The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1874-03-04
1Azoo CRY, Mss, }
Jan. &c, 1874. {

Of this city by Colonel Morgan, Sheriff
elect, passed off quietly. Such TRACE
dies are of too frequent occurrence in
this latitude to excite more than a gen.
tie ripple on the surface of the social
current. Both Sheriffs were Northern
white men, elected to Office by black
Republicans. For many years they
have been leading spirits in the poll
tics of this section, controlling the ne
gro vote and securing for themselves
the most lucrative Offices in the conn
~. billiard held the Sheriff7s office
for four years, and is said to have ac-
cnmulated fortune. Morgan was
Chancery Clerk, conceding the chief
place to his friend billiard on account
of the latter's superior ability and in
fueuce with the negroes. But Morgan
grew in favor with the constituency
and being an ambitious man he as
PRED to the leadership of the party
TO prove his devotion to the colored
population, he married a daughter of
Africa, and made wedding tour with
his bride through the North, subject
Ing himself to many indignities and
insults, which, being duly reported,
served to strengthen his political for
tunes at home.
He succeeded in Obtaining the nomi-
nation for Sheriff last November and
was elected by triumphant majority.
This murder grew ont of billiards.
determination not to surrender t b e
keys of Office until the question of the
validity of the late election should be
passed upon by the Court. In this be
adopted The policy of Governor Powers
and other State officers. Morgan an
nounced his purpose to take possession
Of the Office forcibly, if need be, and in
view of this threat Mr.. Hilliard,' with
bis deputies, held the Office night and
day, prepared to resist such an at
tempt.
On the evening before the murder a
conference was held between the con-
testants and 1t was mutually agreed to
await and abide by the action of the
Supreme Court in similar case. sub
mitted by Tie treasurers of an ada
cent county. Hilliard, regarding the
difficulty settled, retired from the
Court House and passed the night with
his family. The rext morning on 60
ing to his Office, whici, is in the Court
House, he found Morgan and his depn-
ties in armed possession. Summoning
a few friends tie proceeded to the Court |
House to reason matters with Morgan.
bnt on pushing open the door of his
Office he was fired on by Morgan's de-
puties, who were inside. Morgan was
outside the building. 1t is said he an
ticfpated danger, bat relied upon his
Deputies to do the bloody work
When billiard perceived that he had
been wounded in the groin, he turned
away, and in bent posture. with his
hand on the wound, he walked to the
Court House door,, where he was met
by Morgan wi tn a revolver in his
hand, which he (Morgan) discharged,
the ball lodging in billiards brain,
causing instant icath.
billiard exhibited no weapon at any
stage of the tragedy. 49, ........--.
Although, as remarked, this murder
Produced bnt slight sensation in the
community, the subsequent committal
OF Morgan TO Jail occasiuned very grea
among the cnioIed people,
VII" are, with few exceptions. his warm
trends, ready to vote or fight for him
az his dictatiOn. For some days it
was surmised that an attempt would
oe made to liberate the prisoner, and
on last Friday evening body of arm
gu negroes approached the Jail for this
purpose. No resistance was offered.
O0t Morgan declined to avail himself
OIL their loyal services. He held con-
SattatIon with his legal adviser and
s :, not to quiz Jail, deening it
I. .'e safest lodging house in the city at
Tue present juncture.
have been impressed with the apa-
wy, not to say complacency, with
anlch the old citizens regard these
qaarreis Of the "carpet-baggers and
scllaWa1SN over tho ar,ni}s of nfffce -