Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1894-06-15
MURDER ATTEMPTED.
Beer Drinkers Fight on the
Island,

And One of Them Uses Revolver, Two
Bullets Taking Eject on the Person of
Michael Doy-@The wounded Man Tells
story which Proves to BE False.
A murderous assault was committed on
the island Wednesday night, as the cul-
mnation of row among party of imbi-
bers who were returning from visits to the
irregating stations. Fortunately, muir
der was not committed, but Michael
Day, New London brakeman on the New
London division of the Central Vermont
railroad, was badly wounded, being hit by
two bullets from a revolver.
Day was first seen on this side of the
river while crossing the Main street bridge
in company with a fellow railroad man.
lie was coatless and hatless, part of one
shirt sleeve was torn away, and the blood
was pouring profusely from wound in
his arm. The two men stopped at the
Bratteboro Livery cOmpany's stable and
the wounded man was put in a team there
and carried to the Office of Dr. Pratt, on
Elliot street. Dr. Pratt found wound
in the groin which he dressed. He at
tempted to probe for the bullet in the
wound in the arm, but Day was so restless
NhNN 'iiN Nttoh was pOolpOllCu ulllll IlOlDlll2s
The wounds had the appearance of being
made from revolver at close range, as
they were blackened and pieces of the
mans clothing were driven into them.
Day went from the office of DIR. Pratt to
the American House, where The remained
over night, but before retiring he went to
the railroad yard to see men there. He
left Brattleboro on the "owl' train south
yesterday morning.
Day is about IS years old, man of
medium height and weight, and of light
complexion. His home is in South Gov
entry, Conn. For some time he has been
accustomed to come to Brattleboro on the
freight from New London, due here at
I:l1 in the evening, in charge of Conduc-
tor McKenna, and to leave on the freight
going south at $3.50 in the morning. The
railroad men speak well of him, but there
is report that he is the person who cut
open Brattleboro mans head on the is
land several months ago. Day has usually
spent his nights here at the engine house.
Days story is that he was sitting in front
of the Crosby store-house when four men
came along. One of them was a lineman,
whom he had put off the cars, and who
had threatened to have revenge. This
man on seeing Day pulled out a revolver
and fired one shot, which did not take eff
feet. Day says that he then grappled with
him and threw him to the ground, but that
in the scuiile the revolver was discharged
twice, both shots taking effect.
The Phoenix has investigated the case
carefully and has found out the facts.
a party OF seven men were on the island
after 10 o'clock. Among the number were
four lnemen, two railroad men and others.
All had been imbibing freely. Their talk
as they walked along was of a bantering
nature, and boasts of ability to fight were
heard, as well as repeated oaths. Day
and one of the Hneman began fighting
As they clinched, Days antagonist fell.
Some of the party suggested that Day
ought to give the other fellow another
chance. Day agreed and released his hold.
When the lineman arose he again showed
fight. OtherSof the party were soon mixed
up in the scrap.
While several of the men were struggling
two reports of revolver rang out, and it
was found that Day had been shot. He
Day was assisted to this side of the river
by one of the railroad men, and the rest of
the party dispersed in different directions.
The later facts in the case show very
contradictory statements. Ed. McKennon,
young barber, says that he was one of
the party. All had been drinking beer
freely. There was considerable fighting,
Day in particular being anxious to show
his powers. During the melee McKennon
was hit in the eye and his hat knocked Off
He went back for his hat, and met Walter
and Harry Boynton, who We're in their
team, on their way from this village to
North Hinsdale. The shots were fired
and the Royntons then drove away, Nc
kennon came on to this village, seeing
none of the party on the way.
The story of the Boyntons substantially
confirms McKennon's statement. When
they met the drunken crowd one of the
men was caught on the shaft of Boynton's
team and was dragged along several feet.
Another man reached up and pulled off
Walter Boyntons hat. The Boyntons
stopped their team to get the hat.
The railroad man who came up with Day
tells story which corresponds to that of
his friend, about the fight being by the
store-house. There is, however, plenty of
evidence, aside from that of McKennon
and the Boyntons, to show that the shoot
ing was on the island.
Whether it was Days first opponent who
fired, or some other member of the paw
is not known. The so-called linemt oro
said to be nothing less than gamblrs and
general toughs, who have atte;nted IN
work confidence games hereabogs These
toughs are said on good autdritv 70 bove
been drinking freely of JaRica Ginoer ON
this side of the river durir the day.
There was a story alut town Yesterday
mat Day had died ,hle on his way to
New London, but twas without fonda
ton.