The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-05-16
Murder at Washington.

Mr.. Philip 7. Herbert, member Of Con-
grcss of the Pro Slavery Democratic stripe,
fired pistol ut one of the walters at Will
liard's Hotel on Thursday morning Of last
week, and the shot took effect, killing the
waiter instantly. lie was soon arrcstedan
the particulars Of the afIray and the result
as elected by the examination we give be-
low.
WASHINGTON, May g. The examination
into the affair of the fatal shooting of Thos.
Keating, waiter ut Williard's Hotel, by
Mr.. Herbert, member Of Congress, took
place this evening.
Many members of Congress were present.
4 number of servants belonging to the Ho-
tel were examined. Their evidence was
somewhat contradictory, but was to the
effect that Herbert come into the dining
room ut half.past III o'clock, accompanied
by a friend, and called for breakfast, but
being past the usual hour, he was inform
ell by the servant, he could not have meal
without an order from tho Office for IL.
Herbert directed several Of tho servants,
who spoke to him on the subject, to re-
tire, calling them harsh names. The de-
ceased made reply, when Herbert struck
him with his fist or with napkin. Tho
deceased then picked up plate or tray,
making movements us IL to throw IL, when
Herbert threw chair ut him, the latter re-
turning the assault with plate. During
the melee, Patrick, a brother Of the dcccas-
cd. entered, having heard Of the proceeding.
Herbert seized him, and the two brothers
closed with him. Tho proceedings now be-
came intensely exciting, apd chairs and
crockery were broken profusely by the
parties In the contest. The Austrian Min
lister quietly belleld what was occurring, but
did not move until hc went to the man whom
Herbert had fired at, to ascertain whether
he was dad or living.
Col. Mckay testified that he saw, when
he went into the dining room, six or seven
persons in scuillc, and thought II was o
light among the servants, but shortly beheld
one of them knock down Mr.. Gardiner with
chair. and saw three other servants strik-
ing Herbert, holding him by the wrists
Witness seized hold chair to defend Her
bert, who was sinking under the weight of
these men, and Mr.. Gardiner ut the sme
time was beating them promiscuously.-
After Herbert fired the pistol, two other
servants rushed forward, and clinched him.
Mr.. Smith went to the assistance Of Her
bert, with cane, saying, I" IL you don't rc-
lease him I'll kill YOU" Herbert was con.
sidenbly injured. Tho pistol used was u
single barrelled one.
Mr.. Bishop. member Of Congress, was pos
tive that the pistol was discharged while
the struggle was going on. Several per-
sons were holding down Herbert, and he
appeared much exhausted.
The examination occupied Eve hours, and
will be resumed tomorrow. The prisoner
remains in the custody of the S. Marshal.
lie was held for trial on charge Of MUIR
der on this examination. Subsequently his
friends got writ Of habeas corpus, which
was tried by Judge Crawford, whose decision
was given on the 10th inst. as follows:
Judge Crawford rendered his decision this
morning, in Herbert's case, deciding to nd.
init him to bail in $4,000, for appearance
at the June term of the Criminal Court to
answer to the charge Of manslaughter.-
Joseph ii. Herbert and James Owner BIO
came his surities.