is an employe at
the store, was also there, and another party whose name witness did not know.
The defendant had asked for a cheap pair of pants, 32-33 in size, and was
satisfied with the first pair handed to him.
Blood
on the Cloth
Dr. J.F. WHITE,
who was the first expert to discover traces of blood on Weber’s suspected
garments, was then called. The Doctor had cut a piece of Weber’s drawers and
subjected it to a chemical test to determining the presence of blood. This test
had been made several days ago, at the request of District Attorney Robinson.
Dr. White then detailed in technical terms the process of his test and the
methods he employed to arrive at his determination. After the application of
his chemicals he made a microscopic examination of the stains on the drawers,
and found the bluish tint on the spots where the chemicals were applied, which
denote the presence of blood. The expert used two tests in making his search,
and is confident of the correctness of the conclusion he has arrived at.
He also made
tests on several portions of the old pants which Weber threw into the fire. A
number of pieces in of the cloth were submitted to him, which he investigated
and thoroughly experimented. The cloth was all the same pattern, being dark
goods. A number of the pieces were quite well preserved while others were badly
burned. But while on these latter it was more difficult to detect the blood,
the results are not doubtful. Some of the fabric, however, was so badly burned
that no traces of blood could be found. The others bore unmistakable evidences,
and the witness was positive in the results of his investigation. As to whether
it was human blood or not witness would not assert, as it was in such a
condition he could not determine on the difference between human and animal
blood. Dr. White was subjected to close questioning by the defendant’s
attorney, but he explained with great positiveness all the points relating to
his investigation.
Fred BERNHARD,
an early arrival at the Weber fire, told his story of what he saw and did on
the night of the fire. Witness saw the defendant at the rear of the house, and
when witness asked him where his family was Weber replied that “his folks were
all there when he left.” Barnhard tried to break in the kitchen door, but
desisted on the order of the firemen. He then went to the front porch, where
the bodies were taken out. The hall stairs were burning, but the fire had not
reached the front door.
Two
Women Testify
The prosecution
then placed May CLARK, a woman of the half-world, on the stand. She knew Weber,
and saw him on the night of the fire, passing her house. He seemed to be
walking fast, or, at least, faster than she had noticed him before. A short
time after this she saw him again standing in front of the Post Office and
spoke to him as she entered the building. There was no one with him at this
time. Witness had started to return to her house when she saw the light from
the flames in the Weber house and ran back to spread the alarm. Witness was close to the road when the
defendant passed her house going toward the Post Office and was very positive
in identifying him, as he had passed near an electric light where she could
easily recognize him.
Miss DE RUE, a
companion woman to May
Miss Clark was
recalled by the defense and questioned as to her certainty of seeing Weber at
the Post Office. She reiterated with positiveness that it was Weber and that
she could not be mistaken as he was only seven or eight feet away from her as
she entered the Post Office. She had spoken to him as she went in, saying
“Hello, kid.” but did not hear his response distinctly. He had answered her,
but witness could not distinguish his words. Witness couldn’t tell whether
Weber had any parcels in his hand when she saw him or not.
THIS
MORNING’S TESTIMONY
The hearing this
morning was more than usually unproductive. Only one witness was examined -
C.H.
The argument
over the question lasted about an hour and in the end Mr. Robinson was
sustained by the Court. As a matter of fact, Mr. Adams did take the shorthand
notes in question, and while he has not divulged their contents it is
understood that their publication would place at least one of the officials who
took part in the conversation in an embarrassing situation.
It looks now
as though the hearing would be concluded this afternoon. Arguments will be
submitted, but the understanding is that the opposing attorneys will not
attempt to go into the case in detail. The local public entertains no doubt as
to Weber’s guilt and the people believe that he will be held to answer to the
Superior Court.
Sheriff Keena
says there is absolutely no truth in the rumor that the pistol with which young
Weber is supposed to have killed the members of his family has been found. The
search for the missing weapon still continues and many now believe that it was
thrown away in the neighborhood of the Post Office.
The testimony
of the two women of the half-world yesterday leads to this conclusion, and,
further, as pointed out before, it stamps the statements of the prisoner
regarding his movements on the night of the crime as false.
