CATRINIT-L Archives

From: Betty <>
Subject: Sac Bee Nov 19, 1904 - Ellis/Phillips
Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 11:44:28 -0800

Sacramento Saturday Bee
November 19, 1904


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 Lewiston on July 2nd last.
According to the evidence submitted, Ellis had written a letter to an
Eastern mining Company derogatory of Phillips' management of its affairs at
Lewiston. The Company returned Ellis' letter to Phillips. The two met at the
village blacksmith shop and a quarrel ensued.
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 Trinity County because of
the prominence of the defendant and the prosecuting witness in mining
circles. It has taken up as much time in the Court as an ordinary murder
trial, and the verdict of the jury, which will probably be rendered this
evening, is awaited with great eagerness.

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• Sac Bee Nov 19, 1904 - Ellis/Phillips by Betty <>