The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-01-30
A LOUISVILLE TRAGEDY.
PROPRIETOR or THE WILLARD HOTEL SHOOTS

PROPRIETOR or THE WILLARD HOTEL SHOOTS
HIS HEAD cLFRK--DEATH OF THE VICTIM.
The Louisville conrier-Joarnai OF the 27th inst
says:-TDe most startling shooting aaray that has
occurred ia Louisville since the memorable tragedy
enacted at the Gait House by the killing OF General
Thomas Nelson by General Jcn. G. Davis, during tho
civil war occurred at the Willard Hotel about half
past O'Clock yesterday morning. In an allerca.
between Mr.. W. C. D. Whips the proprietor, aud
Mr.. John W. Stockton, the superintendent Of the
house. When Mr. stockton went down TO the Office Of
the hotel few minutes after O'Clock yesterday
morning Mr.. Whips rcprimanded him Tor being latc at
hts post. ''railroad breakfast is served at quar-
past i've O'Clock. anu Mr.. Whips claimed that it
was Mr. Stockton's duty. manager Of the hotel,
give his personal supervision TO the dining nj
that hour Mr. Stockton replied that the condition
Of bis health would not admit OF hs get.
ting up every morning early. Mr..
Whips rcpcd that no should get up
carly often enough at least to see that things
conducted In proper STYLE and added that II Mr..
Stockton would go TO bed earlier he could get up
earlier. Other words followed, anu then Mr. stockton
turned away; but in u moment he returned, some
what excited and said to Mr.. Whips that he had in
suited him aud done him great injustice Mr.. Whips
told him that he had better quit his pace Some
words then quickly passed between the parties.
when Mr.. stockton placed his hand IN his bosom and
drew large Smith wesson revolver. Tho parties
were behind tho counter, and Mr. Ingram, the clerk,
BEN. between the two, caught Mr. Stocklon's arm.
ana, with tho assistance OF the porter pushed him
out into the hall aud took Tho pistol from him. stock
minute or TWO later returned Mr. Whips in tho
meantime took from the drawer OF the counter large
Tranter pistol, carrying ha.iou ball, and walked
out INTO the hall He walked with crutch on one
side aud large cane on the other, OF his legs hay
Ing bcon broken by an accident a low months ago
AS he hobblcd out he carried the pistol down by the
side oil the crutch, exposed fully to'vicw When he
reached the loot OF the stairway no confronted Mr..
stockton aud asked hiM why he drew pistol on him.
Mr. stockton replied that he did II because he had
wronged and insulted HIM. Mr. Whips called stockton
u liar Stockton returned the epthet, and then Mr.
Whips called him a damned liar Al this stockton
Whips two blows IN the face with his hs
ing him TO ecol drop his cane. As quickly MS he
recovered his footing Mr. Whips his pistol and
Tired three times IN rapid succession After the first
shot Mr stockton stopped 10 pick up tho cane to de-
icnd himself, when the o. her two shots tired aud
he Tell to the floor. The sound OF the pistol Vt once
attracted a large crowd 10 the hotel MIR. stockton
anu few feet distant Mr. Whips standing the
weapon in his hand. As quickly as possible tho en-
carried MIN to his room Mrs. Stockton and her little
boy, Willie, were still IN their room waiting 10 be
called to breakfast and tho rst ntation she had Of
the tragedy the presence Of the bleeding form OF
| her husband.
The Louisville Commercial says that tho wounded
man died at two O'Clock on tho following morning
No difficulty, says he Commercial that has occurred
in this city Tor years has created so much excitement
| as tho shooting OF Mr. stockton yesterday morning
| Both well known, not only In tho city but
throughout the State. Mr.. Whips has been promi-
ncnt before the people oil Louisville for years He
time marshal OF the Louisville Chanccry Court,
which Office he aed some fourteen years ugo. Ito
has Tor number OF years been proprietor OF the
Willard Hotel and several years ago represented the
Eighth ward in tho lower board tho General Coun-
Gil Az tho last election for the Office he
was candidate for marshal OF the Chancory Court
He Is probably as we'll known as any man IN tho city.
Several mouths ago, while out riding, no was thrown
from his buggy and seriously injured from the effects
OF which he mas not yet recovered MI. stockton II
also widely known Ho was raised IN tho city, and
several years ago was proprietor OF the United States
HOTEL which position he held until tho building was
rcrnodcllcd into business houses. Hc then con-
nectcd with the Willard Hotel IN the capacity of clerk,
performing his duties with entire Satisfaction. Over
year ago he went To Lexington and took charge OIL
tho st. Nicholas Hotel, but meeting with revcrses re-
turned TO the city, aud shortly after his arrival nc
ccptcd his present position at tho Willard Hotel
Nr. Whips Is well known Of tho leading
spirits Of the city IL would useless to give
than brci sketch OF his history. Hc Ia native Ken
! tuckian, raised near Middletown. He started in hi
public career when young man as constable OF tn
place. lie Is about ifty- i've years old and cam,
to Louisville over thirty years ago. Hc first engaged
In tho livery stable business and in 1856 wac elected
marshal OF the Chancery Court In the fall Of 1863 Mr
Whips became partner to Mr. J. n. Willard In thu
| propretorship OF the Willard Hotol Two years ng,
| last July Mr. Willard sold out hts interest, AMI Mr.
Whips became the sole proprietor. He says no chi
ind adequate expression for mis- deep regret for tn
occurrence in which he has played SO dreadful part
He stated TO gentleman last night that he would CIV
worlds had tho difficulty never originated.