The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-06-30
THE NEWS IN RICHMOND.
1t Makes II Profound Impression and is the
Question Of the Hour


Question OF the Hour.
The killing Of Colonel Parsons, OF
Natural Bridge, by Captain Goodman,
Chesapeake and Ohio conductor, at Clf-
ton Forge yesterday, created a profound
impression here. and the sad tragedy was
the one sub ieCt of discussion on the
streets during the entire day.
Both Colonel Parsons and captain
Goodman were well-known here, and the
meagre details that were received or lhe
affair during the day were eagerly sought
HOW TIE TROUBLE sTARrfD.
The trouble out Of which grew the
sad death Of Colonel Parsons dates DacK
about a year. The accounts from various
sources differ somewhat, but the facts
are about as follows o.-..
Mrs. Parsons one day boarded Captain
Goodman's train without pass, when
it seems she generally used, ana zap
tain Goodman made her pay her rare
which she did under protest.
Colonel Parsons reported the mdlteI
TO the Chesapeake and ONO oihclals,
who frankly told him that they could 90
nothing with Captain GOODMAN, as ne
had performed his duty. Parsons tnen
said the conductors manner toward ms
wife was insOlent. He was informed tldl
# he would write a letter TO that enect
the case would be properly investigated;
but no formal charges were filed. Colonel
Parsons, however. continued 70 WIlte
letters TO the Chesapeake ana ONO pe0-
PIE, making tOluUldlit0 dhoiiioA 49,
man. The letters were generally referred
TO the conductor for explanation ana ne
always satisfied his superior officers that
he was carrying out the rules OF the
Colonel Parsons. IT is said. wrote sew
cral letters 10 the oihcials or the rodu,
giving his side of the story, ana also
charging Conductor Goodman with alloW-
ing women of a notorious character 10
ride on his train without paying ldIt,
the women being known to the conductor
and travelling with him. ,-,....
These letters were shown 20 toN11ctRI
Goodman who denied the truth OF the
statements they contained: o., Ci,f-
When he saw Colonel Parsons al Oil,, OilI,
ton Forge for the first time, ne snow"
him the last letter received pS thS "a,
hcials of the road ana asHeI mn it Il 10
this Colonel Parsons is said 70 nave re-
Piled in tbs affirmative. 9. g.. o.o.od that
From another source II IS stdleq uIa'
the complaint which Parcons had pre-
ferred against Goodman was that ne hd had
carried colored women Of bad CHARACTER
on his train without collecting thelT ldIe9'
and that scme Of these women ~ eo~noy rpo
ed had insulted the ladies OF MS tfar-
sonsD family while on the tram
THE LETTTR
The letter which Goodman had in his
nossession. and pulled out OF his pocket
when he accosted Col. Parsons was lne
second received by the general manager
and the cause Of good zeal OF eAol'9-
f.1lN
It is further stated that the letters
charged Captain Goodman with dead
heading" both white and colored women
ON his train for immoral purposes, ana
CAPTAIN GOodman's record Tor the past
twenty wears was fully ventilated
Captain Goodman is also SAID to have
been the recipient Of several anonymous
Communications in regard TO the matter,
ond he asked Colonel Parsons II he was
also the author of them; that he knew he
was the author of those received 10y the
general manager. Colonel Parsons re-
Another account says that Colonel Par
sons had been for some time writing
anonymous letters TO and OF captain
Goodman Of a very scurrilous character,
yyhich naturally exaspeTated the cOnduc-
tor and il is said this petty abuse had
finally reached a point almost beyond
endurance.
in the Gladys Inn Hotel and asked the
latter If he was the author Of the ger
sonauy Objectionable letters. TO which
question Parsons made an affirmative re-
ply. Goodman Immediately drew re-
volver and shot Parsons five times-three
Of the balls taxing eNect IN MS nead ana
two in the body.
After the shooting Captain Goodman
walked TO the police station and surren-
dered himself TO the officers.
ARAu ROAD MANS REPORT.
The following statements We're made by
a railroad man who has been intimately
acquainted with Goodman for the last
fifteen years, and 10 whom Goodman Of
ten went with his troubles.
GoOdman's mind, he said Is evidently
unsettled by what he considers persecu-
uons from certain individuals in the Or
der Of Railway Conductors and alleged
efforts made by Colonel Parsons 10 get
him off the road.
The conductor On what is called the
long run. between Richmond and Clifton
ductor running for him. There was no
possibility Of the regular conductor COM
Ing back, so Goodman, who had the snort
run between here and Gladstone, claimed
he was entitled by seniority TO the long
run, and was appointed. This, II is claim
ed caused hard feelings among certain
conductors, who brought the matter be-
fore the order of Railroad Conductors,
who decided in favor Of Goodman.
The trouble with Parsons, II Is sald,
grew out Of Gooddman's insisting that
she travelled on GOodman's train.
Parsons wrote various letters TO the
company, IL is claimed, whiCn they turn
ed over to Goodman, asking him TO eX-
plain them
In one Of the Parsons letters II is said
that whenever Mrs. Parsons and her
guests wished 10 travel over the line
they would telegraph TO know who the
conductor WIS. so as to ascertain how
10 arrange about tickets.
Parsons is said TO have written in an
other letter that Goodman was so honest
that he was a bore.
Captain Goodman also received anony
nous letters, and after awhile believed
that his enemies among the railroad
mei and Cololal Parsons were persecut-
ing him.
< few days ago the correspondence was
shown 10 a friend OF Go0dmans, with
the statement that when he met Parsons
he would make him retract what he had
written or thrash him. The friend told
Goodman he was crazy and not TO trouble
himself about the matter, as he could re-
flute all charges made.
ONE MINUTE TO RKTRACT.
A gentleman who came in on the Ches-
apeake and Ohio train from Clifton Forge
Yesterday said that when Captain Good
man approached Col. Parsons. and the
latter acknowledged the authenticity of
the letter. Captain Goodman Informed