Submitted by Betty Loose betty@unisette.com
____________________________________
JOHN
HEATH BONNER DIES AT CEDARVILLE
CEDARVILLE (Modoc Co.), November 23 - John Heath
Bonner of this place, died suddenly Saturday evening. Mr. Bonner had been
suffering for some time from Bright’s disease, but for several days prior to
death seemed to show quite an improvement.
Mr. Bonner was
one of
Mr. Bonner was
one of the organizers in the Masonic Lodge at this place and was very highly
esteemed by all who knew him. He has passed through all the chairs and held the
office of Treasurer at the time of his death.
He leaves a
wife and three children. The oldest, a son, E.C. Bonner, is District Attorney
of this county. The younger children are two little girls.
The funeral
took place Monday afternoon under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge in which he
had so long been a member.
STEAL
MARCH ON FRIENDS AND WILL MARRY TO-DAY
RED BLUFF (Tehama Co.), November 23 - The announcement
of the wedding of Miss Alta Jean HAMMANS, daughter of A.J. Hammans, of this
city, and Joseph McNeil BURT, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.N. Burt, will come as a
great surprise to their friends who knew of their engagement but did not expect
that the consummation would occur until next year.
The young
folds accompanied by the sister of the bride-elect, Mrs. Romeyn CRUMRINE, went
to
The groom-elect is a popular young business man of
this city, being associated with one of the largest concerns of the county. The
bride’s father is a pioneer citizen and is well known throughout
125
LAMBS DISAPPEAR AND LEAVE NO TRACE
RED BLUFF (Tehama Co.), November 23 - The mysterious
disappearance of 152 lambs belonging to Joseph FRATES, who was driving the
bunch to
GRIDLEY
WOMEN FORM AN IMPROVEMENT CLUB
GRIDLEY (Butte Co.), November 23 - At a meeting called
for the purpose of considering a Woman’s Improvement Club in this place last
Saturday night a goodly company of representative women of Gridley were present
and the organization was perfected. The following officers were elected:
President: Mrs.
J.A. DeRUCHIE; Vice-President, Mrs. Kate BOLT; Secretary, Miss Gertie BOLT;
Treasurer, Mrs. L.Q. THOMPSON. A meeting will be held ext Monday evening, at
which time by-laws will be adopted and a program for action mapped out.
INDORSE
FOR JUDGES
MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.), November 23 - It is said the
Republican Central Committee of Yuba County has endorsed Judge N.P. CHIPMAN, of
Tehama County, and Judge Stanley A. SMITH, of Sierra County, for the position
of Judges in the new District Court of Appeals authorized by the electors in
the recent election. The new Court will have headquarters in
BLOODY
PISTOL IN COURT FAILED TO RUFFLE WEBER’S CALM MANNER
Discovery of Weapon Created Sensation - Protracted
Hearing Ends at Last - District Attorney’s Argument Against the Prisoner.
AUBURN (Placer Co.), November 23 - As told in the last
edition of The Bee yesterday, the pistol with which the Weber family was so
foully murdered was found yesterday shortly before noon by Clarence GEAR, who
was a member of a searching party, which was hunting for the much-sought weapon
under the direction of Detective Chas H. REIMAR. The men were searching through
ravines, in wells, shanties and buildings near where the Weber house stood. The
ground has been gone over before, but this time the search was more thorough
and systematic. The party were working quietly, and no one knew of the
half-dozen determined men who searched silently for the weapon that would add
one of the greatest links to the chain of evidence that is being welded around
Adolph Weber.
Public opinion
has been of almost one accord in thinking the suspected man guilty, but the
great question has been, “Where is the pistol?” From the first it has been
believed that the revolver would come to light, though its discovery was
despaired of by some, and the defendant’s reputed cleverness led many to
believe that he had too carefully planned the crime, if he did it, to ever
leave any evidence behind that would lead to a trace of the pistol.
The Weber barn
is the only structure that was left standing on the property after the fire.
When the searching party reached the building yesterday they began to examine
it minutely, poking into every cranny and corner. Clarence Gear, who was one of
the party, entered the basement, a small place under the barn, which Adolph
Weber had used to keep game chickens in. Running his hands along a sill of the
barn, a few feet from the door, he found a 38 Ivers & Johnson revolver. The
firearm contained five exploded shells, and it show plainly the evidences of
blood upon it.
