The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-22
Was it designed or through ignorance?

Was it designed or through ignorance?
Judge Pitkin G. Wright is revolving this
question in his mind with the additional
one: viii 1t occur again?
On Sunday night last the Judge retired
early TO his room on the third floor Of the
Fransioi House, corner Second and Union
streets, in rear, and was asleep by 10
o'clock. Between that hour and IL o'clock
he was partially aroused by a report.
Without investigating he took new posi-
ton and was soon slumbering as only those
who have clear conscience can. Next
morning he arose and had his attention
drawn to the one window by an unpleas-
ant string of cool breeze contin-
ualy pouring through it. 1t was
a large hole about one inch in diam
eter, and clean cut. The presence OF
that hole, which he knew to be very
late arrival, and the report OF the night
before, he could not disassociate in his
mind. AT the time, however, he believed
the disturbance the work of some mis-
creant who had thrown piece of brick or
small stone. The idea Of a pistol or gum
shot never entered his mind.
When Judge Wright descended to the
dining.room he met Mr.. Fransioli, and in
nocently inquired after the providers who
had thrown stone or brick through his
window the night before. The inquiry
was supplemented by an injunction to
have that window fixed before night, as
he didn't want to have cold draught on
him all night.
Tho A., l.. -
the window in question, and wondered
what malady had seized him to bring such
a report. However, he said nothing, but
promised TO have the window repaired.
Before noon the chambermaid confirmed
the Judges report of Il disturbance, but
! added the thrilling Information that IL was
pistol shot instead OF q stone or brick.
Mr. Fransioli repaired TO the room, and
found that Il was even so. The ball had
smoothly cut its way through the window,
passed through the walnut headboard OF
the bed, within two inches OF the Judges
| head, and buried itself in the wall beyond
The heldboard was badly splintered, but
on the side next the wall, and the hole
made in entering was concealed by pill
low, hence escaped attention in the morn
! ing. The proprietor dug the ball from its
| hiding place, and discovered il TO be from
a 3Scaliber pistol.
When Judge Wright went TO dinner, Mr..
Fransioli asked him ii he had any enemies
about the city.
"None that / know Of" replied the
Judge; why do you ask?''
THAT was not a stone or brick" was
the reply, "but a pistol shot that awoke
you last night. More than that, Il didn't
miss your head more than two inches"
Judge Wright has seen a little service
in war, has smelled powder and heard the
shot whistle their respects 10 his ears, but
this revelation caused him TO shuddcr.
An examination Of the surroundings and
circumstances followed. The room is ~
rear one with but one door aud window,
and only the shadow OF q possible entrance
from the outside OF the building. Across
the wall was painters ladder or scaiiold,
but underneath the one window. A five
foot alley separates the hotel from the sta
BILE next adjoining, the storm wall Of
which, about three feet high, does not
reach 10 the hight OF the judges room.
| From this the shot was fred. From the
apglc IL took, IL could have come from no.
where else. and the would-be assassin
must have been tall man. The sleeping
gentleman could be seen by him because
OF light from burning hall lamp which
entered the room through the transom
over the door.
Judge Wright turned the case over 20
! the police, but 80 flr no clew has been
obtained which tends' TO throw light upon
| the mystery. The shot could hardly have
been intended for any one else. Tho
Judge has been occupying the room for
some time. aud before he engaged IL tran
sicnt customers were assigned 10 IT, What
possible motive could have actuatcd any
one 10 make an attempt upon his life can
not be OWNED, for his residence here has
been brief aud his conduct only such as TO
inspire friendships lie came from Nash
Vile last summer, and has been doing spe-
cal work on TnE ArrEAL and other local
papers. lie has been very rcticcnt over
the affair and only related Il 10 a reporter
yesterday.
Judge Wright Il one Of the best known
and most popular journalists Of Tennessee.
He Is and has been for years the secretary
OF the State Press Association. His wife
and family arc at Nashville. He has ac-
Quainled her Of Il by letter.