The Evening critic., 1882-02-10

HE DEPL0RABLE aDa1r at the RepubtI-
can Office last night emphasizes anew the
oft-demonstrated folly of proceeding by
violence to redress grievances, imaginary
or otherwise. Mr.. A. M. Soteldo, So
called newspaper correspondent, engages in
disgraceful row with companion in a
house of ill.rcpute, and the squabble is
taken into the Police Court. Of course it
then becomes legitimate part of the po-
lice news of the day, and as such is pub
llshed in the Republican, Mr.. Clarence
Barton, news editor, incurring no more
logical responsibility in the premises than
the reporter who reported the case or the
proof-reader who read the proof of the AZ
ticle. Then ensues war of cards between
Mr.. Soteldo and his antagonist in the afore-
said fracas, but the manager of the Repu5-
ican, out of consideration for the feelings of
Mr.. Soteldo's family, suppresses the cards.
But Mr.. Soteldo, not content to let the
case rest there, attempts to obtain the man
uscript of the published article, with the
apparent design Of identifying its author.
In pursuance of this effort he offers bribe
to compositor in the Republican office,
and the latter very properly exposes the
matter, which is printed. Whereupon Mr..
Soteldo calls in the assistance of his brother
and goes to the Republican Office at o'clock
at night,b armed with deadly weapons,
to wreak vengeance upon the employe
whose duty is simply that of preparing
"copy" for the printers.
A melee ensues in which, while struggling
together ON the floor, both Mr.. Barton and
Mr.. Soteldo are shot by the brother of the
latter-Mr. Barton painfully, and Mr.. So
teldo, as now seems probable, mortally.
The principle of retribution seems to have
found swift vindication in this case, for the
prime mover in this assault falls by the
bullet of his own accomplicc, while the in
tended victim escapes by miracle, it being
apparent from the position of the parties at
the moment Soteldo was hit, that his
brothers bullet, but for the interposition of
his neck, must have struck Mr.. Barton full
in the breast. The fact that Mr.. Barton
did not succeed in getting his pistol
which was in drawer of his desk-until
after the elder Soteldo had been shot, leaves
no doubt as to the hand that fired the fatal
bullet.
1t is to be hoped that this wretched aifail
will be the last Of its kind in Washington
Mr.. Clarence Barton, whose life the tive
brothers sought. has long been connected
with the journalism of the Capital, and hi
reputation is that of an honorable, genia
gentleman, courageous enough whel
driven to bay, but under ordinary circum
stances perfectly peaceful and inoffensivt
He has made a legion of friends, who's
warm congratulations on his miraculou
escape from assassination will help him
bear the pain of the severe, though nc
dangerous, injuries that he has suffered.
As for the reckless youth who did sue
indiscriminate shooting, it is to be hope
that no quibble of law or technical que;
tion of intention will be permitted to stan
between him and the full measure of jui
tice. He is evidently too dangerous
person to be permitted at large-dangerol
alike TO friend and foe-and at all times
menace to the peace of society.