Evening star., 1897-05-12
Exciting Scene on the Streets at
Alexandria.
MRS. KIRBY LhSHES Mr.. STEERS
A Pistol Was Drawn and All Par
ties