The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-04-12
state Senator Goebe1, n Prominent
Politician, Kills John Sanford, =
Banker and Wealthy Citizen.
FORMER GIVES HIMSELF UP
AND ASSERTS HE KILLED THE
BANKER IN sELF:DEFENsE.
Only Two shots Were Fired, the First
sIaycr's Clothes-Other Tragedies.

CINCINNATI, April lin the business
center of Covington, KY, John L. Sand
ford. cashier of the Farmers and Traders
Bank. was killed at 130 p. m. to-day. by
State Senator William Goebel. Both fired
at each other on the crowded street. An
hour later of the wealthiest citizens
dead and a leading politician was in
custody at the station house, while the
streets were thronged with excited crowds.
The factional agitation over the bloody ar
fair continues to run high tonight on this
side of the river. as well as in Covington
and other Kentucky towns.
Goebel and Sanford were the leaders OF
two bitterly contending Democratic fac
tions. The feud is Old one politically,
but it became intensely personal last Sat
urday, when the Covington Ledger pub
lished very bitter attack on Sandford.
which the latter attributed to Senator Goe-
bel. The latter acknowledged its author
ship. The friends OF both have been talk
ing this week in such manner that trouble
was expected the first time Goebel and
Sandford met. The meeting to-day showed
both were well armed. Senator Goebei and
Attorney-general Hendricks were walking
up Madison avenue. AS they approached
the First National Bank, Sandford. who
was leaning up against .he railing, walked
QulGhiy toNdfu ocHdtoT 1pcpci anu EPohS
to me latter, at the same time drawing his
revolver. Senator Goebel turned to one side
just as Sandford fred. The bullet from
Sandfords revolver passed through Senator
Goebel's coat and his trousers in two places
over the hips. Senator Goebel then drew
his revolver and fired, his shot taking ef-
feet on the left of Mr.. Sandford's forehead.
Tne first word was spoken and the first
shot was fired by Sandford. There were but
two Shots one by each of the assailants.
Sandfords S friends deny that the latter was
lying in wait for the Senator. Sanford
was shot over his left eye, and bled profuse-
ly on the sidewalk before he could be car
ried into the First National Bank. Sand
ford's mansion is four miles out. His FAM
lily telephoned friends to bring him home
Immediately, but he could not be removed.
Sandfords son was the only one of the
family who reached him before he died.
The victim never regained consciousness.
He died in less than an hour, and the re-
mains arrived at the homestead about the
time of his usual return in the evening. The
police were called to keep the crowd away
from the scene the bank during the att
ernoon and evening.
After the shooting, when he saw sand
ford fall. Senator Goebel returned 10 the
courthouse, stopping only a moment, and
binsef Menu M PH Here Is the reason anu k;iied
him." exclaimed the Senator. Jumping up
excitedly and turning about, he drew his
coattail around and showed where the ball
from Sandford's pistol had passed through.
tearing away a portion OF the cloth. "te
was lying In wait for me. Il saw him when
/ reached the gas office, about twenty feet
away from the steps OF the First National
Bank. / was on my way to the Citizens
National Bank with my friend. General
Hendricks. AS soon / him reach for
his revolver / reached tor mine
The trouble between the men dates back
for years In the last Legislature Senator
Goebel had bill giving the city treasurer
of Covington power to make the city de-
pository of any bank he desired. Previous
to this time the Farmers and Traders
Bank, of which Sandford was cashier, had
been the city depository. The city treasurer
withdrew the funds from the Farmers and
Traders, which at times. amounted to
$1,000 and made the Citizens National
the depository. Senator Goebel had anoth-
er bill passed reducing the toll on the Lex
ington turnpike, of which Sandford was
years old. His wife was a Marshall, and a
sister of the celebrated Thomas Marshall.
of Kentucky. Mr.. Sandford's grandfather
was distinguished in the State. being
one time State Senator and a member OF
the constitutional convention. Senator
Goebel is a successful business man well
as lawyer. He is forty years DID, unmar-
ried and a ngtive of Pennsylvania. He To-
Gated in Coyington when quite young. lie
is out tonight on bail.