The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-06-08
The Attempt to Murder the Herald's
Correspondent at Salt Lake.
AN INFORMAL INQUIRY.
An Undoubted Result Of the
Creed Of Assassination.
THE FOUL-SPOkEN MORMON PRESS

the following account OF what Is called IN nforma'
Investigation OF the attacks upon the HERALD's cor
respondent II 10 little curious to that Inc city
thortes-Mormons-sat themselves with an
informal" inquiry Their object appears have been
10 throw doubt tho statements OF correspond
emit; and the Mormon newspapers-lhe Salt Lake
Herald and Neus--make haste. We notice, to accuse
him OF drunkenness They made the common mistake
Of going into Details and asserted that Dr. Thompson
had treated him Tor delrium trencns, whcrcupon DIR.
Thompson replies In publication in tho Salt Lake
zrbwxe with fiat contradiction. The Tribune says
.4 A LYING CHARGE SET AT REST.
"DE. Thompson desires US to say that the statement
made BY the Herald thar he treated Mr.. Stlison tor
dclirtum tromons unauthorized by HIM. When
called n treat him he found him laboring under ner
vous exhaustion and treated him accordingly"
Tho following is tho account OF the ''iniormal inves
sga,ion" In the Salt Lake Tribune OF Juno 2:--
Tho Mormon newspapers havc been clamorng for
an investigation into the past crimes and practices
the Mormon Church, and very opportuney tho NEW
YORK Herald hus sent a commissioner TO Utah to cx-
anime the record and report what facts he discovers
fearlessly and impartally Mr. Jerome b. s,illson is
the gentleman dcpucd to perform this disagreeablo
task, and tho revelations made by this jour-
nalist (as our readers already nware)
have been damaging that tho parties
who were camoring for an investigation have already
had surfcit Off. Two attempts have been made on
the New York journalists lIie-the first by
SIN who fired upon him on Saturday night he was
arriving homo from Camp Douglas. along Brigham
street, and the second in his room in the Walker
House. by tho Same man, 1t is supposed who dealt
him violent blow on the breast with knife
LIDILs OF THE MORMON PRESS
This had bad look, revivos the recollection Of
former days in Utah when obnoxious individuals
AratU ~
them doing further mischief Tho Herald q
priest bound. blood atonlng Sheet instantly
came TO the rescue, and a villanous article,
published tho morning following tho slabbing atteppt
pronounced it q put up job on the part OF the NEw
YORK HERALD reporter to njure the Mormons aud
keep up false sensation. To prove the truth OF this
charge Mayor Little addressed motto to Mr.. Stson
to request that gentleman TO submit TO public ex-
animation by the City Attorney. This proceeding
struck Mr.. Stillson somewhat novel, and led him to
question In his own mind whether ho a vassal
peer. FIRST to have his life twice attempted while in
the proper performance Of his duty and then have
his word questioned and his character assailed. How
ever. the counsel Of his friends he consented to
dure the investigation, and about hafpas two O'Clock
he entered tho parlor OF the Walker House. where
fully one hundred persons were assembled
STRANGE PROCEEDING.
On motion OF Colonel Johns Mayor LIitlo was mp
pointed chairman OF the meeting and Mr.. Byron urco,
of tho Salt Lake Herald, and Mr. John G. Young Of
tho Tribune, werc chosen secretaries
Mr. o. j. HOLSTER inquired OF Mayor Liitlo If ne was
acting oDfco justice OF tho peace in his official
capacity or merely as president OF informal citi.
zcns' meeting.
HIS Honor said he was presiding over informal
meeting Ho had como with tho city police 10 invcs-
tigate this alleged attempt to assasslnatc.
appointment OF G. +. Gibbs, Brigham Youngs private
,ecrotary, us stenographic reporter OF tho meeting
Mr. Stson hereupon entered the accompa-
MED by Mr. X. N Baskin and some other friends
Being introduced to Mayor Little, no was invited to
take seat, and Nj. G. W. Stayncr administered tho
oath. Being requested by City Attorney Rawlns to
make his statement the witness said he regarded
M an informal meeting ana the proceedings extra
judicial. Hc willing to make statement, but no
not feeling we'll and did not want 10 be subjected
TO long ordeal
MR. sriLLsoS's STATEMENT.
Tho witness then gave detailed narrative Of the
two attoupts mado to assassinate him. The first one
was on Saturday night last, while returning from
Camp Douglass about eleven O'Clock. Driving along
East Temple (Brgham) street in carriage and pair,
as he was approaching Brigham Youug's residence on
passing street (Pinc) man camo from behind tree
about nhy cet distant ana fired shot from a re-
volvcr at him. Tho horses going fast at tho
time and the shot missed its mark. Ho refined up as
speedily possible. turned tho horses which was tho
work OF some little time. he had cross street
car track TO the lower side OF the road and then drive
up an ombankmcnt On returning to the street corner
the assassin was out or sight Witness described him
large man; no could see his features distinctly
NJ tho full moon was shining brightly.
THE SECOND ATTEMPT.
The second attempt was made In hts own room tho
day preceding Thursdayl He stated that wniIc sit
ting alone IN his room correcting some manuscripts
wrtton BY bis umanuensis tho evening before knock
came 10 the door, Had heard approaching foot
steps Invited the visitor IT, and TO receive him.
The door opened and a stranger enteroi Witness
graspod the back OF his with his lett hand Tho
man hold his hat and folded paper in his left hand,
which he rested on tho knob OF the door, Ho inquired
OF witness II he was Mr. stlson. Witness said that
was his name. Correspondents OF tho NEW York
HRRALDf no further quericd Witness nodded assent.
81 have Affidavit here which think you VIII be IN
torcsted In" Hc heroupon advanced into the TO
deliver It. Suddenly bo struck witness violent blow
In tho left breast saying ut tho time stake that you
handsome son OF a b--h"
Witness fell at tho blow between the table and his
bed Arose In fow seconds, took revolver from hrs
Table drawer and rushed into tho corridor pursuit Of
bis assailant, but tho man was out OF sight
TlE DESCRIBED.
In answer 20 questions witness sad his suppression
was that he was struck with short knife. HIS as.
raant had the manners Of gentleman and was we'll
dressed Had his right hand concealcd in his breast.
Was shot ut between ten and eleven O'Clock Being
asked 10 describe the man, description oil the
was objected 70 by some attorneys in the meeting.
Witness said hc WINS willing 10 reply uiy any qucs-
ton that might be asked him. A lengthy debate en-
sued, and tho sense OF tho meeting was In favor Of
description being given. Witness described him as a
large wc dressed man. and, hts opening tho door,
was Impressed with his modest decent domcanor IIc
worc SLOUGH hat, black coat, dark nccktio and
exposed full shirt front Tho lower part OF his dress
witness could no; describe Had black hair and mpe.
rial, but no whsk ers or beard. Rcscnbcd tho man
who fired at witness, but was differently 1sc sod had
doubt nc was tho samo man. Thinks hts ago was