The times., 1897-05-13
MRs.KIRBY YUs[sACOWAIDE.
Prominent Alexandria Woman
Whips an Alleged Slanderer.
STRIKES HER WITH HIS FIST
Manager Steers, of the Telephone
Company, the Man Mrs. Kirby
Attacked-Mr. Kirby Takes n Hand
and Steers Hits Him on the Eye.
All Three Placed Under Arrest.

Alexandria, Va, May I'D. NJ Steers,
superintendent OF the Home Telephone COM
pany in this city, was today cowhided ON
King street by Mrs, Lee S. Kirby, wife
of the city electrician, because uf alleged
SANDERS circulated by him about her
Steers retaiated by striking her in the
face, and, when the lady's husband en-
gagged in the fray, whipped out revolver,
struck Kirby on the eye with the butt and
then attempted to pull the trigger. The
pistol, however, missed fire, and what
might have been murder was averted.
All the parties were arrested, but We're
afterward released on bond.
the occurrence. Those interested are all
well connected, and move in high social
and official circles.
Mr.. steers was walking leisurely ON the
south side of King street, and an he ap-
preached Pitt street he crossed over. Mr.
and Ers. Kirby were coming up King
street ON the north side at the same fine,
and as Steers approached the curbstoDe the
former cried excitedly. There he is
Give it to him.
Mrs. Kirby thereupon drew rawhide
from under her coat and sprang at her
alleged traducer, with the words, Take
that, you cowardly cur"
The first blow OF the whip took off
Steers hat, which rolled into the gutter.
The second landed on his neck, leaving a
livid stripe. Two or three more were
struck. but he caught them on his haul
At about the fonrth lash Steers struck Mrs.
Kirby in the face, knocking her down.
Mr.. Kirby then came to his wifes aid,
but Steers drew pistol, and, clubbing it,
struck Kirby a terrible blow on the left
eye with it. He then turned the weapon
around, and, aiming it at Kirby, at
tempted to fire AT the same moment Mrs.
Kirby threw herself between the pair
Luckily however, the cap of the cartridge
missed fire.
a large crowd had by this time assem-
hled, and enc OF tpe bystanders, Mr. j.
NJ White, rushed in and disarmed Steers,
thus preventing bloodshed.
Officer knight, who was only a block
away, had by this time reached the scene
and placed Steers under arrest, while Mr..
and Mrs. Kirby were taken to the police
station by Deputy Sergeant B B. Smith,
The large crowd which had gathered
followed the prisoners, aw aiting further de
velopments. None Of the persons inter
ested, however, said anything, and q few
moments later they were all released on
personal bonds OF $3.50 each
The case will be heard by Mayor Thomp-
son tomorrow morning at O'Clock, when
each the three will be tried for affray, and
Mr. Steers on the further charge of
carrying concealed weapons.
Mr. Steers, who is goodlooking, we'll
built young man, denies that he struck the
woman or that he attempted to use the
revolver In the fight 81 could whip him
easily in a fair fist fight he said, ''and
had no need to resort to a weapon In
fact, handed the pistol to Mr. White be-
fore the Iii x-up occurred, so that 1
might not be tempted TO use il if / should
become excited.
Furthermore, would have at no time
said anything reflecting on the character of
Mrs. Kirby.
Il prefer not to say anything more at
present, but if the case comes TO trial to-
morrow, some sensational developments
ma follow"
Mrs. Kirby, a slender, comely-lo0king
young woman, when seen yesterday after
noon, at her residence, by a Times re-
porter, was still greatly excited
Mr.. steers made disparaging remarks
about me; first to my brother-in-law. and
afterward he had the auda0ty to repeat
them to my husband in this very room.
We consulted cur lawyer, but found that
we could not bring a criminal acUion
against him, and as for civil suit, he
is not worth cent
$50 we decided to seek reparation in
the way that all such cowardly traducers
should be treated, and today's scene was
the result am glad did it, and know
that every man or woman who has a
reputation open to attacks from SANDER
will support me-"
Mr.. Kirby, whose eye is so badly hurt
as TO require the services OF physician,
was also in the room, and bore out his
wife u her statements.
1t was said around the streets ycster-
day afternoon that Steers had spoken
slightingly OF the virtue of Alexandria
women as a whole, and that for this he
would be tarred and feathered by q COM
mittee appointed for that purpose. In
vestigation showed, however, that the
rumor was without foundation.
Mrs Kirby, whose maiden name was
Clara Greenwood, is the daughter of g.
s.. Greenwood. who for thirty years tr
more has been the Government lighthouse
keeper at Jones' Point
Mr. Steers has resided in Alexandria
only about six months, coming here origi-
naily from Baltimore.