***************************
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
|
DISCOVERY OF STOLEN GOLD GIVES RISE TO COMPLICATIONS
Bank Authorities Cannot Positively Prove That Money Is
Theirs, and as Matter Now Stands It Belongs to the Estate of Which Young Weber
Is Sole Heir - Remarkable Statement of Prisoner When Told of Find
The subject was actively discussed in all parts of the
city, and while there is no absolute proof that it is the identical coin taken
from the bank, in the minds of the people there is no doubt of it.
However, neither Vice-President D.W. LUBECK nor Cashier
SMITH can swear positively that the money is that stolen from the bank. Their
principal reason for urging that it does belong to them is the fact that $430
of the money recovered was in $5 gold pieces, $850 in tens, and $4250 in
twenties. They say the money stolen from them was in like denominations.
Complications Arise
The reward of $1500 for the recovery of the money, and
evidence that would convict the thief, has not yet
been paid to the three men who found it. D.W. Lubeck
says the reward will not be paid until the bank receives the money.
This gives rise to another complication in this
sensational case. As the money was found on the Weber property, it belongs to
the Weber estate. There are no marks upon it by which the bank authorities can
identify it. Adolph Weber is the sole heir to the Weber estate.
Attorney Pullen for the defense has advanced the
theory that the coin was buried in the barn by Julius Weber, whom he claims was
a man of queer ideas.
The coin is still in the charge of Coroner Shephard.
Weber Wanted to See What He Could Do
Weber’s remark, when apprized of the fact of the
coin’s discovery and that he had taken it: “The bank robbery is only a trivial
matter. It’s not bothering me. It’s the other case I am thinking about. If I
did take it, it was not because I needed the money, but only wanted to see what
I could do,” is construed as almost an open confession of the crime.
But the same calm, unruffled demeanor characterizes
the accused man, and those who have waited for him to break down will have to
wait longer.
Opinion is divided on this, and those who have studied
the prisoner declare that he will never show the white feather.
Be this as it may be, his health does not seem to
improve, and confinement is more injurious to im than
anything else.
As was first intimated in The Bee, the charge of
robbery will be undoubtedly prosecuted first.
Insanity Is His Strongest Defense
Though it has been denied that Weber will acknowledge
the killing of his people and plead insanity, the prosecution of the bank
robbery case will prevent the plea being entered if defendant’s attorneys see
fit to set it up. The insanity plea in Weber’s case would be stronger than any
he can set up. Besides having two uncles afflicted with insanity, Weber is said
to have fallen from a horse a few years ago, and received injuries about the
head. Doubtless these points would be strongly argued to show Weber of unsound
mine, if this should ever be made the base of his defense.
Crowds Gather Around Weber
Premises
The Weber premises are still a point of much interest,
though notices have been posted about the fences warning all parties to keep
out under penalty of arrest.
Yesterday many visitors went to catch a glimpse of the
spot where the bank’s money has been buried for the past six months, and which
Clarence Gear unearthed on Friday, which discovery was kept form the press and
public for two days.
The Bee stated on Saturday that new evidence had been
discovered, as this was evident from the activity of the bank officials. The
warrant of arrest was sworn to on Friday but was withheld by the Sheriff until
Sunday afternoon.
News Created Sensation
The news of the arrest and the finding of the coin
came almost simultaneously, and created a great sensation, though officers have
been constantly searching for the money for many days.
The revolver which Eugene RODEHAVER had in the Opera
House, and which slipped down between the walls of the building has been found
to have no connection with the Weber case. It is a different make than the
blood-stained one found in the Weber barn.
District Attorney Consults With the Attorney-General
District Attorney ROBINSON has been in communication
with the Attorney-General and was in consultation with him yesterday in
relation to the case.
Contest for Administration of Estate
The administration of the Weber estate came up
yesterday before Judge PREWETT and application for letters was made by both
John Adams, young Weber’s guardian, and Public Administrator W.A. SHEPARD. The
contest will be settled on December 12th, when the matter comes up
for final settlement, at which time the Court will appoint the administrator.
