New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-01-31
MURDER OF COL. CLAYTON.
oowARDLY POLITICAL ASSASSINATION IN
ARKANSAS.
THE MEN WHO HAD STOLEN BALLOT BOXES
AND FALsIFIED RETURNS ENDEAvoR-
ING TO PREVENT INQUIRY.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TKIBUSE.l

ING TO PREVENT INQUIRY
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSE.l
Plummervine. Ark, Jan. 30.-The political
puccaneering that began by the theft of the bal
lot boxes at LITTLE Rock few days after the
National election. eliminated here last night In
the assassination OF Colonel John NJ. Clayton,
one Of the most prominent Republicans in the
southwest. The crime has created feeling OF
horror throughout the State, and the brutal and
cowardly manner in which it was executed is in
Keeping with the tactics heretofore employed
against less conspicuous individuals.
Colonel John Nj Clayton was brother Of Cen
eral Powell Clayton, and twin brother Of w.
II. II. Clayton, of Fort Smith. Colonel Clayton
lived at Pine Bluff with his family, consisting
of wife and five children. He was the nominee
of the Republican party for Congress in the Id
District, and made a strong canvass against O..
K. Breckinridge, who is now in Washington. Prior
TO the, election charges of fraud were made on
each side and the returns counted gave Breck-
inridge the district by small plurality Col
onel Clayton immediately filed notice Of contest,
and since November has been busy securing
evidence by which to show that be
had been fraudulently defeated. He came
TO this town last week accompanied by Notary
Public, Mr.. Alnutt Of Morrilton. Carroll Arm
strong represented Breckinridge and dispositions
favorable TO Clayton have been taken daily.
Over 100 of these depositions had been secured
up TO last night
Colonel Clayton was staying at the board
inghouse Of Mrs. NJ r Cravens, and occupied
q room containing several extra beds After TIN
examination Of witnesses had been finished last
night, Colonel Clayton went to his room and
was shortly afterwBrd followed by Mr. Alnutt and
d. H. WCmack, travelling man, who
had been assigned TO one Of tho
beds. Near enc Of the windows Of the
room stood small table supporting lamp
The blinds were only half closed, and as tho
night was dark a good view Of the interior
could be obtained from the outside. Mr.. Alnutt
first took the seat at the table and did some work
ON the dcpositlons. Womack was sitting about
ten feet away, while Colonel Clayton paced up
and down the apartment and appeared to be
nervous Womack took the seat after Alnutt had
finished his work and read aloud an article from
- The Arkansas Gazette few minutes bter
he arose and walked away. and Colonel Clayton
approached the window and was about TO SIT
down He Was in a bending position when a
loud report startled the men. The light wont
out and Clayton fell heavily 70 the hOR.
Il was at first thought that the lamp had ex-
ploded and killed him. but Womack soon realized
the true situation and said
Some one has fred through the window and
killed him match wac struck ana theie
on tho floor beneath the table lay tho body
OF Colonel Clayton with blood pouring from
run-shof wound in the neck. The alarm Yns
givcn. and while some Of the men rushed outside
TO find some trace OF the assassin, Others sun
moned physicians ClsytonS death was IN
stantaneOus as a load OF bucltshot broke lbs
neck and severed the carotid artery. NO trace
Of the assassin could be found. Ibis morning
q revolver the only elew was picked 40 beneqih-
the window. Bat n was not rsxoiVer thht
performed the murderous work. The murder
caused great excitement. and to-day the country
people for miles around poured into the city
and discussed the affair. Coroner Staggs began
sn investigation this afternoon, but 80 fir moth
ing has developed that would lead TO the identity
1f tho murderer.