The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-30

fence and Is Assnssinated-A Lady's
Reputation Involved and the Opclika
Aristocracy Excited.
Correspondence OF the Atlanta Herald.I
OPELlKA. Ala, May 23 1873.
The citizens OF Opeika were startled into excite
Thomas Phillips had been shot and instantly killed
by Nj. John Hooper, both parties being residents
here.
THE VICTIM.
Mr.. Thomas Phillips was one Of the most highly
esteemed members Of this community man 81
fine character, who had for many years been
prominent and influential In this county. He
had held various positions OF trust ana honor,
having been Judge Of the Coz Court Of Macon on
deputy sheriff and constable, without having diff
aeulty WITH any person IN the discharge Of ms
a Mr. Was q ts
OF age. He leaves wife and family to mourn his
untimely death.
The slayer, Mr.. John Hooper, is q young man
about twenty years OF age q son OF Judge J.
~ ORIGIN OF THE DIFFICULTY.
The origin OF the difficulty was, IT. s said, as fol
lows Some weeks ago, while Mr.. Phillips and his
wife were In the garden one evening just about
dusk, they were witnesses OF gross act OF immo.
raity on the part or John Hooper and q young girl
OF this place, in the rear OF their premises.
HOOPER ADMONIsHED.
Mr.: Phillips, as member OF the church and also
on the following day and demonstrated with him
on his conduct, at the same time admOnishng him
to be more cautious as to privacy in his indecent
intercourse with the young woman in question, as
not only he and Mrs. Philips, but others also, had
been witnesses OF what had occurred.
PHILLIPS THREATENED
Young Hooper, it Is said, new into passion, de-
claring that nobody but Mr. Phillips had seen 1t
he (Ho0per) would shoot him. Mr.. Phillips re.
joined that others had witnessed it, but that SO
any mention OF the matter to any one, all he de-
sired was to warn Hooper OF the consequences Of
his open disregard OF ordinary caution in the prac
ticc OF his tmmOrallteS
THE SCANDAL SPREAD
1t appears that among those who were witnesses
negroes, who, as might be supposed spread the
story on every side, giving the young lady's name,
together with all the indecent details. Very soon
the scandal spread from one end OF the town to the
other and as the young lady's connections are
very respectable it became evident that Hooper
must do something to repe the charge oi guilt.
MIR. PHILLIPS ATTACKED.
This Hooper did by killing Mr.. Phillips. He APP
preached that gentleman Yesterday afternoon n
zens. and charged him with having spread the re-
port. Mr.. Phillips replied, denying that he had
then demanded that Mr.. Phillips should deny ever
having seen him engaged in any inproprietieswlt
the young lady. Mr.. Phillips replied declining to
accede to the demand, on the ground that ne would
not voluntarily tell lie.
Mr.. Phillips was entirely unarmed and at the
mercy OF bis opponent. No sooner had he refused
to deny that he had witnessed the improper con-
at the unfortunate man. Mr.. Phillips called out to
him, in the name OF God not to shoot and made q
movement as II to seize the weapon Before he
could execute his purpose, however, Hooper fired
and the bullet entered above his left breast, pene
trating the heart and causing instant death.
second shot was fired, but the bullet missed, and
before he could fire a third time he was arrested.
JUDICIAL FARCE
The deed committed, Hooper walked Off calmly
with the offlcer and surrendered himself to the
thorItes. Then took place perfect farce. Mr..
poa nj m p w hpf 70
his former employer. II Is said that when bail was
asked vickers promptly agreed to take It, and
brother, the solicitor suggested $4,000 as this
was larger and would prevent people talking.
PUBLIC SENTIMENT.
merely give the DRIFT OF public sentiment when
say that the Killing of Mr. Phillips is regarded by
the respectable part Of the community as one OF
ders on record in this, State. Hooper
sought, parleyed with and deliberately shot
his victim without resistance and without
Mr.. Phillips knowing OF this purpose. 1t is the
general opinion that II Hooper is ever tried, and II
Judge Of The character Ter o. Judge Hopkins q
as Judge Hopkins here. It is all question Of
money with our trenchant and venal officials.
INDIGNATION.
The baing OF Hooper has excited deep indigna-
ton all classes sn 81 our ~ citizens
here to make an investigation OF this killing Al
though your correspondent believes he writes
without prejudice still your readers may not think
SO, hence the necessity for your sending reporter
here. My sole purpose in writing has been to cor
rect the lying kilograms sent to the newspapers
from this city, which represent Mr. Phillips as the
slanderer OF young LADY and young man.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT.
Last night our reporter called on Mr.. W. b.
Thomas, one OF the most prominent lawyers OF One
lka, Tor the purpose OF obtaining any information
might be able to furnish. Alter exchanging cour-
tesies and stating the object OF his call the follow
ing interview took place:-
Mr.. THOMAS-I cannot furnish ven with any infOr
nation concerning the affair, as lett Opelika the
day before Mr. Phillips was killed, but am familiar
with the cause OF the disagreement, which was the
circulation OF certain rumors credited to Mr.. Phil
lips.
coming from Mr.. Philips, and what was the nature
OF themf
Mr. THoMAs-I have heard many reports reflect
my informants gave Mr.. Phillips as his direct or
indirect authority There reports were told In a
confidential manner, but were not confined to
few.
RRPoRrER-Did you ever speak to Mr.. Philips re-
gardng these rumors9
Mr.. THoMAs-l never spoke to Mr.. Phillips IN rel.
erence to the matter but understood from friend
OF his that Mr.. Phillips had made many endeavors
to suppress the rumor, as there was possibility OF
his laborng under msapprehension, and more
especial reason for his desiring that the matter
should be nasned up' was that he was partcu-
REPoRTER-Did Mr.. Phillips make any positive
statements about the crlminality OF this couple =
Mr.. THoMAs-The rumor was circulated by Mr..
Phillips giving the occurrence rather as conjec-
ture than as an actual fact. He In speaking OF
Inc matter mentioned the occurrence, tlme anu
place, but omitted mentioning the name or any OF
the parties. Other parties supplied the names OF
the actors and converted his conjectures into
positive statements. don't believe II the report
had been circulated as originated by Phillips, that
any offence could have been taken. IL was after
hearing the report circulated as positive asser-
ton that he commenced making an effort to sup
press 1t, as there was possibility OF his doing the
lady great injustice.
kEpoRTER-low did these people stand in the
community
Mr.. TnoxAs--An stood high; The lady figured in
first circles. No family stood higher than hers. NO
lady was more universally esteemed by all. These
reports astonished everybody. could not but be-
lieve that there was some mistake
was intimately acquainted with Mr. Phillips.
No one In my opinion, had a better record
for integrity and honesty. he stood well IN
the community and was universally respected.
Hooper. IL OF an excellent family, nephew OF
Judge Hooper, the author Of "Simon Suggs.n His
father Is prominent lawyer in 0pelka and his
brother brother solicitor Of the county. Hooper rs only