The opinion seems to be that
Women Ask to See Weber
There was considerable passing in and out of the jail
yesterday, as workmen are busy putting new screens on the jail windows, but no
visitors were allowed to see Weber. A few women from out-of-town called at the
Sheriff’s office and asked permission to look at the prisoner, but the
invariable rule of Sheriff Keena, allowing no
visitors to see him, is still in force, and they were pleasantly declined the
privilege.
Estimates of Value of Estate
Various estimates have been placed on the value of the
Weber estate of from $50,000 to $75,000. As no appraisement has yet been made,
and an inventory of the assets taken, it cannot be easily calculated. It seems
to be the impression that the estate had no large sums of money on deposit, and
consists mostly of invested securities, the value of
the whole property cannot be arrived at now. The estate has property in
Attorney Pullen Has Not Withdrawn
Attorney Sam J. Pullen, one of defendant’s attorney’s,
was seen yesterday with regard to the report that he had withdrawn from the
case.
“There is nothing in the report,” said Mr. Pullen,
“and I can’t imaging how the statement got into
circulation. There was something said about my looking after the civil matters
of the estate, while Mr. Tabor is looking up evidence in the criminal action,
but I have in no way withdrawn from the case and don’t expect to.”
Grand Jury Takes Up Robbery Charge
The Grand Jury began its annual session to-day and the
bank robbery was to have been among the first matters brought to its official
notice. It has been given out that District Attorney Robinson prefers to have
the indictment brought by the Grand Jury as this will dispense with a long
tedious preliminary.
MINING ACTIVITIES IN
OROVILLE (Butte Co.), November 29 - Several tons of
supplies have arrived here for the North California Mining Company and
preparations are being made for active development work on the Company’s
claims. For some time teams have been kept busy hauling supplies, etc., to Big
Bar and a crew of men was started to work from the point to
Preparations are being made to take a large force of
men out from Oroville to rush work on claims in
Few people, even in Butte or Plumas Counties, realize
the magnitude or importance of the operation s of this Company, but when it is
considered that Yard has in the neighborhood of 800 claims in these counties,
it will be easy to understand that the Company has spent, and will continue to
spend vast sums of money in order to hold its interests, which lay along the
route of the proposed railroad.
RED BLUFF MERCHANT INJURED AT
Mr. Cone was thrown with great force against the pole.
His right leg was broken just above the knee and his head and face were badly
scarred up. None of his companions were hurt. Two of then
walked into
WIFE BEATEN BY BRUTAL HUSBAND
Inhuman Wretch at Alturas May Be Given a Taste of Mob
Law for His Cruel Acts.
ALTURAS (Modoc Co.), November 29 - Reports reached
here this evening of a disgraceful affair that happened in the town of
Cedarville, in which F.G. BASSETT, a painter and paper hanger by trade, nearly
killed his wife. It seems trouble has existed in that household for several
years. Bassett’s wife has left him on different occasions because of his
inebriated condition and abuses during these times. After each separation he
would find his wife and make promises to do better if she would return to him,
which he would fail to keep any length of time.
It was after one of these partings which occurred a
few months ago, that he once more induced her to let him return as lord of the
household. All went smoothly for two or three weeks, until two nights ago
Bassett came in crazed from over-indulgence in liquor.
Upon entering the house he locked the doors and
proceeded to attack his wife in the most brutal manner, knocking her down, then
jumping upon her and beating her until blood was running from all parts of her
head and face. He then tore the wedding ring she had worn since their marriage
from her finger, bringing with it nearly all the flesh.
By this time her screams had brought assistance. Two
men hearing the cries for help came to the rescue. Finding the doors locked
they forced their way into the house by breaking the parlor door down. Bassett
was seized and held until the Constable, who had been sent for, arrived and
placed the fiend under arrest.
Assistance was given the poor woman, who had not
strength enough left to raise her battered and bruised body from the floor
where she had fallen. She was placed on a couch, where care and attention by
friends revived her. It is feared that there may be some internal injuries, and
that it will be several months before she will again be able to leave her room.
