The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1894-06-17
.cial ni.nat,.h tn,he na.lx E,r,.

Special Dispatch tothe Daily EagieL
FL RENO. o. T., Suue 16-Today closed
the evidence in the trial of Fred BealI for
the killing of Frank Mek-unon OF Guth-
RE, y. T., in january, 1873 Monday aud
Tuesday Will likely be occupied in the
arguments.
The Beall murder case is the most fam
Gus yet tried in the courts of this terri
tory. On January :. 1923. Al the corner OF
Second street and Harrison avenue. in
Guthrie, Beall and Francis R Mckenpon,
two OF the leading men of the territory.
met in anger and Mckenuon WAS killed.
He was very prominent man, a0d FEELING
ran high when the news went out that he
was dead. Beall who was a compare
lively new man in the territory, has had
TO ask for two changes OF venue
Bsail has never talked o. the killing
and the line of his defense was not known
until given by his attorney, Amos Green.
at his trial. Ii was, practically, that
few days before the killing occurred, Beall
had been employed by New York bank.
TO attend TO some legal business. then
pending in the courts at Guthrie, Tor
which services BsaIl was TO receive IA cash
fee of $500 and still larger amount at the
end of the litigation. The employment OF
Beall by the New York bank came to the
knowledge of Mckennon, who thereupon
the Zee, upon the pretense that when they
had formed their partnership, that 1t was
for a period OF one year, and this be did,
Notwithstanding the partnership had been
dissolved two or three mouths. Beall
refused to comply with the demands
of Mckennon IN this matter. They
met at the district court room in the
forenoon Of the fatal day, or rather they
met in hallway leading into the court
room, and then Mckennon demanded of
Beall that he should have ole-half Of the
fee 10 the bank case. and also insisted that
when the case was called in court that he
would appear in it as counsel. Beall re-
fusing TO concede to the extraordinary de-
mands of McKennon, he then renewed his
threats. that he would disgrace him and
drive him from the territory or kill him.
This occurred about 10 o'clock. Beall
then sought the advice of friends, what be
should do to avoid the difficulty. Being a
new conner in the territory, aud a compar-
alive stranger to the people. and Mr.. Nc
Kennon beng of the oldest settlers IN the
territory, and reputed wealthy man,
Beall realized the fatal disadvantages at
which ne would be in case of personal
and was exceedingly anxious to
avoid one.
When Beall started to dinner abou.
noon, knowing that he had to pass along
the street by the court house, where he
had left Mckennon, and knowing that he
was liable to meet him, he borrowed a
pistol from friend as means Of protec-
ton and self-defense If Mckennon should
meet him on his way to dinner. He had
not gone fsr on his way TO dinner before
who was on a cross street.
hailed Beall aud told him to stop. Beall
did so. and McKennon approached him.
saying he wanted TO see him. They walked
thirty or forty feet south of the street on
which Bsall was travelling on his way to
dinner when Mckennon turned abruptly
around and re.umed his de-
mands. They stood and talked
awhile when Beal said, For Gods sake.
man, don't hound me 20 death. / must go
to my dinner" Mckennon replied, wait"
and about that time seized Beall with his
left hand and threw his right hand toward
his hip pocket, when Beall Instantly drew
his pistol and shot. They grappled, Beall
trying TO prevent Mckennon from draw
ing pistol. and at the same time contin-
uing to shoot until McKennon fell dead.
The prosecution has made a strong case.
however, showing Mckennon to be a good
natured, easy-goIng man, and the testi-
mony they have brought out did not show
Beall mp in a very good light. The verdict
Is awaited with great deal of interest.