Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-10-27
RADICAL BULLDOZING.
Further Particulars OF the Shooting iriir
IN Henry County.

In Henry County.
MARTINsvILLE, Oct. 81, 1885.
To the Editor of the Dispatch
Our town was stirred to its depths
this morning by the shooting, under
the most unwarrantable circumstances,
of Colonel p. ID. Spencer, of the firm
of Spencer Brothers, leading tobacco
manufacturers, and Of Joseph Bannis-
ter (colored), trusted employee, by
George L. Gravely, chairman Of the
Executive Committee of the Republican
party of the county. The Mahoneites
here have despaired Of carrying the
county, hence the leaders are in no very
amable frame Of mind. They are es-
pecially embittered against large
number Of our colored citizens, who
have boldly declared their intention of
supporting the Democratic ticket.
Heretofore those who were at heart
Democrats, as IS perfectly reH under
stood here, were afraid to ayow their
real sentiments. But, now, embold-
ened by numbers, they do not hesitate
to speak out like men and to work
for our cause. At this place and
at other points in the county they have
organized Democratic clubs, and, de-
spite all efforts at intimidation and bril-
berry, declare their intention of voting
with the people who give them employ
ment and protect them in their rights
and homes. One of the most active
workers on our side is Joseph Bannis-
ter-a man of fine capacity and, as the
sequel will show, of true courage.
Last evening Gravely forced quarrel
upon him on account Of his politics
and finally collared him, whereupon
Bannister knocked him down, and in
tho fight which ensued Grayely came
out second best" This morning,
after certifying himself with deck-load
of mean whiskeY and arming himself
with a revo or, Gravely made his way
to the factory of Spencer Brothers, and,
pistol in hand, said to Colonel Spencer,
whom be met at the door, that he was
there for the purpose Of killing Ban
mister. Colonel Spencer replied that he
must not create a disturbance in his
factory, but added he had no
doubt Bannister would join him on
the outside and give him satisfaction.
At this juncture he turned to go to the
part of the building at which Bannister
was at work, when Grayely fred upon
him, sending bullet through his thigh.
About this time Bannister appeared on
the scene and Grayely promptly opened
fire upon him, emptying the remaining
chambers of his pistol. Only one shot,
however, took effect and that struck
Bannister on the upper part OF the
forehead, passed over the skull, and
lodged under the scalp. Had it struck
a half inch lower he would have been
killed instantly.
Bannister, wounded as he was, did
not finch, but got in two shots while
his adversary was firing st him, but
neither took effect. Gravely having
fired his last charge, threw up his hands
and announced that he was unarmed /;
whereupon Bannister, with commenda-
bic magnanimity, laid aside his pistol,
remarking that he did not want to take
advantage of him. The men then closed
and had "a rough-roll-and-tumble
fght," in which Gravely's face was Sc
yerely bruised. DR.. Brodnax was called
in and rendered the necessary surgical
aid. Bannister is not much hurt, but
Colonel Spencer's wound is exceed
ingly painful and may prove serious.
Warrants were promptly issued for the
arrest Of Gravely, and with considera-
BILE difficulty the officers succeeded in
bringing him before Justice Marshall.
In the presence Of the Justice he made
fierce assault upon one of the officers,
and was committed to jail until Mon
day morning, when his case will be ex-
amined into. Messrs. Whittle 4 Ander-
son have been retained for the prosecu-
ton, and the matter will be thoroughly
investigated. Colonel Spencer is an
ardent Democrat, and in consequence
no favorite with the Mahoneites. All
of the blood shed during this canvass
has been that Of Democrats. All Of the
political rows have been brought about
by Radicals, and still Malone and his
co-conspirators at home and their allies
abroad have the audacity to continue to
wave the bloody shirt and to Willy and
malign our people. Let us punish them
at the polls by burying them beneath a
majority so great that they will never
again make an organized fight. DAN.
Then how can white virginian tole-
rate the brutal SANDER Of Sherman and
Forakers 1t is burning shame that
there is q party in Virginia pretending
to be in sympathy with these Ohio
slanderers. Clinch Valley NeTs.