Bassett was placed in jail for the night. Yesterday
morning he furnished bonds for his appearance at trial. Finding himself once
more free he again loaded up with whisky during the day, returned last night to
the home where he had committed the horrible deed the evening before, picked up
an ax and demolished the cooking stove in the kitchen, next chopping the
cupboard open and breaking all the dishes. He then threatened to kill his wif e, which
would probably have been done had not assistance intervened, landing him in
jail once more.
It is said the Courts will be given a chance to deal
out justice to this inhuman wretch, and if it falls short of duty, mob law will
be immediately put into force, as the wife is highly esteemed and her friends
are determined that such inhuman treatment shall cease.
The shock to one of the daughters has been so great as
to cause serious illness. Both daughters were at home during the affair, and
knowing how dangerous their father was did not dare venture to the aid of their
helpless mother, but helped bring relief by calling and screaming.
QUARREL OVER WOMAN HAS SERIOUS RESULTS
DAVISVILLE (Yolo Co.), November 29 - Two young men,
Henry FISHER and Ollie HOAG, engaged in an altercation at a ball last week,
which may lead to serious results. According to reports, Fisher, who resides
near
EIGHT YEARS FOR WRIGHT
Must Serve Time in San Quentin for Killing Farley
OROVILLE (Butte Co.), November 29 - Judge John C.
GRAY, of the Superior Court, this morning sentenced H. WRIGHT to eight years’
imprisonment at San Quentin for the killing of Farley at Yankee Hill. Wright
was convicted of manslaughter last week, and the jury
recommended that the Court be lenient upon the convicted man. Wright’s attorney
this morning gave notice that he will appeal the case.
This was Wright’s second trial. In the first one he
was convicted, but upon appeal to the Supreme Court his attorney secured a new
trial. It was generally believed that Wright would be acquitted when the second
trial came up.
MARRIAGES IN
SUSANVILLE (Lassen Co.), November 29 - The following
marriages were celebrated in
Theodore FRENCH, aged 28, to Clara JELLISON, aged 18;
Harvey GRASS, aged 28, to Lottie JELLISON, aged 23;
C.A. HARWOOD, aged 26, to Florence GRASS, aged 18. All were natives of
KICKED TO DEATH BY FRACTIOUS HORSE
STOCKTON (San Joaquin Co.), November 29 - Thomas
CLINTON, of Ripon, died this morning from the effects of a kick administered by
a fractious horse yesterday afternoon .The hoofs came in contact with his head
above the right eye, exposing the brain. The injured man never regained
consciousness. The deceased, who leaves a wife and four children, was about 45
years of age.
Submitted by Betty Loose betty@unisette.com
______________________________________
ADOLPH
WEBER GOES BEFORE PLACER
Smiles While Attorneys Question the Talesmen - Mrs. Snowden Gives Her Testimony - Prisoner Has
Improved in Health Since His Confinement
AUBURN (Placer Co.), November 20 - The principal event
yesterday was the convening and organizing of the Grand Jury, and for the first
time in several days Weber was brought from his cell, and taken into the
presence of the jury, where his attorney, Ben P. Tabor, and District Attorney
Robinson consumed a good part of the day’s session in examining the jurors as
to their qualifications. Weber appeared in a bright and cheerful mood, and
showed that his physical condition is improved.
He does not
seem to be at all worried about what the Grand Jury may or may not do.
Weber
Smiled While the Jurors Were Examined
During the
questioning of the jury he listened attentively, and he smiled frequently
during the day. There were but few spectators present, so the prisoner was not
an object of much attention for once.
He has not,
however, lost any of his self-consciousness that he is at present the most
notorious personage in
Judge Prewett called the Court to order a
Objection
by Attorney
Attorney Ben P.
Tabor, counsel for the defendant, made objection to the jury being impaneled,
on the grounds that the proper officers of Court were not present. Judge Prewett then had the Clerk read the minutes of the previous
session; and with this formality, overruled the objection, the only officer
being absent at this moment was the District Attorney, whose presence is not
necessary during the impanelment.
