The morning call., 1892-05-20
HAVE EXCHANGED SHOTS.
Mr. Merrillion Goes Cunning for
Painter Mcneil.
He Encounters the Fellow Who Annoyed
His Wife, and Sends Bullet Close to
His Head-Was 1t Justifabls!

If Charles Mcneil, the painter, does not
stay away from Ralph p. Merrillion's resi-
dcnce a. 2912 Pine street and cease annoy:
ing members of the family it is more than
probable that he will never live TO be tried
on the charges of assault to murder, eXbb-
iting deadly weapon and battery that
have already been preferred against him.
Another chapter as added to the story
yesterday afternoon, when Mr.. Merrilion
encountered the man who has caused him
so much annoyance, and fired shot at him.
1t would seem that Mcneil is madly infat-
uated with Mrs. MerrillioD, has dogged her
footsteps and forced himself into her pres
ence whenever an opportunity was pre-
sented. About a year ago he was sent by
his employ ers to paint the Merrilli0n resi-
dence, and soon after the work was CONF
plcted he began his persecution. Mrs. Mer-
rillion did not tell her husband, because
she feared he would take the law into his
own hands and commit an act of violence.
On one occasion Mcneil forced his way into
the house, and after throwing kettle of hot
water upon Mrs. Statcher, the servant,
drew pistol and threatened to shoot both
ner and Mrs. Merrillion, who had entered
the kitchen.
Matters went along in this way until last
Saturday night, when Mcneil fired a
bullet into the front wall OF the MerrilliGn
residence. Mr.. and Mrs. Merrillion were
sitting in the paTlOr at the time and the
pistol was evidently aimed at them through
the bay-window. When arrested and
charged with assault to murder Mcneil
asserted that his weapon was discharged
accidentally.
MNEIL's RELEASE.
He secured his release on bonds, but was
rearrested Wednesday for the assault upon
In mt fpr
life Of Mrs. MerrilliOn. Again he secured
his release through the influence OF his
father. who is a park policeman. Upon
leaving the City Prison he hied himself to
29l2 Pine street, and upon learning that
Mr.. Merfillion was at home he retreated in
haste.
This aroused Mr.. Merrillion's wrath. and
he decided TO have an explanation from
Mcneil at their first meeting. lie was riding
downtown on California-street car about
o'clock yesterday afternoon when he saw
Mcneil on ear going westward. Thinking
that the painter was going out TO annoy his
wife, MerrIllion jumped from the car and
boarded the one upon which Mcneil was
riding. The car was passing Fillmore street
when Mcneil discovered Merrillion's
presence and sprang off. MerriliOn fol-
lowed suit and for several moments the
men faced each other upon the corner.
Are you on your way to my house?"
asked Merrillon.
Il don't know that it's any of your busi-
ness" was the paipter's surly answer, as
his right hand moved suspicl0usiy toward
his hip pocket
The next instant pistol flashed in Mer-
rillion's hand, and as Mcneil turned 10 run,
a bullet sped over his head and lodged in
the side of Nobmann's grocery store
Mcneil ran into the Fillmore-streete entrance
OF the store. closely followed by Merrillion.
who continued to hold the revolver in his
hand, Out Of the Fillmore-street door fled
Mcneil, and he was nearly half block away
by the time Merrillion again reached the
sidewalk.
MERRILLIoN ARRESTED.
at this stage of the proceedings Officer
Armstrong of the North End station ap-
peared and placed the pistol wielder under
arrest. Fright had increased McNeiPs
speed, and he mnst have broken the sprint
ing record as he disappeared down Fillmore
street.
II don't think / hit him." was Mer-
rllion's remark as lie handed his weapon
to the officer. AT the North End station
Merrillion was booked on a charge of
assault to murder. Late in the afternoon
he WAS transferred to the old City Hall.
With Officer Armstrong ne hunted up Judge
Love and explained the circumstances of
| the shooting. He said that In the heat of
excitement, when he thought his own life
| in danger, he fred the shot at the man who