Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1868-03-27
A TERRIRLE TRAGEnY.

yesterday forenoon the vicinity of Pixies
Opera Building was the scene of consider
able cOmmotion, occasioned by rash at
tempt at self destruction, which was un-
happily attended with a too fatal result
The name of the victim TO temporary in
sanity, produced by a too sensitive nature
and excitable temperament, was Mr.. A. NJ.
Bennett, the prominent halter, of No. 81
West Fourth street, Pixies Building, and
the facts, "a We have CLEANED them, are az
follows:
Some time since Mr.. Bennett sold
former establishment, with the good will
No. 81 West Fourth street--to Mr.. Coan,
with, az is alleged, guarantee that he
would not again commence business in
opposition. BE this as it may, Mr.. Bennett,
upoa the completion of Pixies Opera
Building, leased one Of the stores, which he
fitted up in magnificent style with a view
10 recommenee business. To this pro-
cedure Mr.. Coah objected, and instituted
proceedings in the Superior Court, which
suit has been for some time in litigation.
Pending the suit, and upon the 18th inst,
Mr.. Bennett addressed note in regard to
il to Judge Storer, the presiding Judge.
THE REBUKE.
On yesterday morning Judge Storer de-
cided the suit against Mr. Bennett.
After the case was decided, Judge Storer
inquired, "Is Mr. Bennett in court ?"
Bennett: Yes, sir, Tam here.
Judge Storer: Rise up, sir. Did you
write this letter TO which your name is
signed?
Bennett: Yes, sir. IL the court please,
] would like to make an explanaiion-
Storer Not a word from YOU. sir. now.
] will not hear you. This is the first time
in all my life that have been approached
by suilor in reference TO case pending
its decision, and you, sir, have been mem
Der Of the bar. / will now read your let
ter. Ii is dated March 10, 1868, and is adj
dressed to me:
CINCINNATI, March 10, 1S6S.-JUDGE
SroRER-DEAR SIR: am sorry Won find
yourself unable to decide the matter of
Coan rs. myself, as this s a matter of most
vital importance 10 me TO know whether |
am TO be forced into signing a contract of
which i never heard until had gone to an
outlay in rent and fixtures, etc, which the
Enforcement Of plaintiff claim would rem
der total loss TO me and be of no adyan-
tage TO them. As Shakespeare has it, at
doth not enrich them, but makes nue. poor
indeed"
Although they may close me up, and
force me into bankruptcy, by the ager
and circumstantial testimony of lawyer.
whose knowledge in the premises was all
derived from his client, and not from me.
Here, sir, you have cast a suspicion on
the integrity of one Of the most respecta-
bic young members of the bar when You
state his only knowledge in the premises
was from his client, while he swears il was
derived from you.
Some one else may purchase my stock
and fixtures at such a reduction as will en-
able them TO offer a stronger competition
than | could, and as the plaintiffs made
$1,000 last year out of this Improbable pur-
chase, ! think they are in very comforta-
bic position without further aid.
Hoping you will pardon me for address
ing you otherwise than through my coun-
sci, am yours, very respectfully,
A. NJ. BENNETT.
No, sir, can not pardon you; for such
a letter is entirely iaexcusable from any
one, much less from one who has been a
member of the bar, and who attempted to
argue his own case after it was tried and
submitted to the court
might well punish you for such an act
by fine and imprisonment, but am OF
opinion that such course would not deter
such persons from repeating such offenses.
There are whispers and rumors enough
abourthe courthouse respecting public Of
iicers, but when the court itself is attempt
ed 10 be approached it should know how
and when to protect itself.
The order Of this court is that this letter
shall be placed on file, together with Iris
rebuke Of the court, and both shall go up
on the records Of this court as a warning
against similar attempts in the future.
Bennett May | say a single word in ex
| PLANTATION
Storer; No, cir, / cannot permit you t.
do so.
Bennett: Just word, if your Honor
pleases.
Storer Not a word sir; there can be M
explanation for such a letter.
Bennett | would like to say a single
word.
Storer: ! tell you,' sir, there can be M
explanation-no excuse for such conduct
and | will not now hear such an explana
ton.
Bennett: May | not say single word
| Storer: Well, what is il?
Bennet; When this case was tried
heard it was to be decided on Monday, anC
| was in court. ! came on Tuesday anC
Wednesday, and still it was not decided
and then | had togo away.
Storer: This has nothing to do with tn,
case. Take your seat, sir. Mr. Sheriff
take charge of that man.
Bennett; ! was going 10 say Judg'
Gholson was absent also.
Storer: SO he was, aud the decision wa,
postponed on purpose 10 oblige him.
| After Mr.. Bennett took his seat, Judg,
Gholson made a motion for new trial IL
the case Of Coan against Bennett.
THE CATASTROPHE
Almost Immediately aiterward, and al
ter in vain attempting to explain his posi-
ton, Bennett left, and il was observed tina
he appeared agitated and excited, as h,
rapidly wendell his way to his place of bu
siness. One gentleman remarked tina
such a scene was sufficient to shake Tia
nerves of the strongest who might occup,
the same position.
When he entered his store there was bu
one customer present, police officer Siebert
who was in the act of purchasing a hal
Siebert spoke TO him, but he made no re
ply, and simply shaking his head, he re
tired to his office at the rear of the store
and sitting down to his desk, he rapid
penned a few lines.
While officer Siebert was vet in CONVEX
sation with the clerk, both were startled b
a report Of pistol in the rear Office, wher
rushing TO the spot, they found the unhap
by man stretched upon a settee, the bloc
flowing from his right temple, 10 which h
had placed the mu1zle Of a Derringer pi'
tol and fired, the ball lodging in his braii
In an incredibly short space Of time Oh
news spread, and the excitement was IL
tense the store was Immediately close,
and two policemen took possession OF III
! door TO keep out the curious, who were
, crowds attracted by the sensational horro
, Ii happened that Doctors johnson an
? Dodge were in the vicinity, and they wei
called in 20 render assistance; bat the III
. | happy suicide was beyond surgical aid, an
| after lingering specifies and insensib
for a little over an hour, be breathed
last AT one O'Clock p. NJ.
The following was pehned by him aft
entering his store the writing bore ey
/ a. condition uf al