Silver City Enterprise — 1888-1890 (full OCR, Internet Archive) — 1889-04-05
source date: 1889
availability: public-domain

Gold Hill has been luxuriating in all the delights of a well developed case of scandal. It seems that William Werney had reasons to believe that his wife was not true to her mar- riage vows, and began an investigation. Last Saturday night Mrs. Werney was missing from her home and Werney went to find her. He said he had reason to believe she was up at Henry Schrader’s house with the man he sus- pected of ruining his family, Thos. Holman, and so took his son and a six shooter and went up to see about it. He went up very quietly, burst open the door, the boy scratched a match and the couple was in flagrante delicto. Werney was about to kill Holman, when he thought of his children, who would be left without a pro- tector while he was in jail and so stayed the fatal shot. He retired down the gulch and, be- ing somewhat perturbed in mind, handled his six shooter carelessly, and the result was he shot himself in the left hand. Sunday he came down town and had his hand dressed, and Monday swore out a complaint charging Holman with getting his wife drunk, and while she was in that condition commiting the crime of rape. Holman was arrested and examined before Judge Jones, when he brought forth his story of what happened last Saturday night. He claims that Werney had discarded his wife and that she had taken refuge at Schrader’s.

hile she was in that condition commiting the crime of rape. Holman was arrested and examined before Judge Jones, when he brought forth his story of what happened last Saturday night. He claims that Werney had discarded his wife and that she had taken refuge at Schrader’s. He and a companion named Cooper heard she was des- titute and went up to give her some money, out of a pure feeling of charity. Holman went in with the money while Cooper watched on the outside to see that no one, especially Werney, should discover the charitable deed. He was sitting on the side of the bed, the woman having retired, talking about matters, the room being dark, when the husband burst in, looked around and left. Nothing criminal had occurred. Judge Jones seemed to think the story slightly gauzy for he held Holman under $500 bonds to await the action of the grand jury. C. S. Cooper and L. Miller signing the bail bond for him. — Liberal. Last Monday a lively and interesting trial took place in Justice H. W. Lucas’ court. The title of the cause is Charles Bottom vs. J. H. McKenzie. The subject of the suit was a burro. Bottom replevened the morning songster from McKenzie. Eighteen witnesses told all they ( 7 )

Last Monday a lively and interesting trial took place in Justice H. W. Lucas’ court. The title of the cause is Charles Bottom vs. J. H. McKenzie. The subject of the suit was a burro. Bottom replevened the morning songster from McKenzie. Eighteen witnesses told all they ( 7 ) knew about the age, habits and moral char- acter of the animal. They all disagreed how- ever, about his identity or to who he belonged. The poor burro himself was tied up in front of the squire’s office but he was unable by any language at his command to tell who his master was. A half dozen expert witnesses examined the creature as to his age. They all agreed that he was old enough to run for the legislature. Lynch sold the burro to Bottom, while McKen- zie claimed he bought him from a Mexican in good faith, etc. Lynch conducted the trial in behalf of Bottom and displayed considerable professional skill in the examination of wit- nesses and in summing up. McKenzie made an excellent appeal to the court also . After Judge Lynch concluded his argument, McKenzie asked to reply but his adversary objected. Just at this point the burro delivered himself in one of the most powerful, eloquent and fervent ap- peals and it was thought for a time his lungs would not withstand the fearful strain on them, but the justice disregarded the protest and gave judgment for Bottom.

objected. Just at this point the burro delivered himself in one of the most powerful, eloquent and fervent ap- peals and it was thought for a time his lungs would not withstand the fearful strain on them, but the justice disregarded the protest and gave judgment for Bottom. Chinatown has been raided this week by the officials. Several arrests were made. The culprits were charged with keeping opium joints, three of whom were convicted in Justice Lucas’ court Tuesday. More arrests are likely to follow. It is hinted that these dens have patrons who would blush if their names chanced to get on the police court records. The boys had better take a hint, and be on the qui vive. The law forbidding women from entering saloons for the purpose of drinking therein or for other purposes, takes effect May 19. It im- poses a fine of from $10 to $50 or imprisonment for sixty days or both upon the proprietor or person in charge of the saloon permitting it. The law will be strictly enforced in this city.