New-York tribune., 1876-07-17
COUSHATTA ASSASSINATION.
THE STORY OF THE sHOOrING-NoT POLITICAL AT
FAIR-UNANIMOUs REPORT.


COUSHATTA ASSASSINATION.
THE STORY OF THE sHOOIING-NoT POLITICAL AZ
FAIR-UNANfMOUs REPORT.
IrRoM THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE
WASHINGTON, July 16.-Representatives John
L. Vance ana William Woodburn, the Subcommittee ar-
pointed by the Special Committee Louisiana Affairs
for the purpose OF nquring into the circumstances OF
the Coushatta murder in May prepared s report some
time ago and submitted 1t 10 the fun Committee. The
number Of witnesses examined in the town of Coushaa,
In Red River Parish, was 49, including prominent men
OF both political parties The story, as told by the re-
port Of the Committee is substantially az follows:
On the morning Of the % of May last a stranger
mounted upon peculiarly coored pony entered TIE
town Of Cousha,ta. He was disguised, wearing csat
made OF rubber oicloth reaching nearly - his feet
and his face partially concealed by heavy beard
apparently false His eyes also covered by PAR
OF goggles and he his hat drawn down over ms
face Before dismOunting he went 10 biacksmiths
shop at the upper end ol the village, where he had
good view OF the opposite side Of the river and re-
ouested the blacksmith to shoe his horse subsequently
he said that his brother" would soon I've there and
give directions as to the in which the soeing
should he done. He renamed in the shop until nc saw
Mr.. Twitchc approaching the fcry-andinc in buggy
the opposite side of the river He then rode to the
landing dsmounted htched his horse aud vent TO the
top the bank. by that timo the erry-skid IN Which
were David King, NJ. H. Twltchell, and the ferryman
"a eoored man) a Iroachod the landing The stranger
fred upon tham wOunding Mr. Twitchel in the leg He
IT once Jumped into the river and caught the edge OF the
ski Win his hand Mr.. King fred at the assassin wth
a revolver when he turned his gun upon King and shot
him. killing him instantly. He then fired again upon
Twchell aud shot him through both arms and hnay'
as the ferryman attempted Twitchc from tlc
water be fred upon and wounded in one OF hls
hands. Apparently supposing that his victim was dead'
the assassin mounted and rode away Several PERSONS
including two ladies, approached the assassin during
the progress of the firing and begged him to stop lie
pointed his one man and ordered MIN away 1he
ladies paid no attention to-
Numerous volunteers at offered TO pursue and en-
deayor to capture the murderer, and after some delay
caused by the ndccsion and cowardice OF the Sheriff.
posse under command OF the Deputy sEerh, an Old
man. started in pursuit; but after following his trail FOR
several miles they lost il, and Obliged TO retunl
without success Tee testimony Of all the Witnesses Il io
tho effect that the man who did the shooting was ui-
known aud that The horse he rode not recognized ~
belonging in that part Of the country.
The resolution Of the House directed the Commteeto
inquire particularly whether the murder was OF
political character" or On this point the Committee
SAYS that the testimony OF gentlemen representing
both political parties white AMI coored shows that
Mr. TTitcEe took active part in the organization OF
Red River Parish. and that when he was candidate
anon the Republican ticket for State Senator, was sup
! ported by prominent Democrats in COusGatta ani It's
neghborhood Since the organization OF the parish. be
has controlled the appointment OF its officers ani has
had almost unlimited direction Of IT. affairs. Besides be
ing Senator he ned several other on go and. on
the second OF May last, according to MS own testimony,
he State Senator member Of the Police Jury OF
the Parish member OF the School Board, ard United
states Commissioner. lie had control Of All moneys col
lected from the taxpayers Of tie parish The testimony
also shows that paIOchia affairs Lgl been
loosely and eXtravagantly managed, and thht
Mr. Twltche responsible for H. The
lands of tho parish were assessed al figures
greatly i'm excss OF their value and OF tho ass ssmcn In
the heneghbornc parishes aud the taxes ieyd b. reason
of this exorbant fell very tie snort OF
confscation. Gross frauds were perpctra'ed III the
building OF Courthouse ia the construction ~ lcycs.
in mana cement of school ahdirs ad ~ many oEcr
WAYS and the Committee say they have no hesitation III
reporting that they unprcpared and greatly sur
pyised to find such a lamegtabe condition OF affairs eN-
istng The Committee also find that notwithstanding
the condition OF affairs which they have described there
had been 10 political excitement for nearly two years
pas and threats or attempts at intimidation had been
heard made. The most prOnn ut men IN both parties
testified that was IN danger on account oi ID"
political views and that could safely express
their political opinions IN Rel River Parish Oh the stump
or elsewhere, az in any part OF the country.
Tie Committee conclude that the testimony OF leading
men of the two political parties Is explicit In establishing
the fact that the shooting Of King and TTltce was not
caused by Of their political opinions aud that Tho
affair was not Of political character. The evidence Oh
| the other hand shows that Mr.. Twitchc had made
number Of personal enemies within his own political
party and that threats against his life had been made by
OF these persons but this evidence was not
Of character TO create lbe giound of suspicion
against any particular person even among Mr. witch
ellis personal enemies The Committee closes its report
by EXPRESSION Of the opinion that the people OF Rcd
River Parish irrespective Of party, des'rous OF polt
cal quiet and prepared to welcome among them
Of all parties who disposed 10 conduct Themselves
law-abidug, pcaccalc citizens. The report rs unanI
nous, and signed both by Mr. Vance tho DemooIa and
Mr.. WoodbuTn the Republican