The Attempted Assassination of ex-President Theodore Roosevelt Part 28

Q. What prevented you from shooting him, was it that your courage gave way?

A. No, sir; not my courage didn't give way. As I said I didn't want to do it because it is his coming-in reception--man is getting there--I didn't want to do it for that sake. I thought I'd get a better chance.

Q. Was it because of the fact you desired a better chance or you didn't want to do it on that particular occasion?

A. On that particular occasion. I didn't want to do it. Yes, sir.

Q. And at Chattanooga it was a matter of personal courage with you--your nerve failed you?

A. Just for a moment it failed me, yes, sir.

Q. Have you been accustomed to using firearms?

A. No.

Q. Had you ever shot a revolver?

A. I have shot a revolver several times during the 4th of July, that is about all, but I never handled it much. I don't know how to shoot. I didn't know whether I shot the man or not.

Q. How was it you got a 44 frame for a 38-caliber gun?

A. 44 frame?

Q. For a 38-caliber gun?

A. Well, my dear man, you know more about a gun than I do. I don't know anything about that. I bought that in that place that is a gun shop and they got all new ware and he told me it was a 38-caliber and I paid $14. Whatever the housing of it was I don't know.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Hotel Gilpatrick.]

Q. You speak of housing--you are familiar with revolvers?

A. You are telling me a 44 casing.

Q. That is what you call a housing?

A. Well, that is what I meant--that is what I understand--casing--unless you mean the box where it was laying in.

Q. No, I am talking about the housing--frame?

A. I never knew they could use a 38 on a larger casing, could they? How is it possible that they can have a 38 cartridge in a 44, in a larger casing than that?

Q. Well, that is what you did--44 frame?

A. You found a different revolver than mine.

Q. Who did you discuss the question of the formation the character of revolver. Who did you talk with over that?

A. What?

Q. As to what sort of a revolver to buy?

A. To n.o.body. I didn't have to talk to n.o.body.

Q. How did you happen to get the 38?

A. I asked for it.

Q. Why didn't you ask for a 32?

A. I don't know. I tell you the other one I had home was a 38.

Q. Oh, you had another one home?

A. Oh, not now, that is years ago. If I had that home I didn't have to buy it. I got the thing in storage. It is in the storage house if you want to get it. Stored with the stuff.

Q. Where is your stuff stored?

A. In New York.

Q. Whereabouts?

A. 80th street, I guess, and Third avenue.

Q. Well, what warehouse?

A. Well, you got to wait now until my grip comes here from Charleston.

I got the whole thing.

Q. Have you sent for your grip?

A. I don't know. You gentlemen--told me that you are tending to that.

Q. Can't you give us the name of the warehouse?

A. I could not give it to you now.

Q. What have you stored there?

A. Five-room furniture from the old folks of mine.

Q. And your revolver?

A. Why, everything, of course, that belongs to the house.

Q. How long had you had that revolver?

A. I don't know. I could not tell you.

Q. Are you sure it is stored there?