The state chronicle., 1889-08-23
A il DGE KILLED.
Judge Terry SIap> Justice Field and is
Shot.

At Lathrop, Cal, Judge Terry was shot
last Friday. Justice Field, of the [. S.
Supreme Court gives the facts as follows:
4 can tell you the story in a few words.
For the last few months all manner of re
ports, both public and personal, have
reached me that Judge Terry had threat
ened to subject he To some form of indig-
nifty if he should happen to meet me.
This TACT caused the | nited States Mar
Shal to decide to provide such protection
as he could during my stay in this State.
Wher I started for Los Angeles to hold
court. Deputy NaSle accompanied me-
He seemed 10 be "a quiet, gentle emanly off
cial, though | only met him twice While
away from Los Angeles. He asked me in
that city when intended to return. and
accompanied me, taking q seat in the
sleeping car opposite to me We heard
this morning that Judge Terry and his
wife were on the train, but paid no atten-
ton TO the fact. When we arrived at
I.athrop we entered the eating station to
get breakfast | took seat at the end Of
the table, while NaSle sat on one side of
me. Terry and his wife came in the room
soon after. As soon AS sire saw NE she
went cut of the room. - | afterwards
learned, returning u tue car for her
satchel Judge Terry rose, and | snp
posed be intended accompanying her In
stead of doing so, he walked back Of me
and struck me a heavy slap IL the face.
was completely astonished, and seeing lie
vas making ready to strike again, Nagle
cried out, Stop stop but Terry dl not
desist, and he was raising his arm
second time, Nagle shot at him. the bullet
entering his heart. He fell to the floor.
Nagle shooting a second time, but the sec
Ond shot did not strike him. Nag'e was
arrested at Tracy and taken to Stockton
to await the result of the inquest. That
is the complete story, as far as | am
aware of the facts, said the Justice, Ia
conclusion
What Led to the Trouble.
Some months ago Judge Tracy and his
wife were in justice Fields court. We do
not recall the reason but think it grew
out Of a duel. Terry said that he had
once said he considered Justice Field the
only honest Judge on the Supreme Court
bench. For some cause, Judge Field or
dered Mrs. Terry to be seized and taken
out of court, and Judge Terry warned the
officer not to lay rude hands upon his
wife, but when the officer seized Mrs
Terry, Judge Terry drew his knife and
said he would defend her person from
such an unnecessary assault. Judge
Field then sent Judge Terry to jail for six
months for contempt to court. While
in jail Mrs Terry was prematurely con
fined. Judge Terry then threatened to kill
Justice Field on sight.
Arrested.
Justice Field and officer Nagle were ar
rested and both gave bail. The [. S. Gov
ernment will attend to the defense of Ma
gle, and very properly.
What We Think About 1t.
1t was terrible affair. Judge Terry is
a lawyer and he knew that Justice Field
acted only in the capacity of Judge. In
| doing his duty on the bench he deserves to
be upheld by every lover of law and order.
Able man AS he wa, Judge Terry was a
very violent and vafy excitabe man. He
made public threats. Officer Nagle knew
that be was man to carry out his threats
and he, perhaps too hastily, took the only
means at command to save the life Of
Justice Field. The officer did not stand
in the usual position which is that if a
man is attacked and is in danger of his
life, he is obliged to 60 to the wall before
he can take the life of his assaiant. 1t is
different in the case of an officer sent to
| protect the Justice of court. 1t is then
left N his judgment to strike when he fears
the life of the Judge is in danger from his
! aSsallant