Evening journal., 1892-10-31


Yancy County Repuised In an Attempt
to Murder state Auditor sanderiin-Are
Beaten Back with Loss OF Life ON
Both sides.
IBy Telegraph to the Evening Journal
RALEroH N. O., Oct. 31.-Rev &. w.
Sanderlin, state auditor, returned yes
terday from canvassing tour west Of
the Blue Ridge mountains in this state
which proved to be the most exciting Of
his life. His trip was through Mitchell
and Yancy, which are on the Tennessee
border and which contain the worst
element OF lawbreakers in the entire
state. He had an appointment to speak
at Burnsvills, county seat Of Yancy.
A gang OF Republican dssperados in
that county had sworn that no Demo
cratic speakers should be heard. and
when they found that DR.. Sanderlin was
TO speak they determined to assassinats
him
Burnsville is a small, typical mountain
town and on the day Of speaking very
large crowd had gathered, coming from
all parts of the country ON horseback
IL Is said that a number of East Tennes-
see desperados were also present, as well
as some from Mitchell county.
The speaking was conducted in the
court house and the room was filed.
There was large crowd outside com
posed Of Republicans who renewed the
old threats and seemed determined to have
a row.
Tried to XIII the speaker.
The leader was Bud Parrott, noted
desperate, who was for time an outlaw.
TO him was assigned the duty Of killing
DR.. Sanderlin, who was soldier n ths
late war on the Confederate side. After
the war he became prominent Baptist
minister having been for years pastor
OF one Of the leading churches OF that de-
nomination Of Baltimore
He was informed Of the threats Of the
mob and its desperate attitude, but the
Democrats who filed the court house as
sured him that he should be heard and
receive full support and protection.
Soon after he began his speech there
was a commotion at the door Of the
court room, caused by the entrance Of
Bud Parrott. who was armed with
bowie knife. He attempted TO elbow his
way 60 Sanderlin along the aisle through
the crowd. A number of Democrats
seized Parrott aud rushed him to the
Onter door Of the court house.
A soon as the door was opened Par
rott's gang rushed in 60 his aid and many
pistols were fired Knives were drawn
stones we're thrown and desperate
fight ragged on the steps of the court
house and In front Of the building A
, number on both sides were shot or cut
with knives. The Democrats, however,
got the best Of this encounter aud drove
the Republicans away from the building.
DR.. Sanderlin then resumed his speech.
Suddenly the Republicans reassembled
In force and two of their number forced
r their way into the court room, but were
instantly seized and thrown out
A General Fight.
Then the fight was renewed more des-
perately than before Parrott was shot
twice through the body and killed, while
r a Democrat named Phillips was so badly
1 cut with a bowie knife that he died
afterwards More than a dozen men
. were seriously injured with bullets and
knives
nr. Sanderlm says that on leaving
the court house the scene reminded him
i Of his war experiences. The dead and
wounded were lying everywhere There
was great excitement in the town. Some
. OF the desperados had left the place aud
: It was once suspected that they would
lie in wait along the road and endeavor
= TO ambush and shoot Auditor Sanderlin.
A large escort Of determined men was
made up to take Dr. Sanderlin safely TO
the railway station which was some dis
tance away.
i The attack was entirely unprovoked,
=. as DR.. Sanderlin was a courteous speaker
!, and the attempt at assassination has
= aroused unprecedented indignation in all
! sec ions of the state.