The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-15
A BLOODY POLITICAL RIOT.
A Terrible Strife for Spells in the
Streets of New Orleans.
Three Men Killed and Eleven Wounded
The Well-KnOwn Captain NJ. j. For
tier Among the Dead.

NEW ORLANs, La Dec. 14.-Primary elections
for delegates to the Democratic State nominat-
ing convention were held throughout the city.
The contest in the Seventh ward was regarded
closed Much ill-feeling was shown, which Gull
minated this afternoon in terrible tragedy at
the poll at the corner of Maurais and Sc. Bernard
streets. 1t appears a man, name unknown
came up to vote and was challenged Captain
Fortier and his brother it is stated, tried to get
the man from in front of the poll but the man
was finally knocked down or fell down. A shot
was then fred, which seemed to be signal, as
firing Immediately became general. The
greatest excitement prevailed, the police
being pOwerless against the combatants.
When the shooting ceased it was found that
Captain Michael j. FOrtier, prominent Ogden
champion, was mortally wounded. He was re-
moved to his residence, where he expired in
few minutes. He leaves a widow and three
children. Captain Fortier is well known as the
commander of battery In the competitive
drills at Nashville, Indianapolis, and other
points,
Gus. Remand, superintendent. of streets nthe
Seventh ward under Commissioner Fitzpatrick
was picked up In unconscious condition, and
taken to the Fifth precinct station, where he died
in little while. Four wounds were found on
the body He leaves a widow and one child.
Edward Mason, deputy constable, received
three balls in the leg, which severed an artery,
and he survived but a short time. He leaves a
widow and two children.
The following named were wounded: Sheriff
Robert Brewster, bullet in the leg; John Brew
ster, shot in the side-a dangerous wound. Gus.
Peardeop, Mike Early ana Peter Braanon re-
ceived wounds with blunt instruments. John
Dominick was also wounded in the leg. Charles
Fazlo, David Krackerman, George Tirado. John
Astredo and Charles Flacho are also reported
wounded.
After the shooting Sheriff Robert Brewster
and deputies John Dominiok, Dan. Glous and
Mike Early, who mad pistols in their hands, sur
rendered to the police and were locked up. They
refuse TO make a statement. 1t Ia stated forty
or fifty shots were fired. There was a large
crowd about the pollsat the time.
STATEMENT OF SHERIFF BREWSTER.
Sheriff Brewster makes the following state
ment: "John Dominick and 1 and others went
from the Sixth to the Seventh ward. When we
arrived at the poll some one was challenging a
voter; large crowd was present. the police
were moving the crowd back to make room for
the voters. when Mike Early struck
man named Bressman. The police
placed Early under arrest. While Early was in
charge of the police, Tom Buckley raised a
lOdueu btiCk anu 5lruck nltns lHeH, jumping IulO
the street, he began firing 1 immediately
drew a pistol and pointed it at Buck
ley, but it snapped. Buckley ran by
me for Bagatelle street. 1 felt
had been wounded, but walked toward the poll
ing place. Before got there the shooting was
all over. Subsequently went to DR.. Mentions
office, where my wound, a flesh one, in the right
thigh, was dressed. took occasion to show the
pistol to the doctor. and he can testify that it
had not been discharged. After the wound
was dressed went to the Sixth ward poll, where
was arrested by Detectives Stanley and Nc
DonOg." 81
The above statement of Mr.. Brewster was
roborated by Dan. Douglass, Mike Early and
John Dominck. The latter received wound
in the right leg, below tina knee, and is suffer
ing considerable pain. His statement is, In
substance, the same as the one made by Brew
srer. He did not see who shot him. as so many
persons were using weapons and the shooting
was very lively. He received a wound early in
the action.
George Schrath ian Ogden mani, of the Seventh
ward, told Police Captain Gill that James d.
Houston, prominent McEnery supporter, had
o revolver in his hand; that he saw him shoot.
but did not see at whom he fired. He refused
to make any further statement until called as
witness Chief OF Police Rowley ordered the
arrest of Houston upon this information.
Brewster and the Others who were arrested
were committed to prison without bail.
Indications point to the election, by small
majority, of the Ogden delegates.