Newspaper Page Text
COKSTITljtej
\yp.
e/SIIIXG CO.
ATLANTA, GA., TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1879.
VOL. XIT, NO. 39
THE COMING MAN.
Presidential lightning of 1880.
~k«« » r«r tbit
krettety Cliiat UaeU Bttt,
dam "KT*"* alt
l5Sy > |»SS i 22j Mr -
•iot. l?n» r°""' l ' r *>>Ie dirar-
ln .P^jriyl rtrclM. even In the
»aaar,aajs.ig:
r°»p»KHlent to wait upun tbe democratic
reprmenutivi-. of ilie forty-fifth eimmm
*" **Pre«ion of tht-ir opinion a. to the*
iCTfj*** Ti-ra^lti.*, fcithto
Irhir.!?h«Tif_rfl‘";r“ °* U » Interview.
Mr W « o. V’*** Aenllemen:
C.iCv’riTjif 1 * 1 "!?* "P^nu the firm
district: -My personal niP^ nr.
Hancock.
monel preference
r»t end efter him
As for Tilden.
H would be e terrible neoeMity
I *'«■“ "flul™ W» renomination!
(If o ,77.. tb * 1 he I" not eligible.
'I V** l *r ty think. him neeeUry
for the pueHlon of .taixlard-beuer again.
W U1 * u PP° rt him, but I cannot
imagine «ueh an event. Mr. Bayard.
j* t°o much of a partiaan to lie a >uo-
oewdnl leader; that In, ha would not get that
finotin. vrrte which drift, in every preei-
denttai campaign toward the moat popular
of the candidate*. Grant ia perhlpa the
eoming man on tbe republican aide. 1 '
n annul rapraaenu the mennd
t.f K ? district: “My pemmal preference
u for the renomination of Mr. Tilden. and I
believe my district ia alao aa unanituona for
the reimminatnm aa it wu in aupuirting
the ticket in 1875. I know the generally
exprraaed sentiment of the people of tieor-
S'" “ i J ¥ r ’ Thurman, wboae view, on the
Bnaneial laauea accord with their idea, of
the money notation. In that reapect per-
M^ l< mini r ' Tliuriiian hx* tbe advantafe of
.Mr. Ti.dcn, though the resumption of »uecie
payment seems to have leveled that issue
can‘l*«*Kns. Governor Col-
‘»**te, *s here, and In oonverea-
tlon with him on this very subject he says
that a sense of juslioe demands that the
democracy of the country shall vindicate
their action in 1876, and this can be done
by renewing the ticket neat year. Grant,
it aeems to me, will be the nominee of the
republican parly f .r the presidency."
Phillip Cook represents the third Oeor*
^ district: -My personal preference ia tor
nrman or Hayard. If Tilden was renom
inated I wotill support him, but be did
not H|ieak out at the time when his views
were most needed, when .his counsel was
of the greatest importance to his friends in
congress. Thurman lix* the advantage of
Hayard in this regard, that lie has a large
slate to back him, while tbe latter has only
three electoral votes to contribute to the
result. Mr. Thurman's views on the money
question suit our views and harmonize
with the sent!men(s so generally expressed
by the western and soutliern states. The
republican nominee, it appears to me, will
be neither Grant nor Illaioe, but John Hiier-
mau. whose position and views suit the
hanks,isindholdcrs and capitalist generally,
and who are bound to have as their candi
date a hard-money and hard-fiisted man."
Henry H. Harris represents the fourth
Georgia district: "There is no desire, so
far as I know, to have Mr. Tilden renomi
nated. He is not the preference of die
Georgia democracy by any means. The
fact is dial while we know Mr. Tilden was
elected in 1870 there is a grave doubt as to
whether lie conducted himself as the suc
cessful candidate of the party should lisve
done in such an emergenecy. Grant seems
certain to be the republican candidate in
1880. The greenback uuestion was settled
at the last election ami does not enter as a
disturbing element into the politics of our
section."
Milton A. Candler represents the fifth
Georgia district: "Personally I am for
Hayard, and so are many of my const it u-
ents, though tlie state is for Thurman. Mr.
Tilden 1ms a wrong to be righted, and that.
In connection with talent, tact, skill as an
organiser and the ever necessary leverage of
money, gives him an advantage overall the
aspirants for the honor. In a word, it makes
him a formidable candidate, and it may be
that lie will so shape the issues in his own
state aslo compel the party to stand by
him next year. However, that is not what
1 started to say. 1 was merely giving yon
my viewa Grant is popular with the ne
groes. The money ix*uo does not trouble
us."
James H. Blount represents the sixth
Georgia district: "His impression was that
his const linen la personally preferred Mr.
Thurman and next Mr. Bayard. As he
knew nothing of the sentiments respecting
the claims of Mr. Tilden for the renomina-
thin, be could not speak with any degree of
intelligence at this time. It was, however,
a moral certaimy that if the will of the
jprty required the renomination of Mr.
BATHED IN BLOOD.
no idea on our part of any wish to go to ex
treme* We simply don’t agree with Mr
Randall in a great many of bis views, and
the sooner weeavs force the tsatie the better." I —-
‘*35 h * t * re UKwe point* of difference!" HORRIBLE TRAGEDY IH THE CAPITOL.
"Well, sir,” replied the gentleman." they |
aa follows: First, if we are right on the !
money question, Mr Ran-laII i* wrong; if
we are rignt on the tariff question, Mr.
Randall is wrung; if we are right on tbe
policy of internal improvements. Mr. Ran
dall is wrong. We propone to fi^ht the
question on these three issues. While we
nave the greatest respect for Mr. Kaudall’s
peat abilities as a iwrliameniaria:;. we dif
fer from him so radically in tlie*e import
ant matters of legislation that we nr-an to
run a candidate more to our choice.
"What is your strength?’
"We have the bulk of the anatbem vote
already pledged to Mr. Blackburn. He will
get, begining with Maaou and Dixon's line,
all from Maryland, but Mr. Kiiumel; ill
from Virginia, but Jugde Harris; all from
North Carolina, but General Beales and
iioasibly Mr. Davis; tlie entire rote of South
Carolina, three from Georgia, two from
Alabama, all from Mississippi, except
Money and Singleton; the entire vote of
Louisiana, wjth the possible exception of
General Gibson; three from Texan, all from
•Arkansas with the exception of Gunter, all
from Tennessee but Atkins and
Whitthome, the solid vote
Kentucky, five from Missouri, Mor
rison and Springer from Illinois, and tbe
new members yet to hear from; fire from
Indiana and all from Ohio, with the single
exception of Frank Hurd. With the scat
tering strength pledged to Blackburn from
the northern states we will have, all told.
71 votes and 73 will elect.”
There ia not the least doubt that the
Blackburn movement is very powerful and
may prove strong enough to retire Mr.
Randall to the flour. One of the best evi
dences of thia ia tbe unanimity displayed
by soutliern men in his favor. Tbe dark
horses have all withdrawn. Mr. Goode, of
\ irginia, who has been counted upon as one
of tbe>e probable dark3»oi>cs, tola your cor
respondent to-day that be was emphatically
out of tbe fight and meant to throw what
ever influence he had in favor of Mr. Black-
bor, J; * Mr * Hwuae » Teunewe, another
possible com promise, said the
same thing. The democracy will
have hut these _ two candidates.
Randall and Blackburn. Mr. Cox, of New
>ork, may attempt to cut some preliminary
figure, but he will join the anti-Randal!
throng and take Ms ride by men like Morri-
eon and Goode, who were ignored by the
Colossi Alstraasd Ei. Oox few* s HwtU? Xastlsg,
Ia Which the Termer Gsta K tel sad tbs
latter Bemsly Wemadsd—Iks Facts
Bsfsrsasd Aftr theKii'.xg.
Yesterday afternoon another bloody
tragedy was enacted in this city. It came
on suddenly and the terrible news, as it first
circulated 'from mouth to mouth, was
scarcely believed by those who beard it.
It had been so generally hoped that days,
and even years, might pass before such
another event would startle the community
that men dreaded to learn he truth. The
fact was only too* true and too awful. The
verification was swift, and crowds flicked to
view the scene and the participant* in one
of the completest death-dnels on our
records.
THE ACTORS 18 TUX DTO.
were two citizens well known in our com
munity and numbering hosts of friends.
One of them was Colonel Robert A. Alston,
of the adjoining county of TV Kalb, and its
representative in the present general a* cm-
bly.^ The other was Captain Ed. Cox. of
DeKalh county, and one of the *ub-1e#e«*
of penitentiary convicts. Colonel Alstrn
was chairman of ibe penitentiary commiree
of the present honse of representatives and
the author of the bold and horrifying rsnort
upon our penitentiary lease system which
caused so wide a sensation in November
THE SCETK or THE TXAOCTf
_ in the middle room of the offees of the
state treasury in the capitol hur'ding. Tfie
state treasury is located uponihe ground
floor of the building and intoed lately in
tbe comer ar the inte sect3»*» ot Maretf*
and Forsyth streets. The **>m was about
twelve by fifteen feet in distensions and was
used as a sitting room a*d desk office nv
Colonel Murphy, clerk v 'he treasure \ It
was the one into whic^ the vanlt |<ened.
In it the parties met ard the affix nccurml
in the presence, of dtate Treasurer Ren-
froe. Captain/ Nelms. ♦ e principal
keeper of th. 7*enitenti* .*. and the tax
collector of yGtimer 'Unty, Mr. I*, n.
Milton, fld who **» present to get
a receipt #rtax V’.iectiona paid into the
treasurr. Tlie p>-m is rather confined in
size ang.'*ith i’ * furniture added, made an
arena *> r oat wronderfully adapted to
prodyde kh» cal consequences.
