The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-03
A Vigorous Campaign by Friends
to Secure This Result.
40
Voluntary and Strong Appeals
From Disinterested Attorneys.
Trouble Caused by Chums Of the
Girl Jennie Hays.
A Preliminary Examination Which Re-
suited in More Complete vindi-
cation OF a Cool, Plucky and
Faithful Officer.

Readers Of THE APPEAL will have no
difficulty in recalling TO mind the thrilling
adventure and hair-breadth escape OF De-
tective Charles ID. Armstrong, oil the city
police, an account of which was published
yesterday morning. II will be remembered
that the officer visited the classic precinct
known as Whitehaven," locality just
beyondthe gas works, inhabited principally
!. by negroes, in search Of colored girl ac-
cnscd Of stealing diamond pin from her
employer. The girl. whose name is Jennie
Hays, had bien spirited away from the
city by her lover burly son of Africa
bearing the distinguishing soubriquet OF
"scrap Iron," but whose real name was
Henry Talber. While inquiring for the
girl, whom he heard had returned TO the
city, Mr.. Armstrong came in contact with
Talbert Without any idea or intention
OF arresting Talbert, the officer asked
him TO come nearer, as he wished TO have
talk with him. 1albeit declined with
an oath and vile opithct, and made for
Mr. Armstrong with a long scythe blade.
Seeing his imminent peril. though taken
completely by surprise, Armstrong jumped
back and attempted TO pull his pistol.
The weapon, however. was eutangled in
his clothing and hasty retreat was resorted
a.. AZ hc nan the officer continued the
effort to eNtricatc and draw his pistol,
finally succeeded and fired five shots at the
murdcrous pursuer Before the last shot
was fred the two had reached the Front
street bridge over the bayou, having ira
vcrsed distance OF about 100 yards.
There Talbcrt ran into dray, just after
making q last desperate stroke at the OFF,
Ger, fell almost under the wheel and ex-
pircd.
The foregoing are the facts as developed
by sworn evidence before Il jury OF inquest
impaneed by Squire John j. Barry
This iufy was composed Of Messrs. w. ;.
Iawless, Charles G. Wagner, Joseph Ash
mer, ]. +. Maingault, w. X. Matthews
and G. II. smith, all respectable and
honorable gentlemen. so far ~ known
the investigation was thorough and COM
plcte. with not the shadow Of an attempt
10 whilewash. Mr.. Armstrong was pres
ent and insisted upon the jury hearing
every witness who pnt him or herself in a
position to bc secured. This was done,
AMI the verdict most emphaticlliy vindi-
Gated the officer, pronouncing his act one
Of purely seli-dciense. There was large
crowd on the scene, composed largely OF
negroes, aud not one voice, 40 far ~ heard,
was upliited against the officers fatal Use
Of his pistol. Aside irum the hostile dem
onstraiion Of Talbcit which pncipitatcd
his death, Il developed that the negro
had armed himself with the scythe blade
for the express purpose OF killing any
one who attempted 20 arrest him. The
officer he anticipated would be Detective
Prydc, and 10 him he sent word that, "ii
YOU come after me, I'll kill you" When
Mr.. Armstrong had about given up the
task Of finding the girl, Jennie Hays,
for the time being, he went into the store
Of Pete and John, two Italians, and M,
down on hall barrel Of flour for mo.
ment, then arose, went 10 the counter and
bought q cigar. While in the store, Tai.
bert also entered, with the scythe blade
concealed under his coat, and made mo.
ton as II 10 assassinate the officer in the
house. lie was restrained by a colorcd
woman named Gcorpana simmons, and
walked out. stopping q few feet from
the door, but freezing 10 his blade. Mr.
Armstrong did not learn Of his jeopardy
knew not that Talbcrt was 30 near him.
The two first came face 30 face after Mr..
Armstrong left the store, smoking a cigar
The foregoing facts were given yesterday
together with Mr. Armstrong; subsequent
manly conduct As soon as practicable
after the inquest, he hurried home 20 b,
the nni 10 acquaint his wife with the trag
edy and assure her that he had acted en-
tirely In scli-dcicnsc. The lady has beer
critically III for several weeks, and this al
mirable consideration ON his part wa
prompted by desire 10 spare her In,
shock liable 10 result from secondhand
and inaccurate reports. Even with thi
safeguard, however, Mn. Armstrong grew
10 much worso under the nervous sirair
and excitement that friends had 10 rcmaiI
up with her all night. Tho shock camI
alarningly near proving fatal.
In the face Of all this indisputablc evi
dence that Detective Armstrong was no
In tho least culpablc, but rather deserving
of commendation for his GOODNESS an'
bravery, what was the surprise ycslcrda,
when Il was learned that Judge J. J
DuBose, Of the criminal court, had ordered
his arrest and confinement In the count!
fail. This proceeding on the judges par
Is thus described by the afternoon papen
OF yesterday
Scimiiar. Two colored women appcarc'
before Judge DullOsc this morning ans
stated they wero eyewitness 10 the Kill
Ing Of SCRAP Iron" by Detective Arm
strong, and eaid that at the time Arm
strong fred tho frst shot the negro wa
standing still, holding the scythe blad
In his hand After tho first shot the negr
attacked Armstrong. The negro had 20
the blade 10 20 out aud clean on garden
and accidentally came upon the detective
Upon affidavit being made 10 this Judg
DnIlosc issued bench warrant for Arm
strong. charging him with murder
Deputy sheriff Mike Madden found Arm
strong nj the staiion.housc. The dciectiv
accompanied Madden 10 tho crimlns
court. where Judge DulIose ordered hir
10 be put In Jail without bail tIll after III
Waller case was finished, when a PR
llminary examination Of the matter win b
made.
Io,ign; In view Of tho above facts,
will be n surprise 10 the readers of the J<s
or 10 learn that Armstrong IL In iai
charged with murder. Two negro womef
giving their names NJ Annie Long an
Julia Morgan, appeared In the criininl
court this morning and made n slatcmeI
ga Judge DuBoee. which resulted IN IL