Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1871-01-20
The Tragedy ia Bedford County

Il
The Lynchburg News gives the following
particulars Of the killing Of DR.. Roberts,
mentioned in yesterdays Gazette
owe learn with deep regret that a per
sonal rencontre occurred in Liberty, about
one o'clock yesterday, between Mr. William
W. johnson, aged about 10 years, son of
Hon. James E. johnson, and DR.. W. Fl
Roberts, in which the latter was shot and
instantly killed The causes which led to
this distressing and terrible affair as report
ed to us, are substantially as follows
On Monday last valuable dog, belong
ing to young johnson, was besmcared with
turpentine and then set on fire, and cruelty
burned The outrage was reported to have
been committed in the Office of DR.. Roberts,
and on yesterday whilst Roberts was walk
ing in front Of the Bedford House, he was
approached by johnson, and conversation
took place between them on the subject Of
the outrage, during which, it is stated,
Roberts acknowledged that it was done il
his Office, but disclaimed having participant
ed in it himself. johnson then demanded
the names of the responsible parties, which
Roberts declined to give, unless by their
consent. johnson then Informed Roberts
he would hold him responsible, and at the
same time displayed small riding Whip
Roberts Immediately drew his pistol aud the
firing commenced, Roberts it is stated, firing
the first shot Five shots were fired in all, two
by Roberts, and three by johnson. john
sons second short penetrated Roberts side,
and the third passed through his heart,
when he fell on the street and died almost
instantly. Mr.. johnson escaped unhurt.
johnson was Immediately arrested, and
his examination took place before Justice
Stump, who committed him, for trial
| Col. e. G. Burke appeared as Counsel for
the prisoner. The lamentable affair caused
the most intense excitement in Liberty, and
during the examination the Court House
was crowded,
DR.. Roberts was Dentist, and had only
recently located in Liberty, and engaged in
the practice Of his profession. He was about
IS years of age. and recently resided in AL
cxandria, Va"
CcLoRED STATE CONVENTION The Rich
mond correspondent Of the Petersburg
negroes here now, is that they intend to
have colored State convention to consider
the situation They think it high time
that they should embark in a new IN we
ment toward a full realization to their rights;
and they believe that if they assemble in
convention, ready to receive and entertain
propositions from all quarters, they can nego-
tiate their votes on better terms than they
now do. They lain that they hold such bal
ance Of power as makes them masters of the
political situation, and they aver that they
have grown weary of the Radical 'all talk
and no cider" It is intimated that this
proposed convention will not turn deaf car
to Conservative or Democratic overture that
shall give them guarantee of actual, politi-
cal and civil equality. OF course this mere
idea strikes terror into the souls of carpet
baggers and scalawags, and they will spare
no effort to nip it in the bud. Neverthe-
less, something may come of it, as Rev.
John Oliver and other colored Republicans
are said to be actively promoting the pro-
jccted convention and its object.
SHENANDon VALLEY RAILROAD. The au-
tborities of this proposed road have issued
reports of the Chief Engineer and Geologist,
after a general reconnaissance of the coun-
try between the Potomac river, at Shep-
herdstown, and the city Of Knoxville, with
a view to ascertain the most eligible routes
! for the extension of the Shenandoah Valley
Railroad, the resources of the country tri-
butary to the proposed lines, and the expe-
dieucy Of the contemplated extension. The
examination was ordered and made with re-
ference to the determination of the line
| which would afford the most direct route
between the Northern cities and New Or
leans" and, of course, having in view the
most practicable and economical one, as well
as the route that would contribute most to
the sustenance of the proposed extension.
From the report and the accompanying in
PRODUCTION of President Borst, it would ap-
pear that the reconnaissance was satisfacto-
ny, and that portion Of the road between the
Potomac and Baskerville, Augusta county,
Virginia, will be pushed forward at once
Exchange.