Tint CAUSE OF THE TSAOEDT.
e real facts in all their legitimate con
which preceded and led up to tlie
hand, a knife with which he threatened to** spectacle at this juncture beggars descrip-
_» a thpait uon » «^kened all who saw it. The floor
5 8 Jr , . of the room was slippery with pools of
in the plan blood, and yet tbe faint bluosmoke from
1 the pbtolj was creeping alon/the ceiling in
search of .fn outlet. One of the men was
. _ , . A . .. .. .lying iir-'h the floor at fulHength. with the
8, ^ I no * dlffica,t ^ ,h€ “’ blood s\rramlne from that horrible shot In
CTT ALSTOS’S THEOAT
unless he acqui . .
He seemed to have had an idea of frighten
ing Alston into compliance.
Alston told Cox he was unarmed and de-
■. /*>><
Jtiectii
*P®*k" in hi* make-up of emu mi • tees. It
seems to be the sore point with there leaders
of the bouse that Mr. Randall rent them to
the rear. Wlwn XK Kerr wu eleclrd
•iwaker he aara Ilia laadine anlaKoniat, ilr.
Randall the chairmanship of anpronria^
ttons. vylien Mr. Randall, fn die due couivg' hial encounter are difficult to be ascer-
of politics, had a similar opjiortunity to S* teined in the present state of af-
geuerou* to his rivals, be threw them all in fairs. One of the actors is dead and
the shad*, giving Mr. Goode no eha/rnmu-
ship, retiring Mr. Morrison co a subordinate
place on public laudjL sending Mr. Sayler
on ways and means and placing Mr. Cox at
the head of the libranr committee, which
only meets to dispense bouquet*.
A St. Louis dispatch states that Win. R.
Morrison, memlier of oongress for the sev
enteenth Illinois district, arrived there to
day and haa expressed himself very freely
abont the contest for speakership of the
rilden he would receive the unswerving
support of the democracy of Georgi u”
l)r. William II. Felion represents the
seventh Georgia district: "I am for Mr.
Thurman, or if lie cannot receive the nom
inal ion, then I am for Mr. Hendricks. Our
people would be delighted to siip|*irt him
Kir president. Mr. Tilden is not in demand
in our state. We would, however, heart
ily support him if renominated. My state is
for Thurman and is anti-Tilden. Grant on
the republican side seemed to be the in
evitable choice of that party.”
Mr. Alexander H. Stephens, or the eighth
district of Georgia, exprr«ed himself as fol
lows: "I have no opinion to expras «m the
subject. 1 have no idea who will he tli«
democratic nominee in 1880 for president.
U is one of the uncertainties of the future,
and no satisfactory belief can be entertained
he anr sensible man in reference to it. I
& mu know whether Mr. Tilden could be
renominated, and have no «>!»»nion on the
subject. I will say I do not think lie ought
to be renominated. I was opposed to him
before ami are more opposed to his renomi-
nation limn I vra* to hi* first nomination.
-Who do yon think the republicans will
nominate?’ Mr. Stephens was asked, to
which he re plied:
••I have no more satisfactory idea on that
noint than I have as to who the democrats
wHI nominate. Judge Doolv. of Georgia,
once said If there was anything that was
unknown to Coni it was a verdict of a pent
jury, and I think if the judge was alive he
would include among the possible things
unknown to God that of the nomination of
«av national convention of either party
"f a candidate for the presidency in these
liimm P. Ml re prerent, the ninth Oror-
n.ili.trict: -Th-preference oi tbe p-^>lc
Jt i» lint fee Allen G. Thomwm
Tfemie. A. Hendrick,. My rente
ha, the ttee»te,t adminitjon for Ilf. Ttmr-
nian and hi, reatciuanlike qualitiea. Hi,
.w, nu the currency quction rail our
iMitie and «re are remngiy attra. ted to-
tilmfor mreiy rereon,. lithe »nrce»,
of ilia party dec!are.i it expedient to re-
nominate Mr.Tilden ..nr people would hur-
reli hw Tilden a, loudly aa for the candidate
oi their choioe. Hut that fa yet to
be determined. The greenback move
ment fa popular with u,. but the
demonatration fa confined within Jinny
im«s and there i, no pumibility of a reiwe-
aieTkket on that imue. Aa for Giant, who
i, relied upon to divide the aouthera itatw.
we l.ave no fear of hi, roakina any inroed-
ln our tanka in Georgia. I may any that jure
after the decision of tire .electoral couimi-
Jon there waa a atom* feelin* in favor of
the renomination of Tilden ami Hendncka.
but aincc then there ha, wen a revufanm in
the feeliug, of the people which ikwe not
1 irate that they are clamoring lo vole
fee the ticket in tlie next preredential con-
wet."
The upeakerehlp.
WaahiaOToa. March A—The eiwakerehip
nrohlem fa still the afarerbinit topic of the
•STur. and toofay the opporition hi.Mr.
Rainfall appear, to have taken definite
jfaur Frequent caucure, have hern lield
during tlie part few dayit but mulling pore-
tiva ha- re-ulletl. Th., afternoon, how ever,
the-.inborn men who, ateopprawd to Mr.
llamfair, candidacy had an Informal meet
ing ami arrangrel a plan of ^petatfan. 1 non
thcin.wnd-l»in'. the nrarent campaign for
-oo-ker-hip fa quite a, much national
Ir^SomU A, one of the leading Black
burn men remarked to your cwrreepoudem
to-day:
•Tha -mth ha, finally come to the ron-
eliu-ion that it i-afa.ut t.me — —”
in the national ifemocracy
Hist the only pn**r »vw meet Uie !•»
rnt emergency i* w south, with its
house. He declares most positively that
under no circumstances will he be a candi
date himself, and that lie is opposed to
Randall ami in favor of a southern roan for
that position in order to test the question
whether soutliern men can be put in promi
nent places with safety to tlie interests of
tlie nation. He regards Blackburn, of Ken
tucky, as a brilliant and able man, who
would make an excellent speaker. Ex-
Governor Throck morton and Mr. Gaddings,
members from Texas, are also here en route
I tome, and express opinion that most of the
Texas mem Iters ana the southern delega
tion will vote for Blackburn, and that Ran
dall's defeat is certain.
Tlie Kind ef a Mrs Cefywaya Is.
English Official Correspondent*.
It ia no exaggeration to say that hit his
tory from the first lias been written in
characters of blood. I do not refer merely
to the long chronicle of his butcheries—
from the slaughter of his brother and their
followers, early In bis career, down to the
more recent indiscriminate and wlrolcsale
destruction of all tlie unmarried women
who attempted to evade his orders,
given In a sudden fit of caprice, tliat they
should accent as hu*h«nds the elderly un
married soldiers of his anuv, tlie massacre
being subsequently extended to all the rela
tives who took away for burial tbe exposed
corpses of the slaughtered women—but 1
would take h!s character from his own ac
count of himself; it was sent little more
than two years ago to the lieutenam-govi
nor of Natal, who, on hearing of the mi
sucre of the girls, wrote to remind him of
what had very recently |»assed between
him and the representative of the
Natal government. Sir T. Sliepstoue, in the
wav of more merciful rule on the occasion
of liiN installation as king, expressing a hope
that the lieutenant-governor might learn
from him that the refiorts which had
reached hitn were incorrect, (’ctywayo
replied. ‘Did I ever tell Shepstone?
Did lie tell tlie white |«ople I made such an
arrangement? Because, if he did, lie lias
deceived them. I do kill, hut do not con
sider vet 1 have done anything in the way
of kiiling. Why do the white people start
at nothing? I have not yet begun. I have
yet to kill; it is the custom of our nation,
and 1 shall not depart from it. Why does
the governor of Natal speak to me 'about
my laws? Do I go to Natal and dictate to
hitn about his laws? I shall not agree to
any laws or rules from Natal, and by so do
ing throw the great kraal which I govern
into tlie water. My jieople will not listen
unless tliev are kjlled; and, while wishing
to he friends with the English,
do not agree to rive my people over
to be governed by laws sent t>
by them. Have I not asked
English government to allow me to wa-h
my spears, since the death of my father
Um|«ndi, and they have kept playing with
me all this time ami treating me like a
child? Go back and tell the English that
1 shall now act on my own account, and if
they wish me to agree to their laws I shall
leave and become a wanderer; but
before I p> it will be seen, as I shall
not go without having acted. Go back and
(ell the white man this, and let them hear
it well. The governor of Natal and 1 arc
equal. He is governor of Natal and I am
governor here.
isve to be relied upon for the matter of
the present narrative, and these statements
made during the intense excitement follow-
! j the drcMUa] event may unintentionally
somewhat h variance with the facts de
veloped upon a judicial investigation here
after. We have endeavored to get at the
truth in the matter -and we give the con
nected account made'wp from the state
ments of those who would consent to speak
about them. They are to tW effect as below
the courier lease act
by tlie general assembly In 1876,
tinder which the convicts of the state were
leased to companies formed and designated
as "penitentiary companies." One of th<W
companies was cotiqiosed of several gentle
men, among whom were Senator GyaiTon, B.
G. Lockett. W. B. Lowe and Colonel C. B.
tfornmni. The convicts of the state are di
vided in a certain manner between these
ronijumic* for a fixed sum per annum for
each convict, and are employed by the
leer.-es in labor upon farms, in mines and
in railroad const met ions, etc., as they
may be made nmst profitable.
Mr. <!ox was a sub-lessee under General
ordon, and had about sixty of the convicts
ngaged in agricultural labor upon a farm
n Taylor county. General Gordon ha*
cen for sometime anxious to sell out his
terest in the lease and sever his connec
tion with the employment of convict 1al*or
under this system. He lias been endeavor
ing to do so for some months, and when
Colonel Alston, who has always bee:i a
warm personal friend of General Gordon,
left Washington a few days ago, General
GorJon gave him a power of attorney to
sell his interest In Penitentiary Company
HASTE TO THE WEDDING.
