W. H. Ward, business manager for Brann's lecture tour,
and an intimate friend of the Apostle, was arrested
Friday night, as stated above. Baker & Ross, and Charles
R. Sparks were retained as his attorneys and he was
arraigned before Justice W. H. Davis at once, on a
charge of assault with intent to murder. Mr. Sparks
appeared in court and waived all formalities and the
question of the amount of the bond was discussed. Mr.
Sparks suggested $4,000 and this was agreed upon and
fixed by the justice. Mr. Waller S. Baker was out of the
city at the time, and after presenting a certified check
for the amount of the bond, Mr. Sparks decided to await
Mr. Baker's return before acting in the matter. When
Mr. Baker arrived at 10.30 o'clock there was some talk
on the streets of a mob, and it was decided that Ward
would be safer in jail awaiting developments. When Mr.
Davis died Deputy Constable Cliff Torrence went before
Justice Davis and made complaint charging murder.
Mr. Ward had come down town Friday to meet his
brother whom he was expecting to arrive from Tyler. He
joined Mr. Brann on the street, and while they were
together the tragedy occurred.
Mr. Ward was at Mr. Brann's burial Sunday afternoon
accompanied by Mr. Baker. His wounded hand
was bandaged and in a sling. At the jail he had been
called on by many friends and telegrams from various:
points, proffering aid and sympathy, came to him. Ward
was greatly moved by the death of Brann. He did not
talk much of the tragedy, but to a Tribune reporter,
who went to the jail Sunday to see him, Ward said:
"I do not at this time care to discuss the details. I
wish, however, to deny the statement that I participated
in the shooting or had a pistol. I did not expect a
difficulty and the first shot startled me as a thunder-clap
in a clear sky. I turned to Davis with pistol drawn and
grasped the muzzle of the weapon and was shot in the
hand. I regret the death of my friend, but cannot discuss
the details of the tragedy."
Messrs. Waller S. Baker and Charles R. Sparks state
that after the shooting they went to Mr. Brann's
residence and in the presence of outside witnesses found
Ward's pistol. It was loaded all round and showed no
indication of having been discharged.
Mr. Ward had been associated with Brann for some
time. They were co-workers on the Waco News and
when the Apostle began lecturing Ward became his
manager. They had been firm friends and when Ward was
in the city he made his home with Mr. Brann, and the
two were always together. Ward is well liked by those
who know him and he has a number of friends throughout
the country. He is a man of fine physique, is a dignified,
courteous gentleman.
While there was for a short time talk of a mob Friday
night, Sheriff Baker believed that cool judgment would
prevail and that nothing would be attempted. He was
prepared, however, to protect his prisoner, had trouble
been precipitated, and a number of citizens volunteered
their assistance had danger threatened.