Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1889-04-15
BONFIELD'S TONGUE.
CHICAG0'S BX-INSPECT0R ROASTS EDITOR
WEST, OF THE TIMES"
The Newspaper Man Is Publicly Denounced as a
Thief Liar and Blackmalsr, to All Of Which
He Submits in Silence -Bonfsld
Livid With Rage.

CHICAGO, April 14.-"You are liar, a
bIsckmailer, thief and coward"
Ex-Inspector John Bonfield addressed
these words TO J. ]. West, editor and pub
Usher Of the Chicago Times, in William
Boyle's chop house early yesterday morn
ing. The place was filled with newspaper
and professional men. Bonfeld and a
couple of friends were eating supper
when J. ]. West, City Editor Dunne, and
two friends entered and took seats at q
table on the east side of the room. Bon
field saw West the moment he entered
the room. He made move to rise, but
was restrained by his friends. West or
dersd supper for his party, and wss nerv-
ously engaged in an attempt to eat hearty
meal when BOufsld stepped in front of the
table. Every man in the room had been
acquainted with the situation. They ex-
pected q scene, and were net disappointed
There was strange look in Bonfield's face,
look which boded no good to the man
who had been msinly instrumental in
forcing his suspension from the police
force. West did not look up. He was
busily engaged in carving a steak. Two
men occupying seats in range vacated
them and walked out into the cold, dark
night. They thought they knew when 10
quit BOnfield stood at the end of the
table fully thirty seconds without makiug
a move or saying q word. His eyes were
fixed on West. and his lips curled in a
snesring, disdainfnl smile His right hand
was buried in the depths of big overc0at
pocket, warped out Of shape from holding
some Irregular object, the outlines of
which bore a striking resemblance to re-
volver.
"Your name ia West" the ex-inspector
finally said. 'You are the man who not
only deprived me of my position, but haYe
tried to blscken my character. You have
not only tried to ruiz my character, but
that of my family. Nov, then, sir, want
right here, in the presence of twenty. five
witnesses, to brand you as liar, thief, a
blackmailer, a peIjurei, and as man
without soul or character. You have
robbed a church and are guilty of some of
the most infamous crimes that mortal man
ever perpeiraied. Now, sir, if you are no
coward, you will either deny these charges
or resent the insult"
West bowed his head but said nothing.
"That's so," chimed in Bonfeld's
friend; there's 10 crime that the cur
would not stoop to-"
West bowed again, but still said moth
ing.
Bon6eld walked up and down in front OF
where West sat for a moment or so and
then In an excited manner cried: There
are hundred men in the city who can
produce evidence that you are profess
siOnal blackmailer. l know where you
received $25, 600 blood money"
West simply bowed. His face now
wore an expression that was painful to
witness. He tOyed in al abstrscted man.
ner with the fork that lay on the table in
front of him. 30 field, on the contrary,
was choked with emotion.
assert your manheOdp ne fairly
shrieked "Say something or raise
finger if you are no coward. " And the
hand in the coat pocket delved deeper.
The ex-inspector waited for moment
as if expecting response of some kind
and then walked toward the bar. Then
tDUk duOAucI hs Wtcbf
lating come incidents connected with
disreputsble horse deal.
West in the meantime continued TO bow
and say nothing.
As parting shot BOnfeld called the at
tentiOn of everybody to him and again de-
clared that West was thief, rascal, a
villain, liar and a blsckmailer.
Now" fairly yelled the angry mao, 81
have called you these names in the pres
encs of two dozen witnesses, and you don't
dsre-you haven't the moral courage to
have me arrested. You have shown you
have not the nerve to meet me in court."
As Bonfeld started to walk away his
companion cried:
Look out; he'll shoot you in the
back"
The ex Inspectors form at once became
rigid. He never turned or WINGED, but Ie-
piled in more moderate but confident
tone: Don't fear; he's too much of COW
ard. Am not right, Mr.. WestP"
The editor bowed very low this time, but
kept his lips closed.
Bopfield was not under the influence OF
liquor, but seemed almost crazed with
rage. His face was purple and his eyes
blazed savagely. What he had to say was
spoken distinctly, vociferously and tersely.
Everybody understood his words. There
could be no mistaking their import.