Tlie Approach of England's Royal
Xnptlals.
Losnos, March 8.—The Crown Prince of
Germany arrived to-day to attend the mar
riage of the Du*e of Connaught with the
Princess Louisa Margaret of Prussia, da ugh
ter of Prince ami Princess Frederick Charles,
which will take place on tlie 13th instant at
Windsor castle. The Princes* Louisa Mar
garet, accompanied by Prince and Prince#
Frederick Charles and suites, will arrive in
England on Tuesday. Early next week the
richly ornamented state carriages belonging
to her majesty, and which will he used tor
tlie conveyance of the queen, the Dnke of
Connaught and Prince# Louisa Margaret,
the Prince and Prince# Frederick Charles
of Prussia, tbe Prince and Prince# of
Wales, the Crown Prince and Princess of
Germany, the Duke and Duchess of
Edinburg, the King and Queen
the Belgians. Prince# Beatrice and Prince
Iweopold and other members of the royal
family, will be seut from Buchingham pal
ace mews to the oueen's coach-house in the
roval mews at Windsor castle, where they
will remain in readiness until the wedding-
day. These vehicles, which are exceedingly
handsome and well appointed, will take the
oueen, the bride and the bridegroom and
Uie royal family from the principal center
of tlie palace in tbe grand quadrangle to the
Horseshoe cloisters at the west end of St
George's chapel, where the procession will
form in the nave and advance up the choir
to the altar. Upon the morning of the wed
ding a special train coni: osed of saloon car
riages will be provided for the conveyance
of the guests from London to Windsor. The
lord chamberlain's dejartaieni is actively
employed in perfecting the various arrange
ments within the castle and St. George':
chapel
OUR SWISS COLONY.
No 2.
THE BIDOIXU ANP BAKGAIXUIO.
It appears that Mr. Jessie Walters, of
Albany, who is a representative from
Itougherty county in tlie present legisla
ture, had been in correspondence with Gen
ial Gordon upon the subject of this inter-
and was desirous of onro-hasing the
ante. When General Gordon placed t he
interest in the hands of Colonel Alston for
sale he wrote to Mr. Walters, informing
him of the fact and sugge>ting that he see
Colonel Alston concerning the matter.
Several day* ago Mr. Walters cam** to
this city with the view of meeting
Colonel Alston and negotiating about
the interest offered for sale. Colonel A 1st
reached the city from Washington on St>
day la«v and on Monday had an interview
with Mr. Walters. In the meantime Mr.
Cox. who was a neighbor of General Gnrd.
and Colonel Alston and an intimate friend
many years* standing
latter, had decided to get out of the
business himself, and some arrange
ment had been made between him and Mr.
Walters upon that subject also. The sub
stance of it was.aa we learn, that in the event
Walters purchased
don interest uj**n advantageous
terms he would also take Mr. Cox’s imereit
upon terms satisfactory to the latter. ITjioii
thi* account Mr. Cox was ]*articularly anx
ious that tlie Gordon share should be'pass* d
over to Mr. Walters, and naturally set him
self to the task of aiding this result. When
Mr. Walters and (Monel Alston wet. how
ever. the former would not consent to pay
the price «h-inaiHl**l by Colonel Alston,
which was $4.0UU Colonel Alston was act
ing a* the agent of General Gordpn, and tr.-ia
anxious, as his friend and agent, to realize
from the sale a sum that would free
General Gordon from the lease without loss.
In other words, that amount of ntopey
would have just covered the ex|*rn*e*«'f
General Gordon in the transaction. CV.lorol
Alston refused to make bettc* figures and
Mr. Walters said he would not buy and
bade Colonel Alston adieu. This to i ’oloncl
Alston was an understanding that nego
tiations were at an eud in that direction.
He looked elsewhere and found a party who
would buy in the person of Colonel C. B.
Howard, one of the co-lessee*. Colonel
Howard agreed to purcha*e the interest for
and it is said a |*ortion of the pur
chase money was paid to make the bargain
certain.
TCYI5U TO 8KEAK THE BOXD.
When the fact was made known that
"olonel Alston had contracted witli Colonel
Howard it is alleged that Mr. Cox U can
great!v excited, and declared the matter
should not take that direction. He was
intent n|*m making the trade so as to gi
himself tlie advantage he sought, that lie
sought out Colonel Alston to try and effect
his pun*>se. Prior to finding Colonel Al
ston he visited Colonel Howard and asked
to know whether, in the event the trade was
lusuminated, he.Howard, would consent to
trade with him, Cox, for his interest in the
matter. Colonel Howard replied that he
would not talk about that at this time; h'
could not make but one trade at a time ami
cas buying the Gordon interest as it
stood, subject to tlie sub-lease held by Cox.
This turn of affairs, it seems, led Mr. Cox to
a stronger determination to unset the trade
and secure the transfer of the interest to
Waiters. It is due to say that Walters had
connection whatever with Cox in
transaction j-erding the diffi
culty with Colonel Alston.
THX F1XST ALTXBC.ITIOX.
told him to go and arm himself and meet
him there at that place In five or ten min
utes. Alston said he would do it, and they
parted. After Alston left it is alleged that
Cox indulged in very abusive language
about Alston, atid said if Alston did not do
right in the matter he would kill him be
fore sun-down.
It wras tbeu seen that both the men were
excited and angry and a serious difficulty
was expected to arise between them.
PaETABCSG FOB THE FIGHT.
We learn that Mr. Cox went into the
saloon of Mr. Pause, near by, and met sev
eral parties there. He attempted to borrow
a pistol there and said he "wanted «ne d—d
S uick" aotf remarked to Colonel J. L. Har-
s that h« had had a fuss with Ebb Alston
and intended .to kill him. He made no
concealment of this intention, but he wx*
refused the hitn of a weajion and advised
not to have a difficulty. But he persisted
ard went to the gun store of Heinz A
Kerfcele, on Whitehall street, after a pistol
He said he "wanted a <f—d good one and
well loaded." He bought a new nickel-
plated revolver, of the "Swamp Angel'*
jiattern, we heMeve, and it was carefully
loaded for Wm by the vendor. He then
went lack to Marietta street and was in
that vfcinity evidently upon the'lookout
for Afrtou. w » jS
ALSTON’S MOVEMIXTS.
When Colonel Alston left the barber
shop he went to the state
capitol and entered the office
of tbe state treasurer. He met
there Colonel Renfroe. Colonel Howard and
others, and spoke of the entire transaction
with Cox at tbe barber-shop. He detailed
Cox's demands and threats; and of his own
l*art in the quarrel. He seemed ready and
disposed to return to where Cox was. a* he
had promised, but bis friends insisted upon
his not doing so and prevented him front it.
He had evidently armed himself for the
affray which he said he knew was certain to
be i • revoked. Where he procured t he pistol
or front whom is at present In mystery.
While he was thns engaged in conversa
tion a messenger arrived from Cox. This
person was a young man named Sam*, we
learn, who has been in the employ of Cox.
He brought word to Alston that Cox
WAS READY AND WAITING
for him and to come on and see it out, or
fight it out like a man! Alston asked Sains
if Cox was drinking, and Sams replied that
he did not know, but that he was very much
exeited.
Alston told Sams to go back and say to
Cox that he would not come to meet liim,
but for Cox to attend to his own business,
and he, Alston, would attend to his; that
he wanted tio difficulty with Cox, and it
would’do neither one of them any good to
shoot the other. The young man went
away and. it is snpposeu, told Cox what
Alston had said.
Alston then got up and, as Governor Col-
litt was at dinner, lie started out to twid
le governor or intercept him upon his re
turn. He inet the governor on Forsyth
street and told him all the facts in the mat
ter, and remarked that he believed, in jus
tice to himself and family, and in self-
defense, he ought to get a double-barreled
shot-gun and
KILL ED. OOX OX SIGHT.
This was the first that Governor Col-
ijuitt had heard of the diffleity. Gov
ernor Colauitt told Alston he must not
do this that the law would protect hitn.
and 1 hat he would see that it was done.
While they were ta king, Alston, who was
looking toward the capital, said: "There
goes Cox now; lie is limiting me.” Gov-
Coiqnitt looked and saw Cox walking
rapidly towards the capitol. He turned to
Alston and said to him, "You go in and get
your dinner. I will see that he is stopped
in this matter." Colonel Als'on went into
the Herron house. Governor Colnuitt went
immediately to his office, and betore he sat
down he sent for Captain Nelms. Captain
Nelms came and he told him hurriedly
about the difficaltv. Nelms said lie had
heard alsiut it. The governor then told
Nelms to go at once and stop Cox and arrest
him if necessary before he left tlie hou-c.
iivemor Colquitt said he thought Alston
was eating his dinner at the Berron house.
Had no idea that lie had followed him to
the capitol. and was waiting to hear from
Nelms, and in less than ten minutes after
Nelms left the office lie heard the firing. He
first thought that the firing was between
Nelms and Cox. because he thought that
Alston was not in the building. Tlie killing
occurred in less than ten minutes after he
beard of any difference between the ponies.
THE WHOSO MAX.
It wx* Professor B. F. Moore, as Cox dis
covered when he had passed around into the
middle room to the entrance behind the
«*ountcr and half drawn his pistol
>hoot at the supposed enemy. The color
ed messenger In the office, Peter McMichael,
saw the movement and was prepared to
frustrate t he shoot ing. When C-ox saw the
liarty was not Alston lie turned and went
out, making liis way up stairs into the ex
ecutive department in search of Alston.
Alston in the meantime went back to the
treasurer’s office and sat down. He again
spike of the impending difficulty, being
told that Cox had just been there hunting
for him. He said that it was "ateirible
thing to be forced into a difficulty with a
man who was hunting you down, as Cox
wx* doing him." Almost immediately
after this Cox came again into the treasurer’s
office and found Alston there. Cox and
Alston were both considerably excited, but
Cox seemed to be exceedingly angry xs well.
