The Van Buren press., 1878-05-14
SCOTT COUNTY TROUBLES.
WALDRos, ScorT CouxTY, AHk
April %, 1878 {

WALpRos, ScoTT CouxTY, Ank Z
April 22, 1878.
Editor Ozark Democrat:
/ observe. in your paper OF the 18TH
inst q communication signed II W.
Shannon. containing certain statements
representing affairs in Scott County.
can have no controversy with Mr..
Shannon, and shall not notice the matter
a second time, under any circumstances
but as the assertions Of the letter are
such as to mislead the community, in
matter Of grave public interest. deem it
q public duty to inform you Of the rela-
tons Of Mr.. Shannon to the events
which he undertakes to narrate, IN order
that you may Judge for yourself whether
the publication Of his articles should DO
continued in your columns. at least at the
time when the prosecutions for murder
are still progressing in the courts OF the
country.
The admission OF George W. Jones,
to become I. States evidence course
upon which Mr.. Shannon appears to re-
Gect--was FIRST suggested by MIR. Shannon
himself who visited Little Rock for the
purpose of inducing the Governor to ex-
tend psrdon to Jones, before conyic-
ton, in order that Jones evidence might
be obtained for the prosecution. The
further object Of Mr.. Shannon's visit was
to procure, from the Executive, the offer
OF large reward for the arrest and con-
viction Of certain parties, a list of whom,
substantially identical the Gilbreaths
excepted) with that Of "thc best men OF
the country" referred to by him In his
letter, was left with the Governor BY
Mr.. Shannon, who at that time charsc-
terized them as ''sworn band OF assas-
sins" The Governor absolutely de.
olinnd to acccde to Mr. Shannon's other
suggestions, until further advised. Mr..
S. returned to Scott County. and pro-
ceeded, on behalf OF DR.. Davenport the
father Of the last murdered, to conduct
the prosecution Of the gentlemen whom
be now so warmly land, for aught |
know, SO deserYedly) eulogizes, but
whom he continued. Ia court, and out Ct
court, to denounce as constituting an
!" assassination society" When howey-
err. the State saw At to employ Hon.
Hugh f. Thomason and +. 7. Walker.
ESQ, to assist the prosecution, and omit
ted to provide Mr.. Shannon with an
additional retainer, Mr. Shannon aban-
doned the prosecution which he had
instituted, and. while the cases where
still pending. and with the advantage Of
the Information obtained while in the
capacity OF public prosecutor, became
the retained attorney OF Mr.. James G.
Gllbrcath. one of the parties arres-
ted.
1t is unnecessary, under these circum-
stances, to add that the details o" mid
night camp 6res," Of the daily coast Of
the militia, OF increased pay OF the
n provision or lSH Rug g0iiNa essSinA
are drawn purely from che Imagination 4
your correspondent
1t may be proper. however to state,
In connection with Mr.. Shannon's i'm
piled criticisms on the employment Of
the militia, that when acting for the
prosecution he warmly insisted on the
absolute necessity, to public peace and
the execution Of the laws. OF retaining
the militia not only until the examina-
lions, bat for some indefinite time there.
after; and that the removal OF the
trial from the brush at Cedar Grove
to the town OF Waldron, with view
to reducing the number and expense
ofthe militia required as guards, was
effected against Mr. Shannon's earnest
and res0lute protest. and finally obtained
his consent, a. attorney for the prose.
cution, only upon the offer being made
of whatever personal guard be might
demand for Mr.. Shannon's own safety
from the alleged "assassins."
have stated facts which ought to
be made known to the people OF Frank
lin, who have SO largely assisted in fur.
nishing for the maintenance ofpeace and
order, the enforcement ofthe laws, and
the protection OF courts. witnesses, and
especially, In the present instance, OF
prisoner, in Scott County, 30 faithful.
efficient and we'll conducted o body OF
officers and soldiers rs compose the COM
mand under Col. Falconer.
As Mr.. Shannon is now awaiting his
trial upon warrant. based upon facts
disclo sed, charging him with an attempt
to bride the witness, Jones, by an offer
of a thousand dollars to withhold fur
Their testimony and to fee the country, |
will not seem to prejudice his case by
any comments; and / only regret that
public duty has compelled me to furnish
you the above statements.
JAMES NJ. PoHzRof.