The Van Buren press., 1875-06-15
Tie ClOyd-Wishard Tragedy.

The last Dardanellc Indepeadent says: AT
the outset, we say that we approach this sub
ject with htsitancy. for several reasons, lst.
Mr. Cloves connection with this office. ID
We would say nothing. Intentionally, to stir
up strife, or anger any one, as we desire to
SEQ peace settle over our town and country,
and 81 The case Is now undergoing judicial
investigation; but, as public journalist, we
feel impeled to take notice OF the affair The
press and people demand it at our hands.
Then to begin In last weeks issue, Mr..
Cloyd, having charge Of the paper, In our ABB
scncc. made some structures, In the local col
umns. about cat that bad been mutilated by
some one cutting of its ears and tail close
up. he having no knowledge of who did the
deed TO this Capt Wi,hard took exceptions
and came up to the Office, and demanded the
name OF the author Of the article. Mr.. Cloyd
being absent Capt. Wishard left note with
one OF the printers, After dinner Mr.. Cloyd
came back to the office, bringing his wife,
when Capt. Wishard came up again, demand
ing the author, Mr. Cloyd gave his own name.
Wishard, being drinking. used some very vi
olent language, which frightened Mrs. Cloyd
into a spaSm. she being in critical condition.
Mr. Cloyd told Wishard to leave him. and turn
cd to his " lie, sending for doctor. Mrs Cloyd
had two violent spasms, ane Is now in Il dan
gerous condition, In the evening, rs Mr..
Cloyd (and Cotton) were .oing down the steps
foot of tie stairs, and asked Cloyd how his
wife was. Cloyd told him she was very bad,
several words were passed on both sides.
Cloyd told Wsshard to 90 away and let him
alone. that he wanted no difficulty. but that
he (Wishard) had murdered his (Cloyd's) un-
born child and he expected his wife would
die. Wi>hard advanced to the steps, tclling z
Cloyd to 20 home and attend to his wife, he
would call for him again. when he wanted
him. Cloyd retrcated up several steps, and
asked Wishard if he was armed. Wishard
said no. Cloyd then told him to 60 and pre-
pare himself. Wishard then told him =" am
ready for you now now Cloyd then drew
his pistol and fred Wi,hard retreated
back and Cloyd advanced, and followed Wish.
ard into Blackwell's saloon, next door, where
Wishard fell dead.
"Some friends OF wishard, before the af-
fray between c. & W., was ended, had their
guns drawn on Cloyd. other parties prevent
ed them from shooting, Cloyd at once sur
rendered to Capt. Brown. giving up his pis
tol to him. The excitement ran high. for a
while. Cloyd's life being in imminent peri
even after his surrender Six shots were fired
Cloyd all the time shooting down the street
but one ball, by accident went up the street.
ave will torbcar to say more, only to ash
that everybody lay aside prejudice, and try
to ferret out all the facts bearing on the case
for and against, that justice may be metec
out impartially. II Mr. Cloyd did wrong, let
him suffer- we would not shield him. but W,
want him to have fair trial, the matter fully
| developed. and nothing connected with the
case concealed or covered up If the cas-,
against Cloyd Is good, it requires no subtcr
fugcs to bolster it up. Capt. Wishard we re
garded rs personal friend, and very mucl
regret the sad affair. His family have oul
coincidence 80 has Mr. Cloyds wife in hel
perious condition.
| The above statements are made as Impair
italy as it Is possible for us to give. The court
no doubt will do Its duty impartiallv. Able
counsel are employed. on both sides. Lee
them take the case and the citizens keep que
and encourage peace In our community. The
facts. II facts they be, rs given above, are Civ
en- from the statements of quite a number o
our best citizens. Being absent ourselves. ",
know nothing Of the difficulty. We hav,
tried to condense from statements given us b,
friends on both sides. Hoping all will do a.
we propose, try to cultivate peace and gooC
order in the future"
From Judge Brown. we learn that the ex
amining magistrate, in the case of Cloyd o
the Dardanelle Independent. found him guilt,
of murder IN the second degree. On applica
ton to Judge Mansfield at his home In Ozark
Cloyd's bail was fixed at $4,000. lntens,
feeling Is existent In the case among partie
on both sides. six attorneys are employed
on each side.