They began tlie controversy again, Cox
telling Alston that he had treated him
wrong and had to answer for it. Alston got
up. and putting his hand gently upon Cox,
said to him:
"Mr. Cox, I do not want to have any dif
ficulty with you about this matter, and
there is no need for it. Let us drop it now.
It will do you no good to kill tne, anti do
• gornl to kill you—not a bit in the
world.”
Cox replied in an abusive manner and
continued to denounce Alston and to urge
him on to the affray. It was thought his
object wx* to goad Alston to make the first
attack. At the time only Treasurer Ren-
free and the tax-collector of Gilmer county
were in tlie office. Captain Nelms coming in
soon after. While the quarrel was iu
progress the Gilmer gentleman remarked
tliat Cox wx* abusing Alston beyond en
durance and that Alston ought not to let a
man talk to him in that way, but ought to
kill him.
Treasurer Retifroe, fearing the difficulty,
told them not to have a fight in his office.
Upon this
COX INVITED ALSTON OUTDOORS
to settle the matter, but Alston declined to
go, repeating that he did not want anv dif
ficulty. C-ox replied that he should have
oue. Alston said if he could not avoid it
he supi*«ed he would. Cox told him he
could m»t get out of it, and Alston x*ked
him if he named to begin it right then.
Cox said tliat was as good a place x* ant
and that a difficulty was what L
had come for. He went to the from do*
of tlie room and attempted to shut it.
Treasurer Kcnfsoetold him not to shut that
door, but Cox paid no attention to him, but,
seeing that it was hooked back to the wall,
he unbooked it and shut it. He then turned
and advanced towards Alstou. who also ro>e
and stepped forward. Captain Nelms ran be-
the heal, and the other was moaning upon
the »ofa four or five feet
twan with the bloed choking him
and? flowing front -his mouth and his
hand dripping as though taken from a pool
of crimson life-blood. On the floor were
fqandfx pistol-ball and some of the teeth
knocked from Mr. Cox’s mouth when he
ft-fes hit. The picture was one tliat baffled
Imagination and nothing so vivid in its
it testimony of the desperate affray so
lly.dosed could be put upon canvas or
~'tltefs Ink upon this page.
ki;
P
”T ^
MARIETTA STREET.
\y \V—Windows.
A—Alston’s first position.
A2—Where Alston fell.
C—Cox’s Ant position.
C3—Cox’s second position
G—Tax-Collector. V—Vault door.
A VAST CROWD
of excited people were gathering at news of
the tragedy and the rooms, the vestioule
and' the windows’ faces were (>acked with
the curious antTanxious throng. Tlie police
and physiciars were speedily on hand.
Drs^Love and Todd took charge of Colonel
Alston, and at once began to try and revive
him and bring him to consciousness. l)r.
ir was in charge of Mr. Cox and did all
b ]N>wcr to relieve him of his sufferings,
wound in Colonel Alston’s head was at
once pronounced mortal; those of
M Cox were deemed painful, but not seri
ous. Colonel Alston was placed in an easy
position and restoratives applied, while his
wound was sought to be staunched and his
bead bathed. The affair came on at 3:20
p.m., and for nearly two hours
tlie men were thus tenderly
cared for by physicians and friends.
Colonel Alston became very restless, and
urged Ills way once dear across the room in
his straggles. He returned to conscious
ness once and only for a brief moment or
two. Mr. Frank Gordon, son of Senator
Gordon, was promptly at his side and in
reply to his question Colonel Alston
once pressed his hand as a sign of recogni
tion and faintly called his name, "Frank."
Then with a struggle he said: "I am
dying—.”
"LET ME SEE MY WIFE."
Between Colonel Alston and his wife has
always existed the tenderest and siticcrest
Jove and confidence. In all circumstances
they were more like the youthful lovers
of the long ago than tlie husband
and wife, with well-grown children at
their sides. It was his last sane
request—that never-failing devotion crystal
lized into expression—"letmcsee my wife!"
She was at her home in DeKalb county, all
unconscious of the calamity that had over
taken her husband and doubtless pre
paring liis welcome when liis return
should be made. A carriage was at
once sent posthaste to bnng her to
his bed-side. for soon after he
was taken upon a stretcher and tenderly
borne to a bed in the room of Mr. Walker,
in the Grant building, corner of Marietta
and Broad street*, ln this connection, it
may lie cited a* significant beyond their
knowledge, when upon leaving home in the
morning Colonel Alston said to his wife,
that he would get his business arranged
that day and
’* AFTEK TO-NIGHT I WILL BE AT HOME! ’*
When the night came to earth it had al
ready closed down its eternal veil over the
mortal eyes of the man.
Mr. Cox was removed in a carriage to the
residence of Dr. Taber, 82 Decatur street,
wbere he now lies closely attended by his
friends. He was taken into custody by the
police and a member of the force is* ke]
the house to guard him until lie is ab
be removed and delivered to the sheriff. As
tlie case does not appear bailable, in that
event he will have to go in jail to await tlie
meeting of tlie su)ienor court on the last
Monday ami last day of March.
others had failed and failed again. He was
a restless worker and one who never tired
m the pursuit of x puri*ose. Those who
knew him best appreciated his character
at high standard* and those who
might not esteem him were those who had
been so unfortunate as to know his faults
and see none of his virtues. All in all his
death was untimely, unhappy and calami
tous.
Colonel Alston was bom in Macon, Gx,
on the last day of December, 1832. After
emerging from his school-days
be engaged in mercantile pur
suits in Charleston, S. t\, and at the
S « of 24years married Miss Mary Charlotte
*Gill,^daughter of a large planter. H«
began the study of law and was admitted to
practice in 1858. He punned the law until the
war came on, when he eutered the service
and rose to distinction as one of the leading
spirit in Morgan’s raiders- He was one of
the bravest of tuat brave band, and through
a hundred fights recklessly invited death
but never received a wound. At the battle
of Cynthiana, Ky., it is related that he lost
his breakfast by having his biscuit shot
from l»etween his teeth. After the war he
ttime lack to his charming home in De-
Kalb county and engage ! successively in
law, farming and jourmUism, up to the pxff
two or three years. He was one of the
owners and managers of the ill-fated
Atlanta Herald, a journal whose brilliancy
and enterprise made it famous in its day.
Ot late he has returned to his pro
fession of law, and in claim
cases lias made much money,
tbe bulk of' which he gave promptly away
to the creditors of his newspaper venture.
He was well-known all over the union, and
in Washington City was a general favorite
with public tnen in congress and in the gov
ernment. He was a shrewd observer bf
men, and could mould them often to his pur-
posesas with the hand <)f a masterspirit. He
good citizen, and in his office of a
yielded to an involnntary pressure. General
Reed aimed deliberately, fired and Colonel
Alston fell with x fearful wound tom
through him. The Alstons always asserted
that General Reed should have held his fire,
hut Reed’s friends claim that the duel was a
fair one, and that Reed went into the duel
with “ yagers," knowing that it was x duel
to the death, and only took his just chances.
In any event, however, the sister of Augus
tus Alston was almost maddened at the
death of her brother. She took the lead
from the dead body, and moulding it into
ballets seut them to Colonel Willis A lston,
telling him to hurry home and avenge his
brother’s death. It was very well under
stood that when-Willis Alston came there
would be trouble.
A FEAST THAT ENDED IN X TRAGEDY.
On the uight of the meeting of the legis
lature, General Reed was elected speaker.
After tlie adjournment the members had
assembled in Brown’s hotel to enjoy the
usual dinner given by the speaker to his
friends. While tlie banquet was
merriest there was a slight
commotion in the further end of the halL
Pushing aside the crowd gathered about the
door, a tall figure, wrapped in x long cloak,
stepped hastily towards the table. Al
though the face was hidden by a slouched
hat, tbe tall and striking figure wx* known
to the crowd. "There’s Alston! Alston 1"
tliev shouted. At this point Colonel
Alston threw the cloak back and disclosed
his^ features. Without an instant of
hesitation Reed arose and drew hi* pis
tol and fired' at Alston, tearing two fingers
off of his right hand in which he was hold-
tug a. bowie-kaife. Alston never hesitated
at this but cltarged like a wild boar on Reed.
They were pulled apart after x struggle in
which Reed was cut and Alston somewhat
injured. 8om« months afterward General
Reed wx* walking down the s treet with a
friend when he was attacked by Col. Willis
THEN AND NOW.
tears in bis eyes, “Poor Boh. He shall not
die in his boots," and he tenderly pulled
them off At tlw bed-eide the wene was The Senate of I8«l and the Senate or
heart-rending. The poor wife, holding her I
husband’s hand and calling on him in the I
most piteous tonex Near ner kneeled Gov-I The senate of the United States, for the
ernor Colquitt praying aloud, his voice so | forty-sixth congress, which convenes in
broken tliat he could not syllable his words. I Washington on the eighteenth instant.
Around the bed stood friends with uncov-1 will be democratic by a majority of eight,
ered heads and streaming eyes, while the I thirty-eight states being represented. The
crowd thronged outside the door eager for I republicans will he x minority in that body
the slightest bit of newx On the bed, I for the first time in eighteen years. The
peaceful and resigned, his eves resting fond-1 democratic senate, in which only thir
ty on hi* wife or lifted now and then to I ty-three states were represented, adjourned
Some friend, lay the sufferer. Ah, surely, | sine die on the fourth of March, 1S61. Asa
*« God’s mercy, here was the peaceful death I niatter of curiosity wo reproduce the roll of
had prayed for! Surely here was a peace I *ach body—that of 1861 and that of 1879.
that mocked all earthly stofms—a peace I It is worthy of note, as a coincidence, that
that smiled at the ghastly hole in the tern- I the democratic majority in 1861 was pre-
pie and the blood-stains—a legacy of peace I cisely what it is to-day—eight:
that would enrich his son beyond all meas
ure—a peace that "passeth understanding."
representative iri onr general assembly hfa “fe^nThfa
the state.
te be ot gnat u..ef«Im«i
He dropped mortally wounded. Colonel
Alston’s friend.* claimed that he had noti
fied Reed that he would kill him on sight.
t-i .1.:.. It . t- V
PREVENTING V PROPHECY.
