St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1883-01-13
STATE ITEMS.


Edward l.. Wells, who came home from
the La. State University to spend the
late holidays, will not return, as his
fathers law practice necessitates his
employment as an Office assistant.
Ned will be twenty-one in April, and
will at once commence the study OF
law.
Capitolian Advocate: One day last
week, Mr.. w. H. Merritt, of Port Vim
cent, Livingston parish, killed two fine
porkers, the total weight of which was
zoos pounds. The pigs were something
over year old when slaughtered, and
evidence what care and attention in
this section will do towards raising
meat.
Gretna Courier: Notwithstanding the
large Louisiana orange crop, golden
fruit is now selling here at 30 cents per
dozen.
Gretna Courier: Oysters at ten cents
per dozen, condiments included, is all
that is demanded for the best, at one OF
the fork-ont stands in Gretna.
Alexandria Express: Mr.. A. ID. Will
Hams, the publisher OF this paper,
spent Christmas at OpeIousas. He has
resumed duty and as usual is in first
class working trim.
Alexandria Express: Last Tuesday,
about noon, very lamentable tragedy
took place in this city, in which there
were three. parties concerned, DIR. A.
Cocnerille, his son Montfort Cockerille,
and Thomas M. Compton, all of whom
are residents Of this city.
A difficulty, the exact nature of
which we have not been able to fully
unravel, though it was of personal
nature was precipitated, which culmi-
mated in street fight in which the
three parties above named participated,
and in which Thomas M. Compton was
killed and DR.. Cockerille seriously
wounded. Mr.. Compton was shot
through the head and was instantly
killed. DR.. Cockerille received two
shots in the left leg, one above and one
below the knee, the latter of which
fractured the bone and is serious. DR..
dence and Montfort Cockerille was
committed to Jail to await preliminary
examination.
Lake Charles Echo: From Mr.. A. G..
Gordon, we gather the particulars of a
terrible shooting affray which occurred
on Christmas night. at the house of
Frank Aswell, near Gili's store, some
fifteen miles north of Lake Charles.
There was dance in progress ut the
time, and quite number had gathered
at Mr.. Aswell's in consequence. Our
| informant states that just previous to
the shooting two men had quarreled
about some trivial affair. Thos. Booth,
the name of the man who did the shoot
ing, at this juncture made a move and
| threatened to draw weapon, when
VIM. Conkling interfered, saying no
disturbance should take place there it
he could prevent it. This seemed to
arouse the demon in Booth, and he
drew "a weapon and began firing indis-
criminately at every one in sight. He
emptied his pistol, six shots, and de-
liberately walked away from the scene
of his murderous assault. Immediate
| ly after the departure Of Booth it was
discovered that John Heneberry had
been shot through the groin and left
shoulder, John Pittman shot through
the left, breast, Frank Aswell shot
through the left arm and VIM. Conk-
ling shot in the back Of the head, the
ball coming out at the top. Heneberry
died from his wounds the following
night at 8 o'clock. Pittman's wound
| is dangerous one, his chances for life
or death being about even. Aswell and
Conkling are only slightly hurt. Booth
was under the influence of liquor at the
time of the shooting. He was a man
who always carried pistol, having a
perfect mania for shooting at targets
and Dragging upon his skill as a marks
man. He, as we'll as his victims, were
in the employ of Mr.. H. C. Gill. Booth
had been there but short time and
nothing is known of him prior to bis
entering the employ Of Mr.. Gill, where
he was engaged as teamster. Our in
formant was unable to furnish des-
cription Of him. From all the evidence
thus far adduced, the crime was the
most cold blooded and unprovoked in
the annals of the parish. A determined
effort will be made by our officers te
1 capture the murderer, which, if sue.
cessful, will result in justice being
melted out to him promptly and effec-
tually.
The total values of the exports oil
petroleum and petroleum products from
the United States during the month Of
October, 1889, were $4,OO4, 179, and dur.
ing October, 1881, $5,O62,724. For the
ten months ending October 81. 1882
$33, 1851 800, and for the ten months end.
;,,r 0otohap Of 1851 Shn nj < R0S