The
Jury
The following
jurors were then drawn: John VIEHMEIER, E.C. FELLOWS, A.H. HUBBARD, E.E. SCOTT,
T.H. McKENNA, J.P. THOMASEN, James RASMUSSEN, E.S.
ATKINS, Owen CLARK, Robert HECTOR, Jos. CLEGG, H.F. ADAMS, David JONES, W.H.
CURTIS, John HENNY, Albert MANNING, Geo. GUNNULDSON, Thomas ROBINSON, J.M.
NEWMAN.
The jury was
organized by the selection of Robert HECTOR as foreman; J.M. NEWMAN, Secretary,
and Thomas Robinson as bailiff.
Though a long
examination of the jurors was made none of those questioned were excused.
One
Juror Formed an Opinion
In answer to
the question had they formed an opinion in the case, each gave a negative
answer, except Juryman E.E. Scott, of Iowa Hill. Mr. Scott had read considerable
of the case, and had formed some conclusions on certain points, but was not
permanently convinced of the prisoner’s guilt or innocence. Each Juror was
closely interrogated as to any opinions he might have formed from what he had
heard and read.
After the jury
had selected its officers, an adjournment was taken until
The plan to
bring five indictments against Weber, does not find favor with all the Grand
Jury.
“I do not see
why the county should prosecute all these, which will be a great expense to the
county, when probably the first conviction will result in Weber’s receiving
practically a life sentence. To then proceed and prosecute the others seems a
needless expense to me,” said a jurymen yesterday before the impanelment.
Prisoner’s
Improved Condition
Weber’s
improved condition was generally remarked upon and the officers declare now
that they believe he will gain in flesh, despite the fact that his imprisonment
seems to have had such a depressing affect upon him at first. The prisoner is
confined in one of the set of six steel cages which open into each other, and
as all are open, he manages to get a little physical culture by passing to and
fro between the cages. He is an enthusiast on physical development, and owing
to his dyspeptic affliction very careful of his diet. He has a specially prepared cracker which he
eats besides breakfast foods, and he drinks a quart of milk daily.
Complications
in the Case
The Weber case
promises to put more legal machinery into action than any cause which has ever
been before the Superior Court of this county. Aside from the five criminal
charges against the prisoner, the civil suits and probate matters will remain
upon the docket for many months. It is predicted that before the estate is
cleared up and distributed that several more suits will arise form the
litigation. The case becomes more complicated each day, and no one can see the
end.
How
Were Weber’s Feet Wet?
The theory
that Weber’s shoes were wet on the night of the fire is still being discussed.
The fact of the defendant having been given a dry pair of socks has excited the
suspicion of the officers, as it was not shown in testimony at the preliminary.
This latter
comes under the head of the search for bloodstains, and an official last night
said to the Bee correspondent:
“There may be
no significance in Adolph having his feet wet the night of the killing, as the
firemen were playing the hose about the house, and streams of water were
running through the yard. It would have been easy to wet one’s feet. But why no
mention was made of Weber’s reported change of socks in any of the testimony,
is certainly strange.
“If there is
any merit to the suspicion, it is in the theory that Weber’s shoes were bloody
when he left the house, and he probably washed them off in the water tank at
the brewery, where he passed on his way to town. We are going to find out more
about this wet feet story.”
Robinson
Refuses to Accept Chamberlain
Nothing further
has developed in regard to the attorneys in the case, and the personnel of the
counsel on both sides is still in doubt, no selections
having been made.
District
Attorney Robinson has refused to accept Attorney L.L. Chamberlain as his
assistant, though relatives of the deceased Webers
were willing to employ him for a large fee. Attorney-General WEBB is said to be
taking an active interest in the case, and it was rumored last night might be
connected with the prosecution when the case is set for trial.
Quarrelsome
Prisoners Disturb Weber’s Sleep
Last night
Weber’s slumbers were broken by a quarrel between two prisoners in the main
part of the jail. The men were loudly rapping for the jailer to come.
