, 1883-09-08

Acnd,y evening, about $50 P. n IS
representative Of the STATESMAN was pass
ing the Wotchman office, corner Of Third
and Alder streets, his attention was attract
| ed by a loud alteration in the editorial
rom Of that journal. Looking in the door
be say that the words were passing between
I'd. kieber, German saloon.keeper of this
city, and Chas. Besserer, editor Of the
HdtchmGa. The reporter passed to the
STATESMAN editorial rooms-a few steps
further on, renarking u Mf. Fred Adams,
who CHANGED to be passing st the time,
that tpointirg toward the Eatchman oficsl
will develop into scrarpng match and a
FIRsTCLAss ITEM"
Ar. Adams laughed, and remarked that
there was no danger Of that. As our re-
porter IVES about TO enter the STATESMAN
editorial roons, the two men came on: OF
the WatcimGa office, Besserer turning to
loek the door after him; hleber kept up his
ionc tals, and did considerable gesticul2ting
he expressing himself in German. while
Besssrsr talked in English. Besserrr was
heard 20 say: a don't want to have any
trouble with you. several times. He would
start toward Main street. when Kleber
wouid follow, talking rapidly and excitedly,
though making no demonstration to fight.
Besserrr would then turn toward Alder
street, and those nearest stated that he
would say: You 60 your way and l will
70 mine" Presently the two parties stop
ped directly in front Of the Watchmdn office
-Kleber with his back to the building and
Bssserer facing him-they being about
TWO FEET APART.
Il & in diseraml. They conversed in this
position probably three minutes, when k!e-
Der was seen to tap Bssserer on the front OF
the shoulder, as if emphasizing strongly.
Besserer pushed Kleber back and made
some remark, but Kleber advanced to his
old position and took hold Of the lapel Of
Besserer's coat with one hand. With as
toEishing rapidity Besserer drew revolver
from his duster coat pocket. and, placing
the muzzle directly against Kleber's left
breast, pulled the trigger. The repor. was
so weak that those standing around felt con-
WINGED that it was blank cartridge; and
Besserer expressed that belief afterwards. |
This can be accounted for by the barrel OF
the pistol being pressed against Klebef's
person. Instantly as tie shot was fired |
Besserer prt the pistol back IN his pocket |
and started around the corner OF Alder |
street o. Kleber stood stock still, just |
turning to watch MS assailant as he passed |
around the corner; and it was then the re-
porter discovered the man was wounded, |
and his vest was burning. Running down |
from his position (hl be took hold Of kleber'e
arm with cne hand and striking the blaze on |
his vest with the other,
ExTINGUIsBED THE FEE.
At tha. time klebsr was as pale as |
sheet, and, in answer TO the reporters re-
quest for bin to come with him IS quickly |
as possibly to doctor, said; "fes, Bes-
ssrer shot me-; know you, Gray; You'er |
friend Of mine; III 30 with ycu;" and the
two started up Third street. toward Main. |
When in font OF the hook b;n6ery to) some
one exclaimed: "L,ok o.. Gray, B,ssersr |
is going to shoot again." Tnis made the
scribe very Il r, Gus, as De did not know how !
Charley stool as msriisnan, and ne might |
hit the wrong man. l was false alarm,
however, az Besserer merely came around |
the coroer 70 see where kieber wac going. !
A. this tine the wounded n.an commenced
to stag.er, and despite al his assls-
taat could do dropped heavily At the corner
Of the alley d.
BLOW, We give correct disgrsn Of the
scene, showing differen. positionsi the dis
t,nce from the corner Of Alder stree: - tie
alley being about 10 feet.