The Osceola times. [volume] (Osceola, Ark.) 1870-current, 1881-07-30
Perry County Again 10 tI,'
Front.
ScquCstO the late Vgar-An
Els.slOr Shot.

A SPECIAL to the Gazette, dated
Morrilton, July 22nd. says: Thi,
morning about daylight, a messen
ger arrived from Perryvillc after {
doctor to attend J. L. w. Matthews
whom, he stated, had been shot.
Some time ago dissatisfaction was
expressed as TO the way County
Judge Harris conducted his court
1t was claimed by the enemies oil
Harris that Matthews had innuenc.
ed Objectionable proceedings, and
that together Matthews and Harris
were determined to run the affairs
of the county. Threats were made,
but at first no one was disposed to
regard the matter in serious light.
Harris received a notice, telling him
to leave the county, and that if he
did not leave by certain day, the
EXTREMIST of measures would be
adopted. Matthews also received
notice, bit being q very cool, dc.
termlued man, he pald hat little at
tention TO the threat On the day
when the time expired, about TWEEN
ty armed men rode INTO Perryvllle.
Harris was holding court at the
time, but becoming frightened left
the bench hurried'y. Matthews.
still cool and collected, walked
around town and met the men on
the square, They did not speak to
him, but rode quietly away. Judge
Harris went TO Little Rock aud
called on the governor, the result
of which VISIT has been published.
When General Newton went to
Perryville everything was quiet, so
far as appearances could be taken
as evidence. The disturbed and
disturbing elements moved around
together, and those who expressed
Il belief that blood would be shed
were regarded as sensauonalists.
Some of the best citizens of the
county affirmed that the armed men
who had come INTO town were deer
hunters and intended no harm to
Matthews or Judge Harris. Gen.
Newton's investigation seemed to
be very satisfactory, and 1t rs be-
licved here that if his orders had
been executed; that il The civil au-
thoritIes had acted upon his suggos-
tons, the ailulr would not have had
Il serious termination.
"Wh hat were the circumstances
of the killing 2" asked your CORES
pendent OF the messenger.
"About 9 O'Clock last night Mat
thcws and man who works in the
printing office with him went out
to the we'll after water. As they
returned, the printer walked Il
short distance in advance of Mat
thews. When they reached the
house the printer entered, and just
as Matthews was about to ascend
the steps gun Fired, and Matthews
fell. The printer sprang 70 the
door and saw some one running
away, but, owing to the darkness,
could not identify him. In mo-
ment the town was aroused and
greatly excited. An examination
showed that eighteen buckshot had
taken effect IN Matthews left side
and that he was feariully mulilatod
| was Immediately dispatched for a
surgeon.
Dr., George, who left immediate
~ TO attend Matthews has Just re-
turned. He reports Matthews dead,
and says that the greatest excite
ment prevails. A notice has been
left at Judge Harris residence, tell.
ing him to leave the county Imme-
dlately. The whole thing is regard
ed as icud without political sig
nificance. Matthews record was
bad, but since he established the
paper at Pcrryville, he has conduct
cd himself very quietly.
Sheriff Van, Of Perry county, has
tolegraphed for prosecuting attor
ney Wood to come and investigate
the affair. The people here are OF
the opinion that more forcible
means should lie adopted.