Prisoner
Looked
The afternoon
session began somewhat later than usual. Adolph and Under Sheriff May arrived
in the Court-room some minutes before the attorneys. The prisoner was not
feeling well. He was pale, and really looked ill. It did not change his
demeanor, however, and he responded to those around with the same cold civility
that is characteristic of him. E.A. FUTHEY, machinist and gunsmith, was the
first witness, and he gave testimony as to several bullets that were submitted
to him, giving answer that they were manufactured by the Peters Cartridge
Company and were of 32 cailbre. The witness then went in detail on the
difference in the appearance of the bullets used in cartridges of different
makes and other metallic loads for firearms.
Clarence Gear
was then called to the stand and a pistol handed to him by District Attorney
Robinson. He was asked if he knew the weapon and if he had ever seen it before.
He replied that he had, and that he had found the weapon shortly before
There were but
few spectators in the Court-room, but Gear’s testimony created a profound
sensation and the report of the pistol’s discovery spread rapidly through the
city. The searching party was composed of Detective Chas. H. Reimer, Clarence
Gear, Ben Dependener and John Monahan. The party made careful search of two
springs in the vicinity and then minutely examined a grain field adjoining the
Weber property. They then came to the barn. Gear and the detective entering the
lower portion and the other two the upper part of the building to continue the
search. Gear came upon the object of his search soon after they entered the
building.
The
Gun Found
The gun was
carefully hidden on the top of the sill and out of sight, so that it was not
noticeable. It contained five exploded shells, and was blood-stained. It is a
double action weapon and bears the number 19-554, and is said to have been
purchased by young Weber in
The theory is
that two of the shells were fired into the body of Julius Weber, two into Mrs.
Weber and one of them into Miss Bertha’s body. Having no more loads in the gun
the murderer struck the little boy over the head with the pistol, which
accounts for the blood stains found upon it. The weapon was closed when found,
showing it had been carefully laid there.
Detective
Reimer was sworn and related matters about his search, and the course and
events that led up to the pistol’s discovery. He was closely questioned by
defendant’s attorney about his various statements.
District
Attorney Robinson then offered the revolver in evidence. Mr. Tabor made
objection to its admission on the grounds that it was irrelevant and in no way
tended to show the guilt of his client. He stated that testimony had been given
in the examination by intimate friends of the accused, who declared that they
had never known young Weber to have in his possession a weapon such as the one
found.
District
Attorney Robinson met these objections and declared that the finding of the
revolver was undoubtedly indicative of the defendant’s guilt. That part of the
barn where the weapon was found was used only by the defendant to keep game
chickens in; it was there that it had been young Weber’s custom to keep his
feathered fighters cooped up and the coops are still in the basement where
yesterday’s discovery was made.
Judge Smith
overruled Mr. Tabor’s objection and the pistol and the shells taken from it
were admitted as evidence and exhibits in the case.
Wanted
Weber Held
District Attorney
Robinson then made a simple motion that the defendant be bound over to stand
trial for the crime with which he was charged.
The counsel
for defendant followed in behalf of his client. He reviewed the testimony of
several witnesses at some length and declared that there was nothing in their
evidence that pointed to the guilt of the defendant.
He pointed to
variances he said existed in some of the evidence, which he laid to be due to
the great excitement of the moment when the events in question transpired. That
at such moments men were unable to conceive and remember what actually did
occur. He referred to some of the statements made by the defendant at the
Coroner’s inquest, and that at that time the defendant was laboring under
stress of mental agony and excitement even though he appeared cool and
collected.
Mr. Robinson
then presented the strength of the witnesses who had testified against Weber
and argued for the deductions he had made from the evidence. While he was
speaking, the defendant looked at him intently for a moment and then averted
his gaze, looking out of the window again.
At the
conclusion the District Attorney reiterated his motion that the defendant be
held without bail, pointing to the statutory provision provided for such cases.