Colonel Alston hx* often remarked to
the writer and to others, in the realistic
language of the west, that he felt as though
he could not be spared to a peaceful death,
but tliat he should tome day " die with liis
boots on!" He said this to Captain Ed.
Mercer, one of his mod devoted admirers,
and when yesterday Captain Mercer looked
upon the dying form of hi.* friend and he
recalled tlie almost prophetic words. And
when the body was carried to a bed
chamber the faithful friend followed it and
tenderly drew from the feet of Colonel
Alston the boots in which lie stood
when he was shotdowrn. He did nut want
to sec that prophecy fulfilled to its letter.
THE CORONER’S INQUEST.
All the talk on the streets yesterday was
the unfortunate tragedy in which Colonel
R. A. Alston lost his life Tuesday after
noon. Tlie remains of Colonel Alston lay
in the room of Mr. Neil Robson yesterday
until after 2 o’clock in the afternoon.
About 11 o’clock, coroner Drake summon
ed a jury and held an inquest over the
body of the deceased. The jury was very
intelligent and looked thoroughly into the
facts before it. Mr. IL M. Scott a as fore
man.
The coroner’s jury found tlie following
verdict:
We, the Jury of Inquest held on the body of R.
A. Alston, find that he came to hi* death from a
pistol ball fired from a pistol iu the hands of Ed
ward Cox, said ball entering the brain in the re
gion of tbe right temple, and in our opinion the
t.'iark.
killing was willful and premeditated murder:
E.
Frank Bliley, W. G. Drake.
8. II.
W. G. Drake, Coroner.
and began to fire _ „
rapidity. Captain Nelms fell back upon
tbe table, and Treasurer Renfroe and the
other man were standing in the room next
to Marietta street and near the door where
Colonal Alston was standing in front of the
stove.
Colonel Alston, when lie arose from his
chair, had his coat buttoned across his
breast, but he unbuttoned it and drew his
pistol from an inner pocket. His wx* a
self-cocking pistol, ana this enabled him
From the KwllxerlaiMl or Ear pe
the Switzerland of America.
Morxr Airy. March HI—Tbe So w set
tlers liere are well pleased. The Tagblalt
and Zeitung, both published xt Zurich, just
received, show that the people xre being
fully aroused on this subject.
Tbe Tagblait of February 19th says:
Herr National rath Joes lectured lx*t Sitn-
__ day. xt Wintherthur. on emigration to x
about time to'x**ert itself ! audience. A committee was appointed
lwlieve «ho who will bestow proper attention on
thia matter.
A company of voting and enterprising men
Tlie fact appears to be that Cox first en
countered Alston in the barbershop of
Dougherty Hutchins, on Marietta street,
about noon. He asked Alston into the bar':
room to talk, and Alston afterward stated
tliat Cox demanded of him that lie rcscim
the trade with Howard and make the on
with Walters, stating that Walters would
pay more than Howard for the interest
stake.
Colonel Alston replied to biro tliat it was
now impossible to do tliat tiling He had
BfewiS^d .he'* I ’neptTMt jjoryoooi nyeowy pe
Walter, am! he had derlired u, ..ke the i
Mr. C<,j pei-.Kt.-d and said if A lston did f h * f a l I ,£ en * , T* in f th ? ".*¥ Umpi Z
>I sell to Wallers, h- (C-.*, wold be ; C , olor ;t! ^ lrtou ' *^? ut (ron ‘ a ” d
fa- ken. urmined, and hed-1 .Ji i. rendto eT ' i »» “"£«>Urnurf,
stat.d it 11-s dory h.s familv. he said. ! ^*' n «•* ««he
demanded tin- -oLuiu-nation -t the other i bork " f thc b ~ J « h * >* ft ,ower
transaction and it must be dime. \ colonel Alston staggered, reeled
to get the first shot at Cox. the ball striking
Cox on the left side of tbe upper lip and pen
etrating the mouth and jaw. Cox then got
into tbe corner and fired at Alston, but
missed hint and the ball went into the wall
behind. Alston then fired twice in succes
sion. his second ball striking Cox in the left
hand, fleshy part between the thumb and
fore-finger, and the third shot going wild
and buryiug in the plastered wall about
a foot from the floor and close
to Cox—so close, it api«ars. as to have gone
through the breast portion of lib coat as he
rtu •• - , -
enormous* electoral strengto,
ward xml assert ttswlf tn mil
.V, r We etc perfectly willing and have xl-
«•»(**<, to i*»drr to, tb* oorthwnfanu-
whirh rcrnivd ,o (fenmod „ onr ban-fa
STwTcr ramwfer of all factional claim,
fee the benefit Of the party at laree; hut
i. n,, longer the least rraaon arhy such
demands should be complied with. The war
fa over, all sectional ditferencea are heeded,
all animosities ouehl to he buried, and we
propose now to place oumelrm on^fadff
igg^ssice but sensible platform. Them fa
come for- \ left Zurich, under the lead of Herr Zeigler.
who haa been fanning in America tor six
month*, to pOTchxe real estate in the state
of Georgia Tbe deader of this company
will, according lo the Vaterland. lay the
foundation of a large Swi# colony, which
Herr National rath Dr. Joxs. aided by the
Grutlivecein, intend* to establish. . sired.
General A. R. Lawton, of Savannah, takes I Alston said he could not do it and would
poroemioa on tbe first of next month of an I not if he could. He told Cox he would not
elegant residence purchased here. I be bullied into doing the thing proposed to
Farming operations xre active. I him.
$r. George. It is stated that Cox drew, or had in hb
THE DEATH OF COLONEL ALSTON
occurcd at 6:40 p.m., at the room above
mentioned. He was surrounded by hb
wife, daughter and son, and by numerous
friends. He remained unconcious, and did
not recognize his wife or chil
dren. Mrs. Alstou bore the situation
with great fortitude until the moment ot
the final struggle and then tlie scene of
grief and woe was one one of unutterable
awe. Tears and sobs of sorrow filled the
and followed after the spirit in its flight
into the great unknown.
The body wx* cared for in the best nian-
:r and remain* until this morning laid out
in the chamber where he died. It will be
taken home to-day and the funeral will be
had to-morrow in Decatur, at 2 p.m. The
notice of the time and circumstance* of the
funeral b given elsewhere in our columns.
Colonel Abton leaves a wife and four
children—two girls and two boys. Mr. Cox
also has a family of a wife aiid four chil
dren.
THE TRAGEDY IN TIIE CITY.
The sad and bloody event was one of tlie
most regretted affairs ever known in onr
history. All Atlanta knew "Bob Alston,”
and they were few who did not admire and
esteem the man, above whatever :aults lie
had, because of his manly virtues
and his cliivalric and yet kind
ly traits* of character. The streets
were filled all evening with men discussing
the affair, and an universal expression of
sorrow was heard. It did not seem real to
know that Alston wx* dead, and the news
spread like a telegraphic message from ear
to ear and house to nouse. The friends of
both parties are plunged into endless re
grets tliat they should have thus marred
and closed their useful careers.
NO INQUEST OB TRIAJ
Lx*t night after the death of Colonej
Alston the coroner waa notified of the fact,
but in consideration of the circumstance*
attending the homicide and the fact that
ample witnesses to all the facts are accessi
ble. he decided tliat it was unnecessary to
hold an inquest over the remains.
We alto learn that it is the probable pi
pose of the friend* of Mr. Cox to have hi
waive a committing trial and go on to await
the action of the grand jury and higher
courts. In thb event there will be no legal
inquiry into the facts until the regular
term.
MB. cox’s CONDITION
idnight was reported to be very favor
able. Hb wound* are not dangerous, but
up to a late hour he wx* restless and could
not be gotten to sleep.
He lias snokeu to several of his visiting
friends, and it i* said that he claims to have
acted in self-defense in the affray; that Al
ston advanced u[*m him am! lired at him.
striking him in tlie face before he fired
back at Alston. When first shot he w
very close to Alston, and hb face is full
powder-grains from the pistol charge.
colonel Alston’s career
one rich 1n episode* of a remarkable
and often romantic nature. He wx*
man ot t ecu liar character. He wa* de
scended from a famous family, the Alstons
of South Carolina who were men of
. and reputation, and whose dash and
courage made them remarkable. They
were duellists bom and men who rated life
bauble in a combat for a prin
ciple. or a sentiment of honor and
pride, or in vengeance for a wrong inflicted.
Golonel Robert A. Abton was to the man
ner bora, and be succumbed to that fatal-
which he so often declared wx*
inheritance of hb name — a
INCIDENTS OF HIS LIFE AND FAMILY.
What Ilia Former Partner Sny* Abont
Him.
Atlanta, Ga., March 12, 187V
It is with faltering pen and uncertain fin
gers that I come to write of "Bob" Alston
—dead!
For ten years he was my friend—knit to
my heart by a thousand ties. To write of
him or talk of him is to give to the public
many thing* that shopld be cherished iu
the privacy that makes them sacred. For
four years we were bound together witli the
syuil>atliy that men feel for each other when
they stand shoulder to shoulder and heart
to 'heart to fight against odds—and in the
extremities of tliat struggle 1 learned to
know him, 1 believe, better than any living
uiun ever knew him. I shall write of him, a
then, a* if he were before me to-night, ami*
with his blue eyes looking into mine, and
my band within his kindly grasp. If I
should be betrayed Into writing anything
that would have been-, better unwritten. 1
shall remember that none but hb friends
have read it, for I do not believe that the
state of Georgia holds to-day a single man
or woman who has auglit but regretful ten
derness for the dead man that lies in tliat
coffin yonder!
