The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-02-12

MURDER or HON. FRANK HILL
EEAssD.
a Native OF pnDhy, vt.

Hdtl toWWeTCtdI from AZCO Clty, MlSSlS-
sippl, comes the intelligence of the murder
of Hon. Frank billiard, sheriff of that
county by Col. Morgan. Mr.. billiard was
a son of the late Isaac Hillard of Dandy,
AID cousin Of Minor Hilliaid, Esq. of
Rutland. He was about foity-tve years of
age and went to Mississippi before the war
and soon after bis arrival there, married a
southern lady. lie was the owner Of a
large plantation and slaves before the war
and had accumulated n large fortune in
connection with his brother, Marshall Hill
hard, who, after the war, removed to Yazoo
from Ohio, and engaged in the cotton trade
with him. The story Il thus told by the
Commensurate correspondent, under the date
of January e6th
The recent murder Of sheriff llilliard of
Yazoo, Miss, by Col. Morgan, sheriff
elect, rass"l off quietly Such tragedies
are of two frequent occurrence in this lati-
tude to excite more than gentle ripple on
the surface Of the social current Both
shcrilfs were northern white men, elected
to Office by black republicans. For many
years they have been leading spirits in the
politics Of this section, controlling the
negro vote and securing for themselves the
most lucrative Offices in the county. Hill
lard held the shcriff's Office for four years,
and is said to have accumulated fortune.
Morgan was chanccry clerk, conccding the
chief place to his friend billiard on account
of the lal.crs superior ability and Influence
with the negroes. But Morgan grew in
favor with the constituency, and being an
ambitious man he aspircd 10 the leadership
Of the party. 10 prove his devotion to the
colored population, be married q daughter
of Africa aud made wedding tour with
his bride through the north, subjecting
himself to many indigniics and insults,
which, being duly reported, only served to
strengthen his political fortunes at home.
He succeeded in obtaining the nomina-
ton for sheriff last November and was
elected by a triumphant majority.
This murder grew out Of billiards de-
termination not to surrender the keys of
Office until the validity Of The late election
should he passed upon by the court. In
this hc adopted the policy Of Gov. Powers
and other state officers. Morgan an
nounced his purpose to take possession of
the Office forciby, if need be, and in view
of this threat Mr.. billiard, with bis depu.
tics, held the Office night and day, pre-
pared to resist such an attempt.
On the evening before the murder con.
ference was held between the contestants
and it was mutually agreed to await and
abide by the action of the Supreme court
in q similar case, submitted by the treas
urers of an adjacent county. billiard, re-
garding the difficulty settled, retired from
the court house and passed the night witt
his family. The next morning on going &c
his office, which is in the court house, hI
found Morgan and his deputies in armed
possession. Summoning few friends hi
proceeded to the court house to reason
matters with Morgan, but on pushing oper
the door of his Office hs was fired on by
Morgan's deputies, who were inside. Nor
gan was outside the building. 1t is said h,
anticipated danger, but relied upon hi
deputies to do the bloody work. Whei
billiard perceived that lie had beer
wounded in the groin, he turned away, ant
in bent posture, with his hands on tn
wound he walked to the court hous
door, where he was met by Morgan with
revolver in his hand. which lie Morgan
discharged, the ball lodging in billiard
brain and causing instant DEATH
billiard exhibited no weapon at an.
stage of the tragedy.
The correspondent observes in referenc
to the affair Although, as remarked
this murder produced but slight sensation
in the community, the subsequent com
initial OF Morgan to Jail 0ccasioned yer.
great commotion among the colored pee
pie, who are, with few exceptions, hi
warm friends, ready to vote or fight 70
him at his diciaiion. For some days il wa
surmiscd that an attempt would be made /
liberale The prisoner. and on last Frda
evening ~ body Of armed negroes az
preached the Jail for this purpose. No IT
resistance was offered, but Morgan dc
clined to avail himself Of their loyal &c,
vices. He held a consultation with lega
adviser and concluded not to quit ia
deeming it the safest lodging house in tn
city at the'present juncture.
have been impressed with the apathy
not to say complacency with which the oil
citizens regard these quarrels OF the zeal
pet-baggcrs and scalawags" over the spoil
of Office. When one kills another the
have nothing 10 say about it, but phys
ognomist Of ordinary acumen can discovt
that sit il not their funeral"
They cherish the utmost contempt fc
the carpet-baggers who trade in politics
and dcnounco them IA a pack of rapacior
plulderers, while Northern men in bus
ness here, who keep out of politics, al
treated with fair consideration.
Last evening Morgan was taken out c
the jail at this place and sent to jackson
where he will await his trial
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