The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-05-26
Hugh Holland Stabbed by
John Sweeney.
Dangerous Wound Made in the
Bartender'S Abdomen.
Sweeney Badly Used In Struggle to
Get the Knife Away.

As result OF a quarrel In the bar room
of Nelson 4. Csbona on Stokes street,
about 100 feet from Westminster street, at
the Oineyville end, at about 1880 o'clock
last night. Hugh Holland, bartender in
that saloon, was assaulted by John
Sweeney with a knife, and wounds which
are liable to cause his death were in-
fiicted. Sweeney Is accustomed to hang
about the saloons and indulge Ia drink
yesterday, and when he entered Cabana Is
saloon about 8:45 O'Clock last evening
Holland. who was in charge behind the
bar, vefused to give him liquor.
Soon afterward Cabana returned from
supper, and hearing the complaint OF
Sweeney that he could not get drink,
In order to quiet the fellow and have him
leave the place gave him glass of beer.
Sweeney remained quiet for a time and
then he began to abuse the bartender
with foul language. He was told to leave
the place. He refused. Holland came
from behind the bar and shook him up,
and seated him in chair heavily. 1t was
Hollands night off, and he went to the
wardrobe ana proceeded TO dress himself
for the street. Sweeney again opened on
him with abusive language. Holland
~
into the street. The bar room is 40 feet
deep and when half way or a little nearer
TO the door, Sweeney turned on him, and
in moment both men were on the floor.
Those present claim Holland exclaimed,
"Nelson, I'm stabbed" as he fell. In a
moment the men sprang to their feet and
John Morgan, who was in the room,
rushed between them.
This gave Holland time TO recover him
self and after a desperate struggle he Sc
cured the knife from Sweeney, which he
says he discovered he had open when he
seized him to put him ont of the saloon,
Hnd with which Sweeney stabbed him.
Sweeney after the affair, went out on
Stokes street where he leaned against a
fence which this morning bore the blood
stains from his battered face and bands.
Friends of Sweeney took him TO the office
of DR.. Pagan and DR.. Henry w. Farrell
was called to attend Holland. 1t was
found that Hollands wounds were of
serious nature and after stopping the flow
of blood he was removed to the Rhode
Island Hospital.
Lieutenant Dairy of the sixth station.
who was upon the scene soon after the
affair occurred, ordered Sweeney placed
under arrest.
While his wounds were being dressed
Sweeney claimed he used the knife In self
defence He told conflicting stories of
the affair when questioned blythe officers.
Holland disclaimed having any knife in
his possession.
At.the Rhode Island Hospital between
and O'Clock this morning laparotomy
was performed and the laceratsd bladder
was successfully united. Holland bore
the operation well, and when II was over
the surgeons were of the opinion that the
prospect of fatal result had been, reduc-
ed to almost an even chance. At hoon ii
was stated by the doctors at the hospital
that Hollands condition was very COM
Portable.
Sweeney was rarraigned before Judge
Sweetland in the Sixth District Court
this morning. He pleaded guilty to the
charge of committing an assault upon
Holland with knife and was held for
the action of the grand jury In the sum
of 5000.