Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-02-24

THE JACKSON Cry SHOOTING AT
FRAY.-Tbe jury of inquest, which wa:
empannelled at Jackson City on Satur
day to determine how Special Deput,
Hines, colored, came to his death
agreed late that evening to the follow
ing verdict: 1--WE believe from the evil
nee heard that Benjamin Hines came
10 bis death from a pistol ball in the
left breast from the hands of J. C. Mel.
SON." The jury made no expression as
to justifc alton.
Constable Green, colored, acting, as
he said, under instructions from Depu.
ty Coroner Lane, also colored, had
summoned jury composed of three
white and three colored men. When
Sheriff Palmer arrived he disregarded
Constable Green AID his jury. The
colored constable was highly incensed
at this action, and demanded the reason
why he had been turned down."
Sheriff Palmer then empanneled the
Jury whose names were published in
TIE GAZETTE on Saturday.
Deputy Sheriffs Deuterman and
Johnson, who were wounded in the
raid, were not able to appear as wit
nesses. The evidence tended strongly
toward fiat contradiction of the
stories they have told. Every witness
testified That the first shot was fired
from Johnson's pistol; some said
it was deliberate, other said acct
dental. There was also positive testi-
mony that Johnson and Deuterman
were drunk aud had created disturb
ance in the saloon earlier in the even.
ing, at which time Deuterman threat
ened to get even with Nelson.
The most important witnesseswere JIG. Gal
LANCER, Mt. Vernon electril railway employe
and E. Whalsn, Washington cabinet maker.
The first swore that Deuterman and Johnson
who had been drinking at the saloon earlier
in the evening, returned later with the ne.
groes. johnson drew two pistols when Low
is took one from him; with the other johnson
fired at Nelson aud the latter returned the
Are. Whalen swo1c that at 6 o'clock John
son and Deuterman came into Nelson's drunk;
both played crap and Johnson lost 50; Deu-
terman then tried to get the money drawer,
but Nelson stopped him; they then left, John
son threatening to get even with Nelson; at
10 o'clock they returned with crowd of no.
groes and entered with drawn pistols; they
took the chips and paraphernslia and then de-
manGed drinks; things quoted down and al
went up to the bar 10 take drink; johnson
began the shooting.
From the testimony given by the
witnesses the almost unanimous conclu-
sion was that Nelson was not uDjusti.
fed in opening fire on the raiding
party.
Besides showing how the negro was
killed, the testimony of the witnesses
showed that the men engaged in the
raid were more corrupt than the
gambling element itself. 1t showed
that Deuterman, Johnson and the col
ored deputies were entirely unwarrsnt-
ed in making the raid; that the two
former were very much under the in
Auence of liquor at the time. and that
Nelson had every reason to believe
that his life was in danger when he
fired.
From the evidence, Nelson is almost
literally sustained in his statements,
aud will have strong case of self
defense to offer if placed on trial for the
killing Of Hines. Only one witness,
aud that was Deputy Lewis. colored,
swore that Nelson shot Hines. The
fact of the shooting is lot denied by
Nelson
J. c. Nelson, Grant Spears and Frank
Morris, who have been in Jail since Fri
day, were to-day committed to Jail by
Justice Lane, for further examination
to be held at the old Court House in
this city on Monday next at IL o'clock.
Nelson said yesterday that he had
been visited by great many friends,
who congratulated him on escaping
with his life. He seemed to be in good
spirits, and is not at all worried over
his incarceration. He is also confident
that his attorneys will see that he comes
out all right. Nelson claims that the
deputies did nothing less than rob him.
He told friend that they took every
cigar out of his case and filled their
pockets with bottles of liquor, besides
carrying a quantity OF stuff away in
their arms. The injured deputy sheriff,
Ell. Deuterman, is still unable to leave
the Emergency Hospital, but is out Of
danger Peg" O'Neil is also at the
hospital. Special Deputies Johnson and
Smith are at their homes, and are out
of danger.
Harry Gambler while at the county
court house this morning, where he had
been summoned in a case for unlawful
ly selling liquor, was arrested on the
charge of being implicated in the shoot
ing at Jackson City and taken before
Justice Schlevogt, who released him en-
bail till Friday next.
Justice Isaac Green, colored, says
that the report that animosity existed
between Nelson and the colored people
at Jackson City was incorrect.
The body of Hines was taken charge
of by his family after the inquest, and
will be given burial in the little ceme-
terry near Arlington. The county furn-
ished coffin which was secured in this
city this morning from Mr.. Wheatley.
SUDDEN DEATH.-Joseph Hart
bower, jr., who lives in Fairfax county,
on the other aide of Huntinp Creek.