Judge Smith intimated that he would like to take the matter under advisement
until Friday. Defendant’s counsel was agreeable to this, but Mr. Robinson
objected and asked the Court if it could not arrive at an earlier decision. The
Court then stated that it would take until to-day at
Prisoner
was Calm
Close watch was
kept on the features of the defendant during the afternoon when the new-found
pistol was offered in evidence. Adolph watched the proceedings without any
change in his manner. If the deadly weapon that was so suddenly sprung upon the
Court gave the defendant any shock or its discovery and sudden appearance as
his accuser caused him any dismay, he did not show it by any outward sign.
Adolph Weber
is still the calm, cold individual that he was when he was first brought into
Court. If he had the nerve to assassinate his own flesh and blood, many who
expected to see him break down now will be disappointed.
Just before
being taken to his cell after the adjournment of Judge Smith’s Court at
The forenoon
session was slow and unprofitable and but little headway was made.
Court Reporter
The morning
after the fire young Weber was in close conference with District Attorney
Robinson, Sheriff Keena and Under Sheriff May. The defendant’s counsel
announced that they would ask the witness to produce his shorthand notes taken
by him of the interview that had taken place between young Weber and the
officers.
Mr. Robinson
strenuously objected on the grounds that professional confidences were
irrelevant to the case. Then began a long argument on both sides. Counsel for
defense said:
“We have a
right to know what we have been charged with and what has been said.”
Similar cases
were cited by counsel where defendants were allowed to introduce such matters.
“The rule
which protects professional men from repeating what has been said to them is
protection to the client, and not to the men themselves,” said Mr. Tabor. “If a
physician becomes acquainted with certain confidential facts of a patient, and
that patient desires him to testify as to what he knows of those facts, it is
then his duty to do so.”
Robinson
Sustained
On the usual
grounds, Mr. Robinson continued his objection, claiming the defendant himself
as the best evidence as to what had been said. Whatever previous statements he
had made he could certainly tell to his attorney in private, which would be a
better way. He objected to the transcript of those statements being given to
the defense in this preliminary, as it would weaken the prosecution. After
lengthy argument on both sides, the Court sustained Robinson’s objections.
After a few
unimportant questions the
Everybody was
good-natured yesterday, and aside from occasional sarcasm among the attorneys,
nothing of a bitter nature occurred.
The prisoner’s
hand is still bandages for the wound he received at the fire, though it does
not seem to pain or annoy him.
The long
session of preliminary examination is telling on everybody, and all the Court
officers are glad that it is finished. Even the prisoner looks bored at the
last hour’s proceedings.
“Come,
Adolph,” said Under Sheriff May, as he approached Weber’s cell yesterday, “and
get ready for another spasm upstairs.”
The prisoner
smiled and seemed to enjoy the joke.
“Do you call
these spasms?” asked the prisoner.
“Yes.”
“I don’t k now
but that it might apply,” said Adolph, smiling as he mounted the marble steps
toward the Court-room.
HE
DID NOT IDENTIFY EITHER WEBER OF PISTOL
Thoms V.
LICHTENSETIN, manager of a Sacramento pawnbroking establishment, was called
upon this morning by a Bee reporter and asked regarding his trip to Auburn
yesterday at the request of Sheriff Keena, of Placer County. He was told that
the rumor was current in Auburn to-day that he had positively identified Adolph
Weber as the young man to whom, sometime last May, he sold the pistol which was
used by the masked man who robbed the Bank of Placer County in that month.
“I went to
“In such a
business as I manage here one meets a great many people and sells a great many
articles. Consequently it is not possible in the majority of cases to affirm,
positively, that this or that man called at my office or that this or that
article was sold. Sometimes there may be an unusual circumstance connected with
a sale that will impress both the article sold and the purchaser upon a man’s
mind. But ordinarily this is not the case. This being true, I didn’t feel like
giving a positive opinion as to Weber. Certainly I did not take oath as to his
identity. What is there to distinguish one ordinary and unnumbered pistol from
another? And especially when the weapon was sold six months ago and to a
stranger at that.”
In his
opinion, based upon what he has read of the case and what he learned in
Submitted by Betty Loose betty@unisette.com
____________________________________
© Copyright 2003-Present by Nancy Pratt Melton