The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-10-02
CRIMES AND CRIMINALS.

oafhtSt III bOOh'
Between seven and eight o'clock last night,
Jack Ryan's billiard saloon, on Ivy street.
was crowded with negroes The billiard and
pool tables were all in use, while the walls
were lined with men and boys watching the
game. Among others who In the room
were Cunningham and Merrwether These
two had been playing cards-a game Of five up
I'm which Cunningham lost money.
They were engaged in an earnest
conversation, bat no enc paid any at
tention TO them until Merriwether, in loud
and angry tone, asked:
"And amt you going to pay me the money!"
she spoke he jammed his hands deep
down into his breeches pockets.
"No haven't the money" answered Gun
ningham
"Then I say you are id scoundrel." said
Merriwether so loud that every body in the
hall heard him.
Cunningham made no reply TO the remark
but turned his head as though intending to
walk away. Just Ms he did so Merriwether
terked his right hand from his pocket and
raising 1t high above his head
struck Cunningham. The blow was hard
one, but no one who saw IL had any idea that
IL was a death dealing one, and no attempt
was made to stop tho assailant as he darted
through the crowd toward the door. Before
he had reached the door, however, those stand
tng nearest Cunningham heard him remark:
'Aiy God he has killed me-"
Then with the remark still upon his lips lie
made for the door too, and as lie ran large
stream Of blood could be seen pouring from his
neck and flowing down his side. The crowd
gave away, but as the two men struck the
sidewalk, the one only n few feet behind tho
other, several negroes joined in tie
race. Once upon the sidewalk
dozen voices called out:
Catch him. He has killed Marion"
Patrolman Hudson and SHELTON were on tho
corner Of Decatur and Ivy only few feet
away and seeing the throng pouring out of
Revan's place made for it. AS they drew
near some one remarked;
THAT negro in front has cut Marion Gun
bingham TO death
The two negroes were just then turning
from Ivy into Line street
and the officers started after
them, accompanied by a half dozen or moro
negroes On Ivy street, near the street car
stables, the officers came upon negro man
lying upon the sidewalk. lie was breathing
heavily and was actually weltering in pool of
blood. II took them only second TO ascertain
that it was Cunningham, the negro who had
been cut.
While tho officers were bending over him,
and Walter Berry, passed them and entered
she alley beside the stable. They were i'll pur-
suit of Merriwether, and in a minute one OF
them called out:
"Here he 81"
Patrolman Hudson left his associate with
che wounded negro and moving hurrledly into
the alley found the three negroes standing
around wagon. Under the wagon Merrl-
wether had attempted TO hide and would not
come out. The officer ordered him out, but
the negro refused TO obey. Then Richardson
orawled under and gathering Merrlwether
by tho arm, attempted to pull him out.
Aferriwether had no idea Of submitting quiet
~, and fight between the two negroes was
in progress under the wagon when Coates and
Berry went to Richardson's assistance. Mer-
riwcther was no equal for the three negroes,
and was soon in the custody OF the officer
Patrolman Shelton observed that the wounded
negro was bleeding to death, and aided by sew
eral negroes who came up, placed him on n
wagon intending TO take him TO the Ivy street
hospital, at the same time sending messenger
for physician. Just as he started off with
the wounded man on the wagon, Patrolman
Hudson returned with his prisoner walking
right into the midst of the crowd. The
negroes realized that CunninghamS condition
was extremely critical and were very mad.
and cries of Hang hinl XIII him Shoot
him" wore numerous, and at one time it
looked as though they would carry their
threats into execution.
With the wounded negro on the wagon Pa
trolnan SHELTON started TO pull IL TO the hos
pital. but on the way ho was met by DIR. Alley
The doctor climbed into tho wagon TO examine
he wound, but while no was doing so Gun
bingham died.
The death OF the negro was reported at po-
lice headquarters, and Captain Couch, who
was in charge, instructed Patrolman Shelton
TO carry the body TO Towards undertaking
Eooms Several negroes pulled tho wagon
through the street while moro than hundred
followed As the wagon passed the city prison,
she cir was full Of yells.
Hang himl Let's take him outl He ought
80 be killed."
The blade was covered with blood yet When
asked why he cut Cunningham, he said
lie tried to draw pistol ON me- and / cut
him"
No pistol was found on the dead man.
After Cunningham died and when Merri-
Wethcr was being taken to jail, he said
They can do as they please with me. /
cont care II they do hang me, was protect
Ing my own life
"But there is a chance that you will be
mobbod'
4 NbiA WAN 10 10 mRhhtNs Al 4 must
hang want II done by law"
Grocer Dangerously wouuded-Two Peo-
ple shot by Negro.
Grocer Ahnoy, whose place of business Is on
Hunter stree, near oakland cemetery. was shot and
Dangerously wounded by negto 10y who attempted
70 rob hon about ~ O clock last night.
The negro IS stlllat large.
MI Abncy came 20 Atlanta from Florida about
month ago aod opcucd family grocery store GU
Hunter street About II O'Clock last night
ncgro boy entered Ills store and after
GsShlg the price OF cheese, walked
about The Ro3r Aiiera few minutes he went TO
the door and whisusI. In second or two another
negro walked into the store. Mr. Ahney was stand
ins hVhind The counter and the negro who entered
Ale sore el walked W 10 him. saying.
Ell you move III kiN you certain"
A. lao spoke, the negro placed the mn5zlc az big
pistol within a few Inches u Mr.. Ahney's fave.
Then addressing Ills companion, the darky said:
Now, jim, 80 around and set the money out Of
II be docs III kill himN
Bat tie negro WAS mistaken. Mr. Ahney dld
muYe and the negro shot The gentleman reached
foy weight intending % throw 81 at the negro,
BIZ as his hand touched u the Begto pulled The
Gtgrcr There WAS Fash ana a report aud Mr.
Rbaey dfpppfd 80 ibe loor As she two darkcvs