Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1882-08-17
alexandria Oazette,
LOCAL MATTERS.

LOCAL MATTERS.
WEATHER PROBABILITIES, Aug. II, 1882
For the Middle Atlantic States light loca
rains. followed by clearing, slightly cooler
weather, southwest to northwest winds and
higher barometer
\ YOUNG MANS MURDERoUs ASSAULT ON
Ills WIFE.-A young man named James
Gin: about - years of age, started out wal
King with his IL year old wife, formerly
Miss Molic Mckinney, about half past ten
o'clock this morning, and their objective
point being the Potomac Ferry Company S
wharf Cliff suggested that they 90 through
the Wilkes street tunnel When midway
the tunnel, in the dark, Cliff, after slapping
hi wife. without further warning, drew Il
revolver of a small calibre and fired six
-uots at her, four Of which took effect, one
IN the right ear, one in the head above the
ear. one in the muscle of the right arm, and
one inthe left hand The reports Of the pis-
tol and the screams of the young woman
We're heard by number of people in the
ncighbOrhood, but there was no suspicion of
foul play until Mrs Cliff was seen coming
out Of the tunnel weeping and covered with
blood
Cliff, who followed close behind his wife,
stated to several parties he met that he had
shot Mrs. Cliff, and so great was the surprise
at his action that no one attempted to arrest
him. and he walked slowly out Royal street,
in the direction of the canal. Mrs. Cliff was
met at the corner Of Royal and Wilkes
streets a. she emerged from the tunnel, by
several ladies, and assisted to her home, on
Wilkes street. between Royal and Pitt, a
short distance from the scene of the murder
OILS assault. Arriving at her home, she fell
10 the floor, exhausted by the loss of blood
She was placed upon bed, and cold water
being applied TO her head, she rallied, so
that when DR.. 7. Marshall Jones, who was
summoned Immediately, arrived the wound
cd woman was comparatively easy, and in
good spirits, exhibiting remarkable courage
although lahorlng under great eXcitment
DR.. Jones removed the balls from her hand
and arm. but postponed the probing for the
balls i'll her ear and head until she was
more composed. The wounds in the head
are regarded as serious but not of ne
ccssarly fatal character.
Mrs Gill. the wounded woman, talked
freely, and inimatcd that the first of the
troubles between herself and husband, who
has been suffering for about two months
from consumption, being unable to work at
his trade rs Il timer during that time, COM
menccd by her asking him for some clothes
and something TO eat, and since that time
he, being jealous of her, has abused and ill.,
treated her.
The ncighbors say that the couple, who
have been married about five months have
not lived on the best of terms, and that
Cliff has been known to whip his grl-wifc,
but that no one had an idea that their
troubles would terminate 80 seriously; that
! UrnS s.,
~ company, and that the motive for the
shooting was more likely to bcjcalousy than
anything else; that Mrs. Cliffannounccd her
intention of going to Washington this NOR
ming, and had borrowed some money for the
purpose: that Cliff objected to the trip, but
started to escort her, apparently in Il good
humor, To the steamboat wharf that he in
sisted upon taking the shortest route through
the tunnel that when under the tunnel, be-
ing unable to prevent her from going to
Washington, he shot her.
Two little colorcd boys, on their way
through the tunnel at the time of the shoot
ing, say that they heard Il man and woman
quarrcling and that ON nearing the spot the
woman called to them, but that the man
warned them back and fired two shots at
them; that they saw the man slap the Wo-
man, and then draw pistol, take deliberate
aim, and fire at her four times.
The shooting caused the greatest excite
mcnt in the neighborhood, and the house
in which the wounded woman was living
PROSTATE upon bed Of pain, was immedi.
atrIy surrounded by large crowd but ii
was not until some time after the affair that
the man who committed the deed was en-
quircd for. Then there was considerable
complaint that the unnatural husband had
been allowed to escape
Cliff, IA; stated above, is a young man only
about - years of age, and is a timer by
trade, working for Mr.. Thomas Hoy until
about two months ago, when he was COM
PEELED to give up by hemorrhages from the
lungs. He has always borne good charac-
ter, and was looked upon as an inohensive
young man Many of his friends think that
he is insane
Captain Webster, of the police force, upon
learning that Cliff had fled, started in a
buggy in search of him. Other members of
the police force also started in different
directions in search of the fugitive.
DR.. Jones. this afternoon, extracted one of the
balls from Mrs. Cliffs head. Her condition is
critical.
There arr rumors of Cliffs suiridp