Deputy Fulton
responded and quieted the belligerents.
Additional
electric lights have been put into that portion of the jail where Weber is
kept, and now brightly lighted all night . The other
portions of the jail are darkened.
Who
Will Get Reward Money?
It will be
some time before the reward for the recovery of the coin is distributed, and
probably not before Weber is tried on the bank robbery charge. Coroner SHEPARD,
who has charge of the coin, and to whom the reward will be paid, declines to
surrender it until ownership is proven.
The counsel
for Weber will make a determined fight to prove that the money belonged to
Julius Weber and was put there by him before his death. This issue may grow
into a large one, and will be a prominent part of the defendant’s case.
Clarence GEAR,
who found the money, and John MONAHAN and Ben Dependener
have been in the employ of Coroner Shepard in the search for the money, and
really have no technical claim for the reward, though the Coroner has stated
that the reward will be divided among the men in a manner satisfactory to all
of them.
Gear will
receive a separate reward for finding the revolver.
Did
Weber Murder Ah Yee?
It has been
suggested here that young Weber might have been the murderer of Ah Yee, a
Chinaman whose head was severed from his body in the
The story that
young Weber might have committed this crime is not given much credence here,
however as Weber is now only twenty years of age, and the crime was committed
when he was about fourteen. The people do not believe that a boy of that age
would have committed such an act.
MINING
CONDITIONS IN
Gold Producing Properties Show Up Well This Season
YREKA (Siskiyou Co.), November 30 -
At the King
Solomon a force of men is engaged in running a cross-cut from the 700-foot
tunnel to tap the large body of high-grade ore that was encountered at the
bottom of the shaft. In the Spring it is the intention
to extend the wagon road from Black Bear to this property, thereby giving a
direct outlet to the Valley.
It is also the
intention to erect a large milling plant in order that the mine may be worked
on an extensive scale.
The Mount
Shasta and Sightman placer claims have been bonded to
capitalists from Portland, Oregon, and it is reported that they will install a
large modern hydraulic plant, running a ditch about four miles long, and work
the properties on an intensive scale.
The
The Gold Dyke
Mining Company has finished the erection of its buildings and the machinery is
now being taken in by pack trains. It consists of two three-stamp mills, and it
is thought everything will be in readiness for operation by January.
The Cariboo Mining Company has closed down for the Winter months, but will start up again in the Spring, and
will then erect a milling plant which will be run by electricity. Two veins of
rich ore have been encountered and the property is a very promising one.
The mill at
the Wild Irishman group has been completed and is running on high grade ore, it
being said to run about $60 per ton.
IRRIGATION
SYSTEM ALONG
YREKA (Siskiyou Co.), November 30 - An engineering
crew in the employ of the Government, passed through Yreka a few days ago, on
route to the Klamath River country, where an extensive and important irrigation
system, which is under the United States Government control, is being
projected.
48
CHICKENS DIE FROM PTOMAINE POISONING
WEAVERVILLE (Trinity Co.), November 30 - Miss Bertha
DRINKWATER, a young woman of the Hay Fork country, thirty miles from here,
arrived here yesterday and told a story of ptomaine poisoning which is almost
without equal. A few days ago she opened a jar containing corn which had been
prepared for the Winter. The corn had the appearance
of being spoiled, and Miss Drinkwater touched a
portion of it to her tongue. Not being satisfied, she took a larger portion and
immediately became convinced that it was unfit for use.
She threw the
contents of the jar out to the chickens, and in the morning forty-eight of the
barnyard fowls were lying dead near the corn. Miss Drinkwater
feared that she had taken too much of the poisonous substance, and started
immediately for Weaverville. Before arriving here her throat became parched and
swollen, and she became frightened. However, this condition had passed away , and Miss Drinkwater has
returned to her home in good health.
DID BARTH GET HIS IDEA FROM A NOVEL?
While at West Branch He Read a Book Containing Plot
Similar to Scheme He Tried to Work Near Keswick.
