The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1868-03-26
Shsvktng Excitement on FOURTH Street.


Fourth street was suddenly SHOCKED, about haIss
past eleven O'Clock, this morning, the whole city
will be reading the by the fatal shooting OF
Mr. A. NJ. Bennett the well known halter, by his own
hand. He seen to enter the store, on the south
side of FOURTH Vine, by his CLERKS at the hour
named, walk hastily back to his counting and
in few moments afterward pistol shot was heard
In that quarter Going back, they fonnd him lying
his lounge, unconscious, with wound in his right
temple, the blood and brains oozing from the same
and pistol on the aoor by his side. 5..t
Professor Wayne, from Suire's drug store, DR..
Dodge; and ether physicians called Immediately
but Of course could render help. The shot was
fatal, though he lived for. an hour. "a s4fzsss
A messenger was Immediately dispatched for his
wife, estimable lady, dearly loved and cherished
b. the unfortunate husband. They had comforta-
Bile home of their own Mount Auburn, near the
Hopkins Park, and seemed to enjoy life without the
least alloy. A note WAS found the table, the ink
yet dry written evidently under great excitement
many Of the letters frghtfully ont Of proper
ton and nervously irregular. saying, in substance
wish my friends to see that my precious wife is
kindly cared for, and my business promptly settled
Yours, in death, 7 Bennett
@s'2@ CAUSE OF THE FATAL DIED.
1t will be recollectcd that about six months ago Mr..
Bennett sold out his hat store the north side of
,
ing obligation to him not to resume the same bus
mess in this city within three But for some
he did, almost imme dately proceed Europe:
and returned with stock of goods, in the same
line, and opened fine establishment within square
of his old stand. 81 ..--5r.. -.ts.- se-. )
OF course this caused alienation Of feelings be-
tween the two, and Mr.. Bennett holding note from
Mr. Coan for deferred payment, the latter refused
to pay it and the difficulty went into court. This
morning the suit decided against Mr.. Bennett in
the Superior Court. And in addition to the verdict,
Judge Storer administered it is said, rather
reprmand to Mr.. Bennett for writing him a private
letter in the hope of Influencing the Court in his IA
vor. Mr.. Bennett attempted TO reply, but was, in
cordance with the rules of the Court denied hearing
Smartipg under this defeat, and Inundated, doubt,
by the rebuke of the Judge he went directly to his
store and committed the rash act. t...+
Mr.. BENEFITS LETTER TO JUDGE sroRER.
The following is copy of the letter which drew
from Judge Storer his reprimand
y ts2 CINCINNATI, March 19, 1868 Is
To Hon. BELLAMY SIoRER, Judge of Superior
Court, Cincinnati:
DEAR SIR am sorry you find yourself unable
to decide the matter Of Coan myself, it is a
matter of most vital importance to to know wheth-
am TO be forced into signing contract of which
never heard until had gone to an outlay in rent
fixtures, &C.. which the enforcement of plaintiffs
claim will render total loss to me, and be of adj
vantage to him. As Shakespeare has it, alt doth
not enrich them, but makes me poor indeed"
Although they may close me up and force me into
bankruptcy by the meagre and circumstantal testi
mony of German lawyer, whose knowledge in the
premises was all derived from his clients and no.
from me, some one else may purchase my stock and
fixtures at such reduction as will enable them to
offer stronger competition than could, and plain
tis made Ooe last year out of the ssproEtae pur
chase think they in very comfortable position
without further aid.
Hoping you will pardon me for addressing you 9TH
erwise than through my counsel, am yours. .' q
4 Very respectfully, A. NJ. BENNETT
The substance of Judge Stoner's remarks in refer
ence to this letter is follows He considered the
letter highly improper; but this the first time
he had been approached in this manner, although
he rendered himself liable to be severely punished he
would not fine him nor con6ne him, but would have
the oense entered upon the minutes of the Court,
an example and warning to others.
Mr.. Bennett wished to explain, but the Judge, per-
haps properly enough. would not hear him. Mr..
Bennett, however, persisted in saying shat he had
been waiting for three days for the decision in the
case, his attorney, Judge Gholson, being absent in
Columbus and he thought it unfair to have decision
made against him upon such testimony had been
given. The Judge insisted his taking his seat and
finally ordered the Sheriff to take him in charge. He
then sat down, greatly mortified at the severe rebuke
he had received, and soon left the Court room.
At O'Clock the unfortunate man expired, having
l. remained unconscious from the FIRST. About this
time his wife arrived in coach, and entered the store
in agony of grief; where we must leave them for
the present.
Soon after this sad occurrence, the store of Mr..
z;In oIn
well that Of his deceased rival in business.
Coroner's inquest will of course, be held when these
facts will perhaps be more clearly brought out.