New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-11
A SOUTHERN EPISODE.

A gentleman was recently elected 10 the Mis-
s;ssinni Senate whose name is T. Dabney Mar
shall. We designate him as gentleman instead
~ merely as man, for the reason that in his
case the distinction was generally recognized
among his constituents. Persons who are not
gentlemen occasionally get into legislative as
sembl!es. and in justice to their colleagues 1t IS
proper to discriminate between such individuals
and the superior article Mr.. Marshall was
gentleman not only by nature but also by inner
itance His family rs one Of the most prom
inen, in the State of Mississippi; he is likewise
.hirhly educated lawyer. and man of letters.
These facts are interesting. as evidence OF Mr..
Marshalrs peculiar fitness TO assist in making
laws for A sovereign commonwealth, and they
are Of special significance In connection with his
latest and most conspicuous achievement.
Until about 10 o'clock last Friday morning one
Of Mr. Marshas constituents was Mr.. X. I.
Dnkins. who belonged to family equally as
good" rs that Of Mr. Marshall intrinscally, and
perhaps still more eminent by reason OF It's po-
ljtical and ecclesiastical connections. About two
weeks ago Mr. Dinkins. who apparently disa-
greed with the majority on the subject OF MI.
Marshals qualifications for the Mississippi Sen
ate took occasion to make, and subsequently re-
heated. certain derogatory remarks concerning
that gentleman. and thereafter Everybody looked
for a killing sooner or later" Under what con-
ditions the killing was destined to be accom-
n,ishod was naturally a matter of speculation,
but those who were sure that Mr.. Marshall would
do nothing unworthy of a gentleman and a states
man have had their faith abundantly Justined.
Having determined not to disappoint the general
expcctation of a killing. Mr.. Marshall proceeded
TO carry out his purpose with delicate regard 10
every detail He did not feel that he was under
any obligation to be instrumental in more IMAM
one killing. and therefore he waited until MI
Dnkns should come around a corner alone ana
unarmcd An unnecessary effuson OF Dlooh
though pleasing perhaps to vulgar persons, would
have been offensive to those Of finer sensiblltes
4 single killing was all that the community
could reasonably ask. and Mr.. Marshall, as a
gentleman could not exceed the bounds OF mod
estv Furthermore, whereas others In his stua
ton might have been governed by vain desire
TO monopolize the killing which was about to be
performed. Mr. Marshall rose superior to that
domination. and unselfshly engaged several
friends 10 assist him. Marking Mr.. Dinkins
carefully as he turned the corner, they promptly
onened fire: but even in this final moment or eX-
hilaration they were attentive to all the pro-
nrieties The spectacle Of Mr.. Dlnllns merely
lacerated and wrgglng around the sidewalk
would have been unseemly and might nave
tended TO disturb the public peace: and so with
forethought and great celebrity they shot him nj
teen times thus preventing any awkward gyra-
tions Of his body or noisy demonstrations OF pain
and dsapproval 1t was dexterous, thorough
and extremely neat killing.
A great many Southern gentlemen who like
Mr. Marshall belong to the first families. and are
ALWAYS willing to represent their several com
munjties In the halls OF legislation frequently eX-
nress surprise because the tide OF immigration re-
fuses to set strongly in their direction. They
have proposed various remedies for condltoh
Of things which they depore, and within year
or two have organized a bureau Of Information
and enticement in this part Of the country we
think that their principal mistake Is in not be-
ginning their educational process at the right
poin. They do not understand the nature of the
ign, ..nce which they are endeavoring to en-
tighten. Northern men know n great deal about
tho material resources and attractions OF South
ern States. but they need to be instructed In the
principles and enkindled by the charms OF South
ern cbivalry. Until they have been made TO com
nrehcnd the sweetness and nobility Of hunting
single defenceless man in company and putting
fifteen bullets into him. they will prefer to re-
main in the cold and sordid North.