CHICO (Butte Co.), November 30 - A report has reached
this city from West Branch, which, if true, may throw some light upon the case
of D.V. BARTH, of this city, who is now being held by the officers of Redding
pending an investigation of the case by the officials and detectives of the
Railroad Company.
The report,
which is believed to be founded upon the most reliable authority, states that
while working at West Branch, Barth read with much
interest a novel which contained a plot similar to that which is now puzzling
the officers. It is said that at the time Barth was
reading the book he remarked upon the neat scheme. The book is believed to be
at the present time in the hands of some of the men at West Branch, and a
number of them have read it and have since heard of Barth’s
experience in the north.
The book, as
is stated, contains a description of a case which corresponds in almost every
detail with that which Barth reports. Dynamite was
placed on the track by the man who flagged the train, and it is even said that
the reward which has handed out to the villain and rescuer is pictured in
glowing colors in the book.
The sawmills
and logging camps of the Sierra Lumber Company are located at West Branch, and
the last log of the season was run through the mill about two weeks ago. It is
understood that Barth was let out at that time. He came
at once to this city and stayed but a few days, and then started north. The
reports from West Branch say that Barth read the book
containing the peculiar plot but a short time before he was let out. Barth has his home at 70 Seventh Street, in this city.
BARTH
HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM
District Attorney Believes Him Guilty But Has Not Enough Evidence to Convict
REDDING (Shasta Co.), Nov. 30 - D.V. BARTH, who has
occupied a cell in the Shasta County Jail, under a suspicion that he is the man
who placed four sticks of dynamite on the Southern Pacific track, south of
Keswick, last Thursday night, and then ran up the track and flagged the
passenger train southbound, was released this morning upon advice of District
Attorney DOZIER. The District Attorney believes Barth
guilty, but says he has not enough evidence to convict.
No charge had
been placed against him and he would have been released long ago if he had had
the services of an attorney to institute habeas corpus proceedings.
Barth was under suspicion yesterday of being a man known in
Placer County as Tom REED, and wanted there on a charge of robbery, but a
picture of Reed, sent by Sheriff Keena of Placer
County, arrived last night, and proved conclusively that Barth
and Reed are two separate persons, although there is a striking resemblance
between them.
Mrs. Barth, with babe in arms, visited Barth
in jail yesterday. The devotion of the woman is only surpassed by her implicit
faith in her husband’s innocence.
IS
BARTH, OF
He Is Believed to Be an Escape From
CARSON (Nev.), November 30 - It is believed here by
some people that D.V. Barth, the man from Chico who
says that he saved a train at Keswick from being wrecked, is none other than
one D.V. Barth who escaped from the State Prison at
Carson ten years ago. The convict was a man of reckless courage, and one who
delighted in sensational deeds.
OVERLOADED
SHELLS; FINGERS BLOWN OFF
SHINGLETOWN (Shasta Co.), November 30 - G. BARCOLA, an
Italian employed at the plant of the Shasta Power Company, has lost the thumb
of his left hand, half the index finger of the same hand and the best part of a
shotgun through his inexperience with smokeless powder.
In preparing
to go out hunting, he loaded some empty shells with the smokeless, tamping it
down pretty hard and overloading the shells. At the first shot the breech of
his gun was torn away by the explosion and his thumb and part of the forefinger
were shot off.
The maimed
Italian hurried to
44
WITNESSES ENJOY RECESS IN CALF CASE
REDDING (Shasta Co.), November 30 - The locally famous
heifer-calf case stopped short in the Superior Court yesterday morning soon
after the opening. The jury being completed by the acceptance of the twelfth
man, the District Attorney asked that the case be continued until to-day,
awaiting the arrival of District Attorney DOZIER from
The forty-four
witnesses from Shingletown made a picnic of the day’s vacation and a merry time
they had. The taking of testimony was begun on the opening of Court this
morning, and now the heifer-calf case is in full swing before a crowded
Court-room.
