Rensselaer Republican, Volume 25, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 June 1893 — MOB AT THE INQUEST. [ARTICLE]

MOB AT THE INQUEST.

Col. Ainsworth, Chief of tho Record* Division, In Danger. At the coroner’s inquest, investigating the Ford thearer wreck at Washington, Monday, a most exciting scene took place. A snrging mass of people was present. One man, white with rage, rushed upon Col. Ainsworth, the Chief of the Pension Records Division, which occupied the wrecked building, exclaiming: “That man killed my father and I propose to kill him!” Instantly cries of “hang him!” “kill him!” “shoot him!”, were heard throughout the hall. Foreman Warner, of the jury, jumped upon a chair and urged the excited people to commitno violence, but it was only by the most vehement protests, accompanied by prompt action on the part of the police, that peace was maintained. Col. Ainsworth was escorted from the hall in safety after the prompt adjournment of the Jury’s session, the foreman deeming it Imprudent to continue the proceedings at that time. Col. Ainsworth has been known as a great disciplinarian and is unpopular with his clerks, and they hold him responsible for the accident because of his having let the contract for the excavation which caused the collapse of the building to incompetent persons because their bid was the lowest. It is said in justification of Col. Ainsworth that, like the majority of Government officials, he is hampered by red (.ape, and has only followed the law and discharged his duty as laid down by the. rules. ’ t