THE “HALIFAX” ALSTONS!
Bob Alston came of a princly stock. His
ancestors settled in Halifax. North Caroli
na, nearly a century ago. They were ini-
periors, dauntless people, of enormous
wealth, lavish habits, and stirring tradi
tion*. They were of a stubborn strain of
fighters, dominating over every thing and
brooking no contention. They were known
over the country as a gentle hut reckless
race and came to be called the "Halifax”
Alstons. Many a time have 1 heard Alston
tell, in hb frank and bright way, of the
traditions of these people—how they tra
veled from one of their estate* to another
almost regal state—with thejold King
George coach and four and an army of sable
attendants—how hb grandmother used to
carry her own sheets and pillows and loaf
sugar with her every where she went—an l
of now, in her mettlesome days, racing with
her husband over the country-side, she
would put $100 on a cock-fight and follow
tlie fox-hounds where none but the Alstons
dared ride. Or of how hb grandfather of
fered his estates to Jefferson when war wx*
declared, and drank rye coffee to his death,
because he drank it during the war—-of how
honest Willis Atston, his grand uncle, had
to confront the whole state of Carolina be
cause of his assaults upon a defaulting state
treasurer, and of the lordly way in which
these two brothers fought and frolicked
alternately with the gentry from Virginia
to Georgia
Tlie elder of these " Halifax” Alstons, the
grandfather of Bob Alston, came to Georgia
with liis family, and bought the "Slioulder-
bone lands,” now owned in part by David
Dickson. He had by this time lavished
much of his wealth, but wx* still immensely
rich. He had three sons—Willi* (Bob’s
father), Augustus and Gideon. Each of
these men cauie to a violent death. Willb
Alston became iuvolved in a feud with the
Ingrams, of Hancock county, a very brav
and honorable family.
A lsu>n again ret used, and explained
fib reasons. It b here stated that
their conversation became audible
to those in the shop at the
time and that Abton was talking in a con
ciliatory way while Cox was angry and very
and fell in the other door, athwart the
threshold, bleeding profusely and uncon
scious upon the instant. Mr. Cox changed
position from tbe corner to the opposite
side near the table, but teeing tbe effect of
thb shot he did not attempt to shoot
again. He was bleeding himself
copiously from the wounds it*
the mouth and in hb hand.
He said to Treasurer Renfroe: "We are
both of us killed!” and then be went into
the front room and laid down upon the
lounge. Tbe shots had been heard all
around and through tbe building, and men
came running to the scene of the tragedy.The
It b my opinion that in the death of I j*®* 1 !- Fitzpatick, D.
‘Bob" Alston, the state of Georgia lost one | D '
fought and died at each ocher’s hands to
wipe out insults, imputations and wrongs.
We cannot now recapitulate the record. The
man who fell yesterday and has passed
from among hb fellow-men was one who
deserved a longer life and a better fate.
He wx* brave to recklessness, generous
to x fault, kind as a woman and
unswerving as a friend. He was endowed
with intellect and hb strokes of success
were inspirations os genius. He was irre
pressible in energy and exhaustle# in re
sources. He went where others dared
not go, undertook what others dared
not attempt and succeeded where
SEVERAL RENCONTRES TOOK PLACE BETWEEN
THEM,
and their feud was the reigning sensation
of that section of the state for months.
Colonel Abton always went armed with
‘yager”—a funnel-shape*! gun deadly and
heavy. He had, however, several pair* of
fine duelling pistol*. One nigltt a general
engagement was expected and the duelling
pistols were all out in a room forin.si*ect;o
Young Gideon Abton wx* at home on v_
cation from the university of Georgia,
where he had just risen sophomore. I have
hesnl Colonel Mark Johnston say that he
was the handsomest and most winning boy
heever knew, and a boy of great brilliancy.
There was also in the house a young Castil
ian named Pepin that Willi* Abton had
picked up when he was in Nashville, pay
ing hb suit to Miss Trimble, who after
wards married General Sam. Houston.
Colonel Alston saw this friendle# boy and
adopted him. He wx* ag-eat favorite with
the family. He and Gideon on this night
left the room with some pistols to try them.
In a few moments Pepin came hack and an
nounced that he had shot Gideon, through
mistake, and killed him. Pepin was given
x place in the navy and wx* drowued in
one of the tropical sex*. It is notable of
thb Alston-Ingram fued that a dramatiza
tion of it was written and published. The
M. S. was discovered, without signature or
due, in the hat of a lady, who was fear
less and widowed. She published it. Had
the authors been known they would have,
all probability, been killed.
THE ALSTON* IN TALLAHASSEE.
Shortly after this time the Alston* moved
to Tallahassee, where they at once became
very prominent on account of their
wealth, bravery and talent. They were an
unusually handsome and athletic race—
being without exception six feet or over,
^portioned and accomplished. Wil-
on once carried a load of eight hun
dred pound* dead weight on his shoulders
in Tallahassee for a wager. In Tallahassee
wx* started the feud between the Alston.'
and General Reed. General Leigh Reed wa
a young man who had distinguished himself
in the Indian wars in Florida, and who
stood very high in public estimation. Brave,
genial, brilliant, be had a most auspicious
career ahead of him. He was the leader of
one of the parties in Florida, and Colonel
Augustas Alston led the other. Tliev be
came involved in a difficulty. Bob Alston
says, because of an article that had appeared
in a paper reflecting on Governor Call. At
any rate, tbe trouble resulted in a meeting
in which Augustus Abton was killed. The
facts seem to be that aa the men turned to
fire Colonel Alston's yager went off before
he had aimed it, the hair-trigger having
Heed's friends claim that he received...
uvh notification. At anv rate Colouel
Alston was imprisoned. Ho managed to
get off to Texas, it is raid, at a sacrifice of
’er $30,000 in property and money,
e settled in Texas, near Brazoria
After lie had been there for some time
lie beard that x Dr. Stewart had been dis
cussing hb killing of Reed in uncompli
mentary terms. He wrote down the re
mark-. and h short time afterwards met Dr.
•Stewart on the prairie. He presented the
letter, and asked Dr. Stewart if he had
made the remarks he was credited with
there. While Dr. Stew’art was examining
the letter, he drew hb pistol and fired on
Colonel Abton. The snot entered hb bow
els. In the meantime Dr. Stewart had dis
mounted. getting hb horse between himself
and Abton. Alston advanced, and after
being terribly mutilated, so much so that his
bowels protruded, he killed Stewart—pour
ing a load of buckshot through liis
head. He was taken to jail, and while there
wrote liis last letter oil earth. It was ad
dressed to Colonel Tom Howard. It was
confident, hopcfnl and defiant. After writ
ing thb letter he took hb fiddle and com
menced playing, all gashed and tom a* he
wx*. William, hi* faithful body servant,
.‘hortly afterward entered the jail, haring
a coil of rope wound about hb body under
his clothes. While they were preparing for
the master’s escape, a noise was heard
outside. It was a crowd breaking into
the jail to take the prisoner out and kill
hint. The mob pressed through the doors,
but the dauntless hero never quailed.
He sat there fiddling in lordly con
tempt of pain ami death. iooking
upon his iiiliuniuii assailants with
unhianched face. They dragged him out,
nging him in a blanket, which they
knotted at the ends. There, muffled up
from the light of day, but witluhe old fear-
lessness blazing in his heart, and the old
dauntless smile playing on hb lip*, his body
riddled withashowerof lyncher’s bullets,the
last of the Halifax Alstons died. A lion-like
they were.theirgentleblood (laminginto
passion at the slightest insult—generous of
life and gold alike—litter in their imperious
habit* and princely ways for the days'
chivalry and a realm of barons than form
prosaic days and our commonplace laud.
THE ALSTON DESTINY.
There b a point U|M>n which "Bob" A
ston lias been more misunderstood than
upon hisalleged proclivity for fighting. The
bravery and dash of the old Alston blood
were there, but the passioti-fever had been
cooled out of it, and a mast genial essence
sent through it, cool and sparkling. His
mother was a gentle woman and gave to her
sons a most admirable sweetness of disposi
tion. Whenever the Alston fire flashed in
the veins, thb delicious coolness put it
down. I never saw Alston angry five
minutes at a time in my life. It was a flash
—a frown—a smile! Why does not John
Nelms say that in the crisis of that mur
derous fight, while the messenger of death
was already winged,the uale.stera face turn
ed toward liim and lighted with a smile?
And does not the poor clay coffined and
stilled, in that room, yet wear a smile that
tells that the passion roused in that for
bearing frame died away before the smoke
had cleared from hb face?
I know, besides this, as Alston’s friends
know, that he had x sort of superstitious
dread of dying a violent death. While he
loved his ancestors, and honored their high
spirit, lie lixs told me time and again that
hb highest ambition was to live und die iu
tieace. He said to me once that lie had
kneeled by his boy s bodside and prayed to
God that he might be allowed to leave liiin a
legacy of peace. The night he left Atlanta to
go to’meet Mr. E. Y. Clark in Alabama, he
E tried with me at the old Castleberry comer.
e turned and leaned against the well that
st«KHl there and prayed aloud that he might
come back without having done or suffered
violence. He never knew what bodily fear
was. I have seen him do the most audacious
things, and he has now written courage with
his life-blood.
He wx* gentle of spirit,and he shuddered
at tlie thought of bloodshed. His impul
sive nature—and must otten liis generous
chivalry—frequently led him into difficul
ties, but he always sacrificed ail that honor
ouhl jfcrinit to avoid violence.
