St. Paul daily globe., 1886-09-21
A FATAL MISTAKE.
A Young Man MOrTaiIy Wounded by
Il Friend with a Target Gun.

Il Friend with a Target Gun.
Yesterday afternoon Alexander La Blanc,
called by his friends Alexander White, en-
ployed as a bartender at Joseph CaiSmean'S
saloon, at No. Al Main street southeast. was
shaking dice with friend named Peter BOur-
goin. Tiring of the game, the two adjourned
to a shooting gallery next door, which is
run by a man named BALDWIN. Here White
picked up a target gun and playtully
pointed it at Bourgoin, saying, I'm shoot
you" Both supposed it was an ar gun,
and Bourgoin replied: Shoot away. PH
dare you to. You can't hit me-" Saying
this he stepped in front of the muZzle of
the gun and opened his coat and
again said: Fire away" White
pulled the trigger and there was
a slight explosion. Bourgoin immediately
clapped his hand over mis- abdomen and
cried out, I'm killed" White became
frantic, and wildly rushed off for doctor,
while the injured man was carried to a
room over the saloon. An examination OF
the wound showed it was located near the
navel, and that although the bullet was a
small one such as would fit a 22-calibre
pistol it was probably fatal. White i'm
mediately gave himself up, and was
he evinced the keenest remorSe at the prob
able consequences of his carelesSneSs. Last
night at o'clock the physician pronounced
Bourgoin's chances for living through the
night as very slim and at his request White
was sent for and an affecting interview took
place. in which BOurgoin eXOnerated his
friend from any motive OF malice, both men
repeating time and again that lit was only
in fun
Burgoin's age is 81 years. and he came to
Minneapolis three years ago from the Do
minion of Quebec, where his parents re-
side He has supported himself by work
ing in lumber camps, and was generally
liked by those who knew him. LIE Blanc,
or White as he is called, is about the same
age, and the two were fast friends.
DOWN BRAKES.
The Firemer's Convention Closes
TO-pay--XeHterday Proceedings.
The Thirteenth annual convention of the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen of
America will be concluded to-day. The
reports of the committee on ways and
means are yet to be heard, the next place
of meeting to be decided upon, and the
almost unanimously in favor Of At
lanJa, Ga, as the next place of
meeting, and unless some unexpected con-
test arises. the convention will finish its
business by noon. If it does, the invitation
to visit Fort Smelling via the Milwaukee
road will probably be accepted. Wednes-
day the delegates will go to Lake Mime
tonka and after a ride around the lake on
the steamer st. Louis. will lunch at Chap
mans. Thursday morning they leave for
Chicago on a special train over the North
western road.
At yesterdays meeting a great deal of
important business was transacted. The
new constitution and the ritual governing
the secret work of the organization were
adopted. In the afternoon the claims for
insurance that had been rejected by the
grand secretary were examined. The con-
VentiOn was disposed to deal generously with
the applicants and many claims were passed
for which the brotherhood could not legally
be held The claims for disability and
death allowed probably footed up $50. 600.
Of this number ten were death
claims for 81, 500 each. In
one instance the convention went
so far as to donate relief to a brother III
order that he may visit the Pacific coast for
the benefit Of his health. A resolution to
the effect that the brotherhood shall not be
alnalgamated with any other organization
was also passed.
In the evening the delegates very gener-
ally attended reception rendered them at
railroad mems reading room of the Y. NJ.
c. A, at 81 south Second street. Ad
dresses were made by E. G. Russell, John
II. Elliott and T. f. Judd. Irving Law
renee played piano solo, and Messrs. Win
ter and Chapman guitar duet, after
which came dancing to the music of SAVERS
orchestra. Refreshments were served by
the Ladies Auxiliary society,"