Career
Though he had learned some swordfighting and bullfighting skills in Spain before his arrival in the United States, he was a poor fighter. In 1903, he suffered an attack of nerves before a fight in Mexico and failed to fight. In 1904, he was a key figure in the Saint Louis bullfight riot, which led to the destruction of a 14,000-seat arena by fire.
Three days after the riot, he shot and killed fellow matador Don Manuel Cervera after the other man attacked Bass with a knife over a dispute regarding the bullfight canceled by the riot.
A subsequent coroner"s inquest found Bass acted in self-defense and should not be charged with murder. Following his acquittal, Bass went on to star in several bloodless bullfights.
These involved enraging the bull, causing it to charge and miss, but not spearing it or cutting it with a sword.
