New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-06
A RAILWAY OFFICIAL SHOT,
W. G. WATSON PROBABLY KILLED BY
DISCHARGED DETECTIVE.
DIVISION SUPERINTENDENT OF THE WEST SHORE
RAILROAD ATTACKED IN HIS OFFICE AT
wEEHAwKEN BY THE MAN WHO CAUGHT
OLIVER CURTIS PERRY-Two Bull
LETS TAKE EFFECT

LETS TAKE EFFECT.
William G.. Watson superintendent OF the
Hudson River Division Of the West Shore Raii-
road, was shot and probably fatally wounded
yesterday afternoon by Edward Clifford. FOR
merry detective in the employ OF the railroad
The shooting took place In Mr.. Wattson's private
Office. On the second floor Of the depot IN Forty
secord-st, Waehawken. The wounded man was
removed to the Roosevelt Hospital. In this city,
where he now lies in a critical condition
For some cause. presumably drink. Clifford
was discharged from the services Of the West
Shore Railroad on Wednesday, Yesterday
morning he went to the office at Weehawken
and asked for what money was due him. He
received the money and went away. Between
and 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon Clifford re-
turned to the depot and went to the office OF
Superintendent Watson. on the second floor
He wanted to see Mr.. Watson. but the super
intendent was not In. Taking a chair. Cliff
ford said he would wait until his return.
There were a number OF clerks In the outer
office. John 2. Skane. who occupies small room
off the private office. was at work there. When
Mr.. Watson appeared h, sat down at his desk
and asked Clifford what his business was. From
what the clerks said afterward there was no
sound OF quarrel: neither were there any angry
words heard. Clifford seemed to be begging the
Superintendent to reinstate him. and when the
latter refused to grant the entreaty the detective
arose and advancing toward the desk said. "Well,
Superin tendent, here are your papers"
Just then Skane entered the room where the
two men were. Clifford standing about five
feet from Mr.. Watson with a revolver in his
hand. Turning suddenly at the entrance OF his
secretary, Superintendent Watson saw Clifford
ut ha before
could take another step a shot rang out. The
bullet entered the groin, but Mr.. Watson jumped
for Clifford In spite OF the injury. The detective
was too quick however and fired a second shot.
which took effect In the abdomen and the Super
intendent fell TO the floor.
During the shooting Skane stood powerless
and seemed to be unable to move hand or foot.
After firing the second shot Clifford calmly placed
the revolver In his hip pocket and walked out
Of the office down the two flights Of stairs and
into the street The clerks in the outer ONCE
made no effort to detain him. and say there was
nothing about his ma iner to Indicate that ne
had just attempted murder.
Policeman Boham was standing In front OF the
depot when the detective walked up TO him and
said Take me In. Mike; I've just shot the old
man" crowd had gathered and the policeman
hurried the prisoner TO the station-house, where
he was searched. Forty dollars and revolver
were found on Cliffc-d's person TWO chamoers IN
and later taken before Justice. who held him 70
await the result Il Superintendent Wattsons
injuries. .,.
AS soon as Skane recovered from his frignt
he shouted for help, and the clerks telegrapned
for doctors Word was sent TO Dr. Cortwrgnt,
the roads surgeon and telegram was sent 10
Roosevelt Hospital for an ambulance. Or. Cort-
wriRh. bandaged the wounds and stayed with
Mr. Watson until. the arrival OF the ambulance.
when the injured man was brought to the Roose-
Welt Hospital, In this city. His condition IS
serious though not necessarily fatal. Mr.. watt
son lives at Haverstraw with his wife and three
daughters a.,
state Detective Harrison saw CLIFFORD In the
station house and asked him why he had shot
his former employer Clifford replied that Wat'-
son refused to reinstate him ard ordered him 10
leave the office He pulled out drawer IN MS
desk and | saw revolver there the detec'i'e
continued II thought he going to shoot
me so pulled my gun and fired In self-defence.
This Is all the prisoner would say.
clifford Is we'll known along the Hudson divl-
sion Of the railroad He gained considerable
fame by capturing Perry. the train robber after
the latters escape from the Matteawan Asylum
When locked up In the Weehawken police station
Yesterday the detective was placed in the same
coll Perry occupied after he was captured.
Later in the day Clifford was arraigned before
Recorder Ryer who held him without bail TO
await the result Of his victims Injuries
At the Roosevelt Hospital last night II was
said that Mr. Watson was In critical condl-
tion Coroner DObbe sent for TO take his
ante-morten statement but when the Coroner
arrived the patient was on the operating-table
under the influence Of anaesthetics. He bore
The operation well, and hopes were entertained
of his recovery.