I heard it said yesterday that he had
kjlled two men. Nothing could he falser.
He never fought a duel. He never hurt
human lieitig. He never carried x pistol.
authority on the code, and lias
adjusted. I presume, more difficulties than
any man in Georgia The saddest memory
of his life, as 1 know, was his connection
with the McGraw-Tabor duel. An article ap
peared in t ie Charleston Mercury x*sailiug
Judge McGraw. Young McGraw, Alston’s
friend, challenged the three editors of the
paj»er. declining to hold tlie author of the
article responsible, and contending that the
publication wx* the offense. Tabor accepted.
Alston loaded tlie pistolx At the second
fire Tabor sprang into the air and fell to the
earth a corpse. Alston never got over the
horror of that sight. He believed in the
code,” but he believed in it as a j*eace-
maker. He held that it settled difficulties
rather than raised them. "Under tlie
code,” said he, "street fights are impossible
and murders almost so. In Charleston,
with the code in vogue, there wx* not
murder in twenty years. The code simply
means that two gentlemen in {ixssinn shall
leave their dispute to two gentlemen who
are axil and disinterested." Hi* own death
seems to give weight to hb argument. Had
his difference with Cox been left two hours
it would have been settled.
He laughed to me a few months ago when
I noted him with an old enemy. "Oh, I
am getting cooler now. I think I am going
to break the old tradition that the Alston*
must die in their boots.” There was a fla
vor of sadness in this remark. 1 know that
this vague horror of a violent death over
shadowed his whole life. "What could
have been more piteous, to those who
know the fire that lived in the man’s heart,
and tlie pride that flashed through hi* veins,
than the abject way :
mo. uc wu*™ luo iroauucns nuu i vmik« a V-VW«
impulses of his teens into his forty ■ M »^t'"
years. He was just throwing these off. ^ & Foster? R
And those splendid energies—that marvel- J James Dixon. R.
ous information—that active brain—that I DELAWARE,
buoyant force—what could they not hava ( D
accomplished when ballasted with the wis-1 fLoSSa."
dom and experience of fifty Tears ? I David L. Yulee. D.
tn the legislature, he had al-1 Stephen It. Mallory, D.
ready gone to the front ranks, and as fast as I GEORGIA,
the vein of earnestness and sagacity was I n
discovered beneath the apparent tightness l iIuNOIS.
his leadership was being confirmed. He I Lyman Trumbull, R.
would have gone out of the present house I Stephen. A Douglas, D.
very nearly Its foremost man if he had 1 _ . DGMANA.
lived. Hia real career wx* just opening, I D *
and the man in him was just asserting Ja *° D * fgSRc
itself over those charming and boyish traits I James Harlan, R.
which,- winsome as they were, could not I Jame* W. Grime*. R.
enforce a genuine leadership. Just re-1 ,
covered from his financial troubles, he I l \v” rowel
would have been more than independent in 1 LOUISIANA. ’
few months. It ia hard tliat, lust as his ] John Slidell, D.
hand was outstretched to pluck the tedious I Judah P. Bantemln, D.
fruitage of a lifetime, it should be palsied I n n
with death.- Truly, God’s ways are inscruta- 1 n “ nlh - 1 n * ml,n R -
ble! ,
Alston was the most generous man that 11 Charles Sumner, R.
ever knew. I have seen him literally give I nentr Wilson, R.
away his last dollar. Never in my life did I
I see him refuse help to any applicant, if he |
had aught to give. He ptvc laviahly, 1 A ‘ K< m"$ig*K
heartily, and without a question. lie has | Zach. Chandler, R.
spent several snug fortunes since 1872. At I K- 8. Bingham. IL
one stroke he made $9,8000; at another, I .. MI « '
$11,000, and at another, $15,000. He af«nt I S^wfitfegnlV
wonderfully little money on himself. He I MISSISSIPPI,
denied himself even the comforts of life I Jefferson Davis. D.
tliat he might give to others. I never I Albert G. Brown, D.
shall forget how ray eyes filled with I R ,5*
tears and laughter . at the same I Trusten Polk. D. ’
time, when I saw him at the govern-1 NEW HAMPSHIRE,
or’a inaugural ball with trousers tliat had I Daniel Clark, R.
greatVhole* in them, and remembered that I John v«fS*v.rimr
two days before he had given to a noble pur-1 w w qJLJJ*|
pose ten times the amount needed lor a new I preatonKimt R*
pair. I have seen liim sj>cnd the day with- I NEW JERSEY,
out a mouthful of dinner, and the next day I J. R. Thompson, D.
* n . d rf™ *»° , ot il . aw *? m ' h ; ■’nobth'caiSuxa.
SniSM T. L. CltnEm»n, I>.
$15,000 that he received a short t
am sure he gave away nearly $5,000. and in I Thomas Bran, D.’
two weeks lie had not a cent left He I OHIO,
showed me a list of his expenditures, and I GooirnsRPngh. D.
there he had given hi friend and enemy I Bcn - F - R -
alike, to all who had asked, as long as he iSSa
had a dollar. There was no ostentation I Edward D. Baker, R.
about all thix He rather kept it hidden I PENNSYLVANIA.
m^woridfvwtf&ndl ’ 00rdin8!, ° f l ' b
more worldly-wise friends. I RHODE ISLAND.
He wx* true to his friends to the last de-1 Ja*. E. Simmons, D.
gree. He never failed to help them when I JftSHW&J**•
chance offered, mid never deserted them I S0UT (L£!£?P NA '
when they were in trouble. livable, sym-1 TENNESSEE,
pathetic and frank, he was wonderfully I Andrew Johnson.“n.
magnetic. Every man who worked on the | A. O. P.JVIcholaon, D.
... . which he tried
avoid the difficulty with Cox. How
Avoided him, dodged him, expostulated,
lagged for peace—asked hi* friends to inter
fere and save him, and at last threw him
self in the treasurer’s chair and said: "How
ivful it i* to be hunted down by a
.. ho is determined to kill yon!" Ah—God
alone knows how that proud heart was
rung, and that gentle spirit tortured, when
it uttered that cry! And about the last
thing he did was to walk np to Cox, lay his
two hand* gently on hi* breas* and looking
into his enemy’s face with tliat frank, win
some way of his, say: "Ed, %rhy should w«
have a difficulty? f don’t want to kill you,
and you oughtn’t to want to kill me?"
When at lx*t he saw that the fight must
come he met it grandly and like tbe man
he was. When Cox with his pistol in hia
hand turned to lock the door tor the death
struggle, how easily Alston could have
killed him. But no! There he sat calmly
awaiting, until his xseailant bad turned full
ujKjn him. Then he amee deliberately, and
stood nerved for tbe deadly shock. And he
met it like x hero! He never stirred from
his tracks. He stood erect, bis bead thrown
back in the old royal way, half-wheel'
on his heels at each shot to confront
enemy, who dodged and jumped from
side of the room to tbe other. When
pistol snapped, and be knew his life wa*
gone, he never blanched or dodged. He
turned toward Nelms, bis friend, smiled,
and without a frown met hia death in the
old Alston way!
There was a touching thing done by Ed.
"BOB" ALSTON’S LIFE.
g from his boyhood when he died.
I Robt W. Johnson, D.
Wm. R. Sebastian. D.
1 CALIFORNIA.
John T. Morgan, D.
Geo. 8. Houston. D.
ARKANSAS.
Aug. H. Garland, D.
J. l». Walker, D.
CALIFORNIA.
Newton Booth, R.
Jam cm T. Farley, D.
N. B.'llill. R.
... OONNECTlCU
tV. \V. Eaton, D.
o. n. halt, R.
_ DELAWARE.
Thoa. F. Bayard, D.
RU Saulshury, i>.
FLORIDA.
Charles W. Jones, D.
Wilkinson Call, D.
John B. Gordon, D.
Preston B. Plumb, R.
KjOTUckr.
James B. Beck, D.
John 8. Williams, D.
LOUISIANA.
Wm. Pitt Kellogg, R.
B. F. Jonas, D.
MAINE.
Hannibal Hamlin. R.
James G. Blaine. R.
James B. Groomc. D.
George F. Hoar, R.
Thomas W. Kerry, It.
William Windom, R.
Lucius Q. C. L . __
MISSOURI.
Frances M. Cockrell, D.
George G. Vest, D.
NEBRASKA.
Algernon S. I’a idock.R.
Alvin Saunders, It.
John P. Jones, R.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Edward H. Rollins. R.
To elect—a republican.
NEW JERSEY.
Then. F. Randolph, D.
John R. M’Phersnn, D.
NEW YORK.
Francis Reman, D.
Rescue Conkling, R.
NORTH CAROLINA.
Matt. W. Ransom, 1>.
Z. B. Vance, I».
Geo. n. Pendleton, D.
James H. Slater, Y).
PENNSYLVANIA.
Wm. A. Wallace, 1>.
J. D. Cameron, R.
RHODE ISLAND.
A. E. Burnside, R.
Henry B, Anthony, R.
Wade Hampton. D.
IsliamG. Harris, D.
TEN A 8.
VERMONT*
George F. Edmunds, R.
Justin a Morrill. IL
VIRGINIA.
Robert E. Withers, I>.
John W. Johnston, D.
WEST VIRGINIA.
Frank Hereford, D.
Henry G. Davis, D.
WISCONSIN.
Angus Cameron, IL
Matt. H. Carpenter. IL
RECAPITULATION.
