Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-04-10


George e. Ball, Nineteenth street, between
Tenth and Eleventh avenues. South High
lands. Telephone 9SS.)
The fearful tragedy enacted few days
ago in the quiet little Georgia town of
Talbotton was one of the most direful
happenings of the year, and one which
has excited widespread interest in this
section of the south, because of the social
prominence of the persons implicated and
the peculiarly unexpectedness of the
whole affair. Miss Sallie Emma Owen,
who was instantly killed by Dr. w. l..
Ryder, is described as a young woman
of many attractions. She was graduate
of the Wesleyan Female college at Ma
con, Ca, and received the first honor of
her class at her graduation. She was
the daugh liter of the late Mr. Daniel Owen
of Talbot county, Georgia, a man of
wealth and prominence. Miss owens
family lived on their plantation, about
ten miles from the county seat of Tai
bottom, and she had gone to the town to
spend Easter with her friends, the Nc
Coys. Dr. w L. Ryder is a young dem
list of good family, and up to this time
has been considered cheerful, happy
hearted young fellow, and was desper-
ately in love with Miss Owen. Naturally
Miss owen had many admirers, as she
was highly accomplished as well as thor
oughly educated,w was remarkably hand
some girl of % and popular with all
grades and classes of social life. She had
no enemies, but was universally beloved
and admired. 1t is thought that she had
rejected DR.. Ryder day or two before
the murder, when he urged her to marry
him. Be that as it may DR.. Ryder left
Miss Owen at the Mccoy home Sunday
night, after church services, without any
intimation that he contemplated such
fearful crime. In little while he re-
turned, found the parlor door open and
Miss Owen quietly talking with another
friend. Hon. A. p. Persons Without CIV
ings the slightest indication of his awful
purpose DR.. Ryder fired at Miss Owen
with shotgun, killing her instantly, and
then turned the weapon upon Mr.. Per-
sons who was only slightly wounded
The miserable ASSASSIN afterwards at
tempted to cut his own throat and to
drown himself in a pond near the town.
but was captured before he succeeded in
committing suicide. He was under the
influence of morphine when found, and is
supposed to have been when he killed
Miss Owen. AS usual in such cases Dr.
Ryder is greatly surprised to learn that
he is incarcerated for such terrible
deed and feigns entire innocence in the
whole matter. Public indignation is
aroused to an intense degree, and for
obvious reasons DIR. Ryder has been car
ried to the Macon, Ga, Jail for safe Keep
ing. The citizens of Talbotton have petit
toned for an early trial of the case, that
speedy justice may be melted out MISS
owen is said to be related to prominent
Alabama families, which gives an addi-
tional interest to the tragedy
The condition of mind now affected by
DIR. RYDER that is, his apparent lack OF
knowledge of the murder, brings conspic-
uously before public attention again the
number of dangerous lunatics, who never
excite the suspicious of community un-
til they commit just some SUCH horrlpie
crime Then all the strength of the legal
and medical professions is Immediately
brought to bear to prove that the MUIR
derers have been maniacs for menths and
wears! 1t seems a terrible pity that the
nrofessions-law and medcine-which
exist for the protection, morally and
physically of humanity should not make
these discoveries previous to the murders
instead of after them, as is almost lnVa-
riably the case. In nearly all the GRIM
anal trials of the present day there Is
enough expert testimony offered to prove
the insanity of the accused to have con-
signed him or her--as the case may pc
to any lunatic asylum in the country,
provided 1t had been given before instead
of after the deed was committed. With
the improvements constantly being made
in the asylums for the insane in all parts
of the world much of the prejudice
against them, which once existed, 1s pass
ing away and families are beginning to
realize that their unfortunates can be
better treated, medically. in these asy-
lums than at home, and are now more
inclined to send their afflicted members
TO them than was the case many years
ago Where ia miles continue to hold to
the old-fashloned opposition to asylums
and insist upon running all manner OF
risks with insane relatives, 1t seems a
great pity that the homicdal mania does
not begin--like charity-at home. instead
of upon innocent citizens of communities
who are in no wise responsible for the
q md license granted DANGEROUS
lunatics.
Mrs E. E. Wilkinson leaves Monday
for Richmond. Va, whSre she will spend
the summer with her parents. Rev. Dr.
and Mrs. Hiden
The Leap Year Euchre club was enter
tanned beautifully on Wednesday even
ing by Misses Louise and Mary Rucker
at their home on the South Highlands
The handsome home was profusely
adorned with Easter lilies, roses and tu-
lips. In the hall was great bowl OF
Easter lilies, while mantels and side
boards held vases and bowls of roses and
tulips
The score cards. painted by Miss
Julia Ward, represented the flags of
the different nations, and were lovely
conceptions most cleverly executed
Partners were chosen according to the
national ensigns.
The refreshments were elaborate and
delicious, served in courses. Punch was
also served during the evening. The
Iady's prize, a beautiful paper cutter of
pearl and silver, was won by Miss Mamie
Pearson. The gentleman's prize was a
handsome fountain pen. and was won by
Mr.. NJ T. Baptiste. 1t was an unusually
charming meeting of a delightful club
Next Monday, from to II o'clock p. M,
a strawberry tea will be given at the res
idence of Mrs. c. A. Nolans 1917 Fifth
avenue. for the benefit of the Central
Presbyterian church, under the auspices
of the Ladies' Aid society. There will
be rendered an interesting program
of music, ETC., followed by tempting re-
freshments. The friends of the ladies
are cordially invited to be present.
Miss Lila Cobb of Montgomery and
Miss Otis Greene of Ashville. Ala. are
visiting Mrs. l.. j. Haley. Jr.
Miss Robbie Kyle of Gadsden, who has
been the guest Of Mrs Joseph F. john
ston for several week past, returns to
her home today.