Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1894-11-15
JUDGE SHOT IN COURT.
Chancellor Allison Killed by a
Clerk, Who Then Suicided.
REVENGE SAID TO BE THE MOTIVE.

II Is Alleged That the Judge Owed Whit
worth $4,000 aud wouid Not Pay II.
The Murderer j. Dying lie Waited For
the Judge In tho Hall.
NASHVILLE, Nov. 15.-Andrew Allison,
the chancellor, was shot and instantly
killed here by George f. Whitworth Tho
murderer and the Judge had been at odds
over political matters for many months
past When the chancellor came out Of
the courtroom, Whitworth attempted TO
renew the quarrel, alleging that tho
judge had done him a great injustice in
having his son, Granville Allison, ap.
pointed clerk and master OF the court.
Whitworth had held the latter position
for moro than six years
Chancellor Allison remarked that ii
Whitworth had attended closer to his du-
tics and had dabbled less ia matters that
did not concern him he would still have
remained clork Whitworth, who had
been. drinking replied with an oath that
tho chancellor had neglected his duty and
had appeared on tho bench when he was
not in a fit condition to transact the bust
mess Of the court.
The judge was about to reply 1t is said,
wben tho OK olorlz drew his revolver and
fired the bah piercing tho chancellor
lott lung The report of tho weapon, re-
sounding through the court corridor, soon
brought q number Of attaches and law
ycrs to the scene Before any questions
could be asked Whitworth turned bis
weapon against himself He is fatally
wounded and will probably die. Among
tho spectators was Granville Allison, who
rushed from tho courtroom just as Whit
worth shot himself. There is great ex-
citement over the tragedy. The chancel-
Tor was immensely popular and an able
jurist.
Chancellor owed the Clerk $4,000.
Surther developments show that the
killing was not caused by the proposed
appointment by tho chancellor of his son
as clerk, succeeding Whitworth, whose
torn expires today 1t was generally be-
lieved at first that Whitworth killed. the
chancellor because he refused to reappoint
him The facts later developed do not
sustain this theory. From men familiar
with tho transactions between the two ii
is learned that the cause of the tragedy
was the failure Of Allison to settle or So
cure largo sum due from him to Whit
worth for moneys loaned, said to DO about
| 500, 600.
For some weeks efforts have been made
| by Whitworth to secure settlement with
out success. Frequently arbitrators were
appointed, Samuel Keith, prominent
banker, representing Whitworth and 4.
NJ. Steger, leading lawyer, acting fol
| Allison. For some days they had been
trying to bring about a satisfactory set
tlement and yesterday Whitworth was
informed that they could accomplish
nothing. The shooting followed
Last Sunday 1t was announced that
| Whltworth would not succeed himself,
and it was feared that trouble would re-
| suit Immediately by some, but as the days
/ passed and nothing happened the entire
city was dumfounded when the news
| spread abroad that the chancellor haC
been killed by his olerk. Allison was
about 80 years old and had just begun hil
second torn of eight years, having baaT
70 elected in August last. George *
Whitworth was about 49 years old, hole
several public offices and was an active
| Democratic politician.
only ono man-Joseph II. Acklan-sav
the tragedy. The chancellor had just ad
/ journed the court ana left tho room, en-
tcrod the hall and was about TO descens
! the stops Whitworth, who was in thu
hall. said.
"Oh, judged" and as no turned firot
at him.
| Acklon rushed to him, and as he did S,
hesrd two shots behind him. Turning
he saw that Whitworth had shot himsel
with pistol After the first firing Dep
| uty Clerk West ran out from his room
into tho hallway and saw Whitwortl
! shoot himself the first time. He Gale,
to him. and Whitworth told him to stan,
OIL and backed away from him, preparing
to shoot himself again. West grapple,
with him, but too late, and the seooh'
shot was fired, both taking effect in tn
left breast.
Whitworth was perfectly cool and col
lected during the shooting and also afto
the affair. and expressed no regrets, bu
desired to know II he had killed his man
stating that no man who had treated hin
as Allison had done could live in the sam
country with him.
The body Of the dead chancellor wa
removed to his home, and Whitwortl
was taken to his.