Democrats..............—.42
Republicans —XI
IndependcnL — 1
okfHerald with' him loved him. On yea-1 .
terday dispatches were received from them J^n rfetKJu, D
all over the state, and to-day a half hun- I VERMONT,
dred of them will be in Decatur to see him I Jacob Collamer, R.
buried; Moore comes from Augusta, Win-1 Solomon Fool R.
ter front Macon, Burney from Albany, and I r» m ~\} iii£L A 'n
two-score from Atlanta Those men who I t Hunter T)
knew him best loved him most. I WISCONSIN. ’
His love for his wife wx* marvelous in its I 2^£f» D nl£m’.i R ' w
ftoshnea tttld strength. « was the passion RECAPmtLATION
of his life. To the very last he waa her I Republican 2fi
lover. The last letter lie ever wrote was ad-1 Democrats...
dressed to her as if he was suing for her | Americans...
hand in marriage, and he says: "I shall be
in Atlanta on Saturday for my answer."
The morning that he left her he kissed her
at the door. She followed him to tlie steps
and there stopped. "What! no further
than the steps with me?" he said. And,
laughingly, she went with him to the gate.
Ah! the poor woman spoke the secret of
her heart and the glory of her life when
she rubbed hischilleia hands and said: "Oh!
my poor lover; my precious lover. Stieak
to me—look at me!” She was all to hint—
and nobly did she All his life with her
sweet and loyal love! May God in liis infin
ite gentleness bathe her heart with mercy!
Alston was child-like in his faith. He
had absolute trust in prayer. I doubt if he
ever closed his eyes at night with-1 The Committee Exonerate* tlie Leg(»-
out going on his knees. He prayed I Ixtnre from the Charge of Bribery,
have * seen ‘him HiTEnei Rf»*fai W to Tho ConrtituUon.
in our old editorial room and pray alond I Little Rock, March 12.—The majority
for help and guidance. And the first im- I report of the bribery investigating com
pulse that followed this prayer he would | nuttee find nothing in the evidence re-
follow blindly and to the end. At heart I fleeting directly or indirectly npdn Colonel
he was profoundly religious, and his beliefs I Robert Johnson or in his conduct of the
were ola-fashioned on all religious subjects. I senatorial canvass, but his record in this, as
He used to upbraid me for working on Sun-1 in all other previous contests, is above sus-
day in the severest terms. That he some-I pieion, nor do they find anything in tlie
times sinned himself was due to the pc-1 testimony which reflects directly or indi-
culiar impulsiveness of his nature. His life I rectly upon Senator Walker in any attempt
though was singularly free from vices. I to bnbe any member. There is no testimony
I know of few men who were I whatever which shows that any member
cleaner in their habits. His life was a - 1 received a bribe for liis vote in the senato-
struggle, in which a great religious heart I rial election and no satisfactory evidence
trieuto corral a myriad of impulses. It is | of any offer of a bribe was made to any
not for nie to judge him. I know none of I member,
the secrets of the future, but I do know I
that if there is mercy in God lie will not I A STRANGE STORY.
turn away from this silent heart, that in all I
its sorrowtland triumphs went np to Him I A Mysterious Female In Stone Moan*
THE ARKANSAS SCANDAL.
in an impulse of praise or supplication. If
ever a man walked reverently iu the shadow
of His footstool my poor friend did.
I might write forever about him. _ About
his home-life.
—abont the ki
his arm about me when I came to this city
tain and fler Myaterlonn Disappear-
rme iorcveraooui mm. aooui _ „ ,
:e. no soft and loving and gentle ^a., 2
kindliness with which hr placed ll ?« ®ft February last, there
ut me when I came to tins city | P, ace , a wo " ian claim
Special dispatch to The Constitution.
Stone Mountain, Ga., March 10.—On
~ ’ there arrived in this
claimed to be from
a friendless youngster— about the charming I 7""^'
surprise!, that hiT life developed day after stoted she was in tlie last stages of
day-about the half-ad, ludftendc? talks ’ um .P t, ?" 1 ; , J a ,'V, co .™ ! to £i ,s
we used to have about his life and the hopes I !' er Itealth tntirlii he improicd. On mak-
and loves he had centered on hfa childreh-^ >»K < n <t°'rT.» procure board with
about hfa wonderfull adventures and ex- MmeKO^ iam.ly .n tl'e countrv. she was
ploita, so full of that bright audacity tltat informed by ilr J. H. JC.mfaelK Jr that
”t him so well! she! could probably procure hoard with hfa
_ . „ .... ... . • ... I father, who lived a mile from town. She
Butthepubhc has nothing to do with if h c would take her out to
this. To-day we bury h.m-to-roorrow we the lMC named, which hc did, and
atone hi. memory in onr hearts and fnrn | board* was procured. She had been
our face, to the future Tears are idle, and >t Mr j H KJmtoeU'a. Sr„ abont two
no cry can bnng back that bn^ht presence when fine night about two o'clock
and that wmtome face. Noth.ng can light „ he Mr KimbieU and wife, stating
thoje darkened eye»-nothiug ll ' r ‘l' ™ she was “suffering a great deal and wished
coffined heart nothing quicken that fared I ,, e won jj send for a physician,” which he
"n 1 !!!"?! ,lerTe , , ls ^ c ? s ,,* lan - i I did. Soon after the physician arrived she
God’s will be done, and God rest thee in bjrth to a ^ rfSht
peace, thou honest fnend-thou golden- u pt othe timeofthebirthof thcch.ldshe
hearted gentleman. IL W. G. | had told no one on tlie place that site was
quick with child, and so well did she keep
ner person concealed by wearing a large
cloak, tliat no one even suspected she was
w # a* <hn I pregnanL Mr. Kinibrell becoming offended
Ylbat Mr. W. U. Clayton Maya of the I al the imposition she had practiced upon
Bridge DlMuter NearSelinn. I him, and suspecting her to be a woman of
Mr. W. H. Clayton, superintendent of "j' 1 re'jnf^thrt'fa 11 '“nSeto^ow
this division of tlie Southern «xnre» I Mm ”?* re . f * rent », j* 1 * 1 , he 2‘F‘ t ?°°*
company, has just returned _ | .oniathinj; of her character. Thi. site re-
Under kind treatment, she remained -
at Mr. Kimbrell’a residence for two
week* after the child’s birth. On the 6th
A RAILROAD HORROR.
and Dalton railroad. Mr. Clayton binii
for th. company, and was waiting for the I “rtTd* Kcntu^ Th£
she reached town, while the innocent little
two weeks old. wx* smil-
for the corapanv. and was waiting for the
train to take him to Selmx 8onte unex-.
pected business came up and detained him, I ?”?I eac V^ n J 1
wt that th* fatal train toft without, him I **“*1 Which
so that the fatal train left without him. I y~^t "~Y W ” «'“• 7" BU *' r
Mr. Clayton lta. a host of friend, all over "' K , f ‘ ,ce * l,c , drew H" from ‘i*
Georgia, who congratulate him on his es- «*<fdess gum, and gave it away to anegro
cape Had he Sen that train Atlanta a^msn, saymg as sbe d'd so '-None of her
L n,«t sagacious and faithful ,'uperintend- ^frai^ toe S,d ”a“ it sZU’d
* „ , . . I After she had given away the child .he
Mn Clayton defanbes the scenes at tlie j hoarded the cars and went to Atlanta,
wreck as horrible. The bridge waa over while here she gave her name as Mra. K.
thirtyfeet high, and the middle span I j,- t Benton, but when she arrived in Atlanta
dropped through. The engine had already „|, e registered at the National hotel
pasted over, when the express car and first I jjaudgrass.
passenger car broke through, jerking Iuom of her whereabouts we have no clue. We
from the engine and leaving it In safety onlv know that on the same night she ar-
The two cma fell thirty feet right athwart rived in Atlanta at 11 o'clock she left the
the creek, damming it up, and of course , loUjl Bnd boarded the Western and Atlan-
causing the water to rtfa rapidly The pas- tic All the letters she received while
sengers were drowned—that fa, tlie most of Gris place were postm .rked Marietta, Ga.
them who wera killed at all. One young | Up th j, writing tbe babe is well, and
” “ receive* all the care that tbe negress is ca-
. Mr. George Evans, was caught between
two cat. and held «a if in a vise. He was I ruble of giving. Hut shall the babe ever
! n !" jwwn.ttd pinioned there, I remain in the hands of the present owner?
had to stand and see the waters rising inch I 8ha n t ], e innocent babe ever suffer for the
V ' n I Y* Un * 1 * they carae to hia I s i n * and heart)es*ness of its demon mother?
shoulders, then his neck, then his head, and I o r will some step* be taken to find the
finally over hut mouth, nastnls, eves and I mother, and when found, be made to raise
5“.™» sufferings must have been in-1 j t an it should be by a mother. And if she
aescrtbably severe. I aunot be fonnd, for humanity’s sake will
Tbe sleeping-car was pitched headlong I not some person of its own race and color
throngh the broken span, but the eud I take it and raise it as it should be.
struck the wreck and bafhnced, leaving the | Nehoc.
rear end still resting on the broken buttress ( •
of the bridge. It happened that there was a I Marietta and North Georgia Railroad,
partition across the car, which broke the fell I The bridge across Little river, in Chero-
of tbe passengers—those in the rear end I kee county, for the Marietta nnd North
only felling to the partition, and those below I Georgia railroad, has been finished, and
it only felling, of coarse, half the length of I trains on this road are now running to near
the car. If there hod been no partition some I Canton. The managers of this road hope te
of tbe passengers on this car must have been I reach the latter place by the first of May.
killed. As it was they were all hurt, more I Mr. E. C. McAfee, formerly of Cumming,
or less. It is a notable fact that the engin-1 Gx, who once represented the 39tli district
eer who pulled this train was once before 1 in the Georgia senate, hx* recently been ap-
the engineer of x train that went through x I pointed conductor xnd general agent for this
bridge. He escaped unhurt both times. He I road. He is a live, energetic man, and we
is a careful official and no blame can attach Y congratulate the road on procuring the i
to him.
vices of sach a man.