APPOINTED
SUPERINTENDENT
WILLOWS (Glenn Co.), November 30 - Word has been
received from Denver that Arthur Earl WELBY, a resident of this county, has
been appointed General Superintendent of the Rio Grande Western, to succeed
Joseph H. YOUNG, resigned. The position was formerly held by Welby, but he resigned several years ago. He lived for a
short time near
SHIPMATE
ACCIDENTALLY SHOT BY BOATSWAIN
The accident
happened at
In his haste
to reach
SALOON
BURGLARIZED
CEDARVILLE (Modoc Co.), November 30 - A saloon in this
town belonging to F.L. ROBERTS was entered a few nights ago and robbed. The
burglars broke open the till, but found only three or four dollars in small change.
They also took two or three bottles of whisky and departed. Entrance was made
through a rear window by breaking out a pane of glass, and then unbolting and
raising the window. No arrests have been made, but steps are being taken that
will undoubtedly lead to the discovery of the guilty persons.
WESTERN
GUMAND WAS UNDER ARREST IN
RENO (Nev.), November 30 - It has been learned by the
Police Department that J. GUMAND, who will soon be placed on trial at
Bakersfield, California, for attempted murder, was arrested here several days
before he committed the crime in California. He is a sheepherder and on his
arrival in
YOUNG MEN MAKE RICH STRIKE
RENO (Nev.), November 30 - Charles KNOX and Paul
MOORMAN, who returned several days ago from a three weeks’ trip into the Amargosa district, eighty miles sought of Tonopah, where
they secured several valuable claims, have been offered $80,000 for their
property. They will probably sell. They are both in their twenties and made the
trip more for an outing than in hopes of striking it rich.
NEWS SERVICE ESTALISHED BETWEEN
RENO (Nev.), November 30 - For the first time in
thirty years a train news service has been established on the Virginia and
Truckee Railroad, running from Reno to Carson and Virginia City, as well as on
the Carson and Colorado and via the Tonopah Railway to Tonopah. During the time
that the Yerringtons have been interested in the
Virginia and Truckee they have refused to grant a concession for a news agency
and this has necessarily kept agents off the Carson and Colorado. Recently a
concession had been granted to F.W. GRAY, manager of the Gray News Company, and
as a result a regular service will be put on between
DEATH OF PIONEER
Submitted by Betty Loose betty@unisette.com
______________________________________
GRAND
JURY WILL PROBE MATTER TO THE BOTTOM
Inquisitorial Body Examining Many Witnesses in Weber
Case - Prisoner Is Still Defiant - Identity of Discovered Coin Still Discussed.
AUBURN (Placer Co.), December 2 - It now looks as
though the Grand Jury will make a more searching investigation in the Weber
case than was made in the Coroner’s inquest or preliminary examination, and the
witnesses are subjected to longer and closer questioning than on the other two
occasions. Some of the men on the Jury know something of inquisitions, and will
insist on probing to the very bottom of the evidence before drawing their
conclusions. There seems to be no doubt that indictments will be brought
against the prisoner. They will not be upon hear-say evidence or newspaper reports,
but from the deductions made from the testimony brought before the Jury.
Jury
Examines Many Witnesses
It was
predicted that there would be as many witnesses examined before the Jury as
were sworn before the two previous examinations, but from the number of
witnesses waiting in the corridor of the Court House yesterday, there will be
no skimming over the evidence, nor lack of testimony to enable the jurors to
determine the merits of the case.
All of the
principal witnesses in the case have been in waiting and some new ones, which
did not appear at either inquest or preliminary. It is stated now that the
Grand Jury will probably be in session for two weeks at least, which is twice
the time usually consumed by the sessions.
While the
inquisitorial body sits in secret session in the third story of the Court
House, the object of its inquiry passes his time lightly in his cell in the
“basement.” This is a fixed term for the jail adopted by the inmates who have
dignified their quarters as far as possible by this title.
The youth
whose character seems to have infinite phases continues to be talked about. In
fact, more is said now about Weber than of the crimes he is charged with.
Nothing he could do or say would be surprising, as his moods are changeable, and
while at times maintaining a pleasant appearance, with a smiling face, he is
just as liable to grow sarcastic and defiant, as he is to protest his
innocence.
