Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1889-11-09
A Kentucky Tragedy.

A sensational tragedy occurred at two
o'clock yesterday afternoon in one of the
corridors of the government buidingin Lex
ipgton, KY. At that hour Hon. Casaius
Goodloe, recently appointed revenue col
lec;or for that district and the State MEM
Der of the national republican committee,
was in the corridor leading from his Office to
the postofiice few fact from the door he
met Col. A. NJ. Swope, formerly a Collector
in that district, candidate two years ago
before the republican convention for Gov.
ernor, and oDe of the most prominent repub-
lcans in the State. Both men were after
the mail that was 10 their etter-boxes, which
are rather close together. They approached
these boxes at almost the same instant, and
when each saw who the other was they
eared at each other Fl srcely, and one of the
two, it cannot be discovered which. ex-
claimed You spoke to me; you insulted
me-" This was followed by some angry
words from the other man exactly what
they were cannot be found out.
II seemed scarcely moment till both
men, like flash of lightning reached for
their weapons Swope got ont bis revolver
and fred one Intellectual shot before Good
oe had his bowie ready for use. Then
with terrific lunge Goodloe sent the lo1g
blade in Swope's shoulder, stabbng him
four times. A fifth stroke sent the blade TO
his antagonists heart. Az be fell Swope
again discharged his revolver, the shot tax
ing effect in Goodlos's bowels and passing
entirely through the body. Swope died in
less than five minutes, without speaking. A
witness of the scene thus describes 1t
''As soon as the weapons were drawu,
Swope fred, and Goodoe struck the pi5to!
dawn as it went off, the bell entering bis
abdomen on the right side. Goodloe then
began stabbing his opponent in the breast
with his knife which forced Swope back.
ward toward the money order door,
they having begun the fight about mid
way Of the lobby. After several blows by
Goodloe, S@ops fred again, missing Coed
loe. In. moment after fling the second
shot 6wope fei on his face within about ten
feet of the door, and, weiterlng In his blood
died almost instantly. Ga his person were
fonnd thirteen wounds, they being on bis
back, arms and 10 his breast.' Immediately
after the killing Colonel Goodloe walked to
a physicians Office. where his wounds were
examined. He was perfectly cool, and made
disposition of bis property in case OF death.
News the terrible tragedy-which was, in
effect, duel, aud is so spoken of there
spread over the city with the greatest rapid
ity, and soon thousands were on the scene.
The families of the two men added to the
confusion and excitement by their cries OF
sorrow.
The President knew Col. Goodloe we'll
and esteemed him highly. The news of bis
probably fatal shooting was communicated
to bin, and affected him to most marked
extent. The intelligence seemed to stun
the President almost as though it had been
a near relative, A book which he was held
ing in his hand at the time foil To the IL por,
end for few minutes he paced Dervous'y
and abstractedly up and down. He asked
that any particulars of The tragedy which
might be received Should be communicated
to him.
Col. Goodloe rested well last night, and
this morning his physicians believe he has
a good chance for recovery. 1t is thougEs
there was a tacit understanding between
the men that the frat time they met alone
they should fight.