Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-07-05
A FAMILY ROW.
II. NJ. Kivett Fires at His BrOther-in-
LAW, Fortunately Without Injury.

IL. 1AlNett FlreS HIS 1brOtner-ln-
LAW, Fortunately Without Injury.
A family row and a feeling Of jealousy
gave rise to a shooting scrape last evening
at the corner of 14th and U streets between
two trothers-in-law. John NJ. Pitts and
Robert Kivett. Pitts had the narrowest
possible escape from death, or at least
serious wound, for pistol bullet that was
fi'ed at him struck a suspender button or
his trousers and glanced off without doing
any serious injury.
Kivett is a conductor on the Rock creek
electric road and Pitts is an engineer en-
ployed at the power house of the same
road. Kivett, some time ago, married a sis
ter of Pitts. but recently Pitts has claimed
that Kivett has been mere devoted to Mrs.
Pitts even than a brother-in- law should be.
Pitts determined to put a stop to this and
warned Kivett to keep away This the lat
ter agreed to do. 1t Is said, but a few days
ago Pitts found his conductors badge in his
front yard and then his suspicious were
aroused anew. Pitts work at the power
house keeps him out all night. and on his
return In the morning he found the badge
by his front door III
The Crisis Reached.
Pitts was. naturally, enraged at this and,
II Is said. made threats of violence against
his brother-in law. kivett was told Of this
ana determined to be prepared for any
emergency. He got him 3S-caliber revolver
and carried itIabout with him constantly
He was formesly a police officer and was,
presumably familiar with the landing of
a pistol. He claims to have given his broth
er-ln-law not the slightest ground for his
About u o'clock hast evening the car of
winch kivett lis the conductor was an
proaehing the corner Of 18th and U streets,
and he jumped of and ran ahead to see n
the cable crossing was clear.
just as he was signaling to his motor
man to come ahead, Pitts came ND to him
and accused him OF dishonorable conduct
ihere were some unpleasant words that
followed in quick succession from each.
ana almost before the bystanders were
aware of what was taking place Kiyett
drew his revolver and fired one ..hot which.
as mas already been stated. did no great
amount OF damage to Pitts. Kivett was the
one who was the most hurt, for the gun
exploded and mapgled his hand In a very
serious manner.
Officer Skinner of the eighth precinct was
near the scene OF the troable, and he at
once put kivett under arrest. AS he did SO
Pitts. who had by this time recovered from
the effects of the shock caused by the bull
let. made a rush for mis- assaiiant. and 1t
was all the officer could do to protect his
prisoner Pitts soon cooled down, and when
the station was reached seemed unwilling
to press the charge against his brother-In-
law. hiNettS Wouilueu nanQ was dressed,
and he was locked up on the charge Of
assault an battery, and held for trial in
the Police Court today.
In the Police Court.
Kivett was in the dock at the Police
Court today. but his case was not reached
until late hour this afternoon. Pitts was
all broken up today and was anxious TO
have the case against his brother-in-l law
dismissed, but this could not well be done
He said that If Kivett was punished It
would leave Mrs. kivett, his sister, without
any means Of support
kivett was charged with assault. with in
tent to Kill. He was defended by Mr.. Gloss.
AMI Mr.. Mullowney prosecuted.
J ne first witness put upon the stand was
Pitts himself, who begged earnestly that
the case be dismissed.
He said that he did this for the sake of
his own sister. He said that he had not
been hurt, while Kivett had, and he had
no desire to prosecute kivett If the latter
would only promise to take care of his
wife as man should.
Mr.. Gloss asked for continuance for a
week on the defendants personal bonds
The district attorney saw that this was
not merely matter between brothers-in-
law. but that the public was interested
Inc onense was grave one, and no man
has right to shoot at another in the puh
Tic streets without any notice being taken
Of it. '"Ne''
Mr.. Gloss said that II that was the stand
the District took In the matter there was
nothing to do but waive an examinatio
Judge kimball said that even IL this mat
ter were allowed to drop. he would instruct
the officer to lodge an information against
kevftt for carrying concealed weapons. In
the ass ault case he bound the defendant
over in 500 for his appearance before the
land jury.