Weber
Talks to Other Prisoners
The stoical
front he put up at the beginning of his trouble has all vanished and his
confinement has made him talkative whenever opportunity offers. When his
jailors are out, he indulges in conversation through the partition with the
other prisoners. At first he would not respond to inquiries from reporters, and
regarded them rather contemptuously, but he now realizes that this is the only
way in which he can voice his utterances to the public, and he is pleased to
see members of the press, but as the order to cease interviewing has been put
on by Sheriff Keena, his repeated statements on his
innocence will not be heard of much until his trial.
The prisoner
is inclined to be vain, and he thoroughly realizes now that his name has been
sounded throughout the land in connection with the most inhuman act that has
been recorded in the annals of crime. He is haughty in his air toward those who
serve him. Last night Deputy Fulton carried the prisoner’s supper to him on a
tray. Weber stood in the middle of his cell contemplating the officer as the
latter was unlocking the cage door to hand in his evening meal. The prisoner
holds his head very erect, and has at all times a military bearing. “Take it in
there,” said Weber in an authoritative tone as he pointed to a table at the
further end of the cell.
His Remarkable
Characteristics
Weber never
answers a question he considers impertinent. He has talked more than he should.
Despite the admonishings of his attorneys he has said
things which have injured him, and helped to confirm the suspicions against
him. He is a hard client to handle and takes unkindly to advice. He is a
wonderful youth, and his character is as actively talked of today as it was
when he was first arrested.
His precious
life has been almost a retired one, as he was not generally known to the people
here, having a limited number of acquaintances, and he never seems to have
attracted any attention only by his reticent manner and peculiar actions. While
he was attended dancing parties, he has never mingled promiscuously with the
crowds, and the slaying of his family was the first general notice that has
been given him.
Coroner
Shepard, who is well acquainted with Weber, recently asked him it he had ever
thought of the hereafter, and what he would have to answer for. Weber turned
his gaze away from the officer and did not deign to answer.
Identity
of Money Still Discussed
The discussion
as to identifying the coin found by Clarance Gear as
being that taken from the bank continues. The bank officials, however, are
positive that it is their money, though they cannot point to any definite
feature or identification.
The discovery
made that the can containing the gold had leaves and earth in it characteristic
to the pace where the robber is presumed to have first hid it, and not to be
found on or near the Weber property, where the discovery was made, convinces
them that the coin was transplanted subsequently from Prospect Hill to the Weber
barnyard. His Past Life
Each day brings
some new information on the prisoner’s past life that attracted attention. A
young woman, who formerly knew the defendant, told The Bee’s correspondent last
night of her knowledge of him. He was social and retired by turns. At one place
he would be congenial and affable, seem to enjoy the society of his friends and
then he would grow glum and reticent, seeming to avoid society which he had
sought only a short time before. His peculiarities prevented his gaining
prestige or acquaintance to any extent, but no one who knew him has ever
regarded him as a criminal or having inclinations of that kind.
Visitors from
out of town are occasional callers, who desire to see the prisoner, but the
orders are ironclad, and no one can be admitted into the barred precincts
occupied by the distinguished defendant.
Weber’s
Relative Sorely Grieved
Trustee E.C.
SNOWDEN, who has been an active member of the City Council, has not attended
the Board meeting since the tragedy of November 10th. Mr. Snowden,
though but a relative to the Webers by marriage, has
been sorely grieved over the fate of his friends and neighbors, and it is said
he has expressed his intention of withdrawing from municipal matters on account
of the tragedy, which has upset him.
The third
counsel for the defense has not been named yet, though it is confidently
expected that the best talent that money can procure will defend the imprisoned
heir, and that nothing will be left undone to break down the prosecution’s
claims. It will be the hardest fought case that has ever been before a Court
here, and the fact that the evidence is purely circumstantial will put the
burden of proof on the side of The People.
Submitted by Betty Loose betty@unisette.com
____________________________________
© Copyright 2003-Present by Nancy Pratt Melton