Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-10-05
The Late Tragedy in New Orleans.

the last ten years, no event that has created
SO much sensation, or excited so much COM
ment.
DIR. Graham was unfortunate III bclug
overcome now and then with Il craving, 4
morbid longing for liquor; and when under
the influence Of this stimulus, he, otherwise
calm, quiet, courteous, a thorough gentleman
in demcanor and appearance, became obstl-
nate, hot-headed, quarrclsumc, dangerous
His superior education and skill rs physl-
clan, fine intelligence pleasant manner,
handsome, dignifed person, and highly re-
spectacle and influential connexions here,
made him very popular; and his grcrous
weakness was borne with for his many good
qualities, and the esteem had for his family.
1t was often predicted to him, however, by
his own friends, that he would die by rio-
lence, or, as one Of them told him, Ora
ham, mark me, you will die in your boots
and in the gutter The prediction has
been verified to the letter.
DR.. Graham's name is known throughout
the United States from his killing Mr.. LDr-
inc. in New York, when intoxicated, from
his trial, condemnation, imprisonment, par
don. and release. Ills rc-appcarance in his
old haunts here, created singular scnSa-
ton. | never shall forget the first time
met him, after his return from his northern
prison. lie stood in front of a drug store,
that for many years was ut the corner OF st.
Charles and Common streets, and in which
he had IN interest. 1t was gathering
place for many street loungcrs and politi-
clans lie hni been seen there year after
wear when he went to New York, and while
in prison, his p"rtly form was much missed:
it was not known that he was going To come
back, and was fairly startled, when on
turning the corner one morning, | saw him
in his old place, in his usual easy attitude,
looking Just the same, cigar in mouth and
small cane in hand-only deathly palor
had replaced the usual healthy color Of his
face. The New York scene Of blood flash
ed over me; | averted my head, passed on.
The same impression was no doubt pro-
duccd on the community generally, and Tor
n long time this palid-faced man was as a
stranger in the community where he had
lived SO long. where there had been 50 many
to give him cordial grasp Of the hand
lie seemed prepared for this; had no doubt
made up his mind to it, and perhaps had
secret, defying pleasure in staying in his old
haunts. and attending, with silent pride, to
the duties Of his profession.
Gradually change Of feeling came over
the mass of our citizens in regard to the
man; we are warm-hearted, sympathetic
people, if we are hot-headed; and the reser-
we'd unobtrusive course pursued by DIR. IRA
ham, his attention to his profession, his
avoidance of his former weakness, after II
while induced many to forget what had hap
pened, and the doctor regalned much Of his
old social acquaintance and q large share OF
professional patronage.
But the morbid craving for stimulus,
though once quenched i'll blood, could not
be cured. 1t came back after awhile. and 1t
became known that DR.. Graham had occa-
sional relapses into his old habit of intoxica-
ton. Still he contrived not to let this be
seen about the streets, and through the lntlu-
ence of his family and friends, he was year
ago elected, by the American party, city
physician.
A short time ago, he lost the Office, at the
expiration of the term, by the election OF
DIR. llaft; and for fortnight, it appears, had
been under the impression that Mr. Ernest
Toledano, young man, prominent IN the
American party, had procured his defeat
1t was known that he had expressed himself
openly, for some days past, in violent terms
against Toledano, cursing him and ayow'ng
his purpose to shoot him ut sight. These
expressions and this resolve were uttered
while Dr. Graham was under the influence
of liquor, which, it appears, ne had been
since Thursday last, so much so us TO be gen
orally noticed.
Last night, the Chief Of Police, MIR.
Adams, who is related to Graham in some
way, saw him at the Ruby CofTee-housc, on
Common street-a popular resort-and no.
ticed that he was in liquor. lie felt Il pre-
sentiment something was going to happen,
should Graham remain in that condition III
SO public place; he went up TO HIM ana
told him he must 90 home; if he created any
disturbance he would arrest him and lock
him up for the night Graham insisted
TINT he was not intoxicated, but promised to
20 home soon. Mr.. Adams left him to meet
some police officers at his own private office,
promising himself to return to the Ruby
and get Graham away and take him home:
A few moments after, he was called out ana
told that DR.. Graham had just been shot
dead.
Ernest Toledano was college mate OF
mine | shall simply say of him, however
that he is n member of one of our oldest
and most respected Creole families; and
though somewhat wild. the young man has
never been accused of anything mean or dis
honorable His own statement OF tins SAD
affair, as | heard it from him in the flock
up." land where his manner was composed,
though his voice now and then was little
choked. J was to this effect
"l'p to within fortnight ago, he and pr.
Graham were on the most courteous terms.
lie then noticed change in Graham's man
ner, which became cold and finally entirely
estrangeI lie paid no attention to tins, As
he was busy with his candidatesh'p tor clerk
of one of the district courts. Last Saturday
the Street Commissioner sent him WORD
through Alderman Monroe, that DR.. Ora
ham was going about the streets abusing
him, and threatening to kill linn at sight
The same news was given him by other par
ties. His friends advised him to arm HIM
self, rs Graham was a dangerous man. lie
accordingly went home and provided himself
with revolver, but remained with ms fa'n'-
" that evening. On Sunday he went up
town to see his friend, as usual, and tax
about the election. When he appeared ON
ST. Charles street, a friend whom saw III
forwards. and who confirmed this statcmentl
met him and begged Of him not to go on
Common street, near the Union or the Ruby
Coffee Houses, rs Graham was then threat