A Stranger, a Pistol, and No Motive: The Unsolved Shooting of Harry Fraser

The funeral services over the remains of Harry J. Fraser, who died at Providence Hospital from the effects of the shot from the pistol of Fage, were held yesterday morning at 10 o'clock at Bonney & Stewart's chapel, Rev. Clark Davis officiating. About forty members of Court Friar Tuck, No. 746, Ancient Order of Foresters, and a large number of members of the Liquor Dealers' Protective Association attended the services. There were also present many of the deceased's friends; in fact, the crowd was so large that many were compelled to stay outside the chapel on the sidewalk during the services. Many of the floral tributes were magnificent, among which may be mentioned a very large triangle from Court Friar Tuck, made of roses and having inserted the title of the court, its number and the order's name by initials. The Liquor Dealers' Protective Association sent a large sickle, with a shield of wheat. There were also a pillow of roses, pinks and [flowers] with the word 'Papa' inscribed, a star, several bouquets and many cut flowers. After the services the remains were taken to the depot under escort of the Foresters. Mrs. Fraser and W. T. Fraser, a brother of the dead man, accompanied the remains to Stockton. Fage passed a good day at the county jail yesterday. He was feeling much better than at any time previous since the shooting, and was able to eat a breakfast consisting of two eggs. He received calls from some of his Mitchell, S. P., friends. It is talked over that the preliminary examination will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock before the Justice of the Peace. Whether Attorney S. H. Piles will waive examination or go into the case remains to be seen. It is certain, however, that when the case comes to trial in the superior court there will be interesting developments. Although a week has passed since the shooting and all the evidence obtainable has been preserved, there still remains a mystery surrounding the vital point: 'Why did Fage shoot?' Fraser could not be asked before he died. There was no quarrel, and Fage was a stranger to him. Other witnesses in the room at the time of the shooting have said that Fage and Fraser had been talking for some time, and that Fage was about to leave. Fage thinks he must have been overcome, but those who knew Fraser, who was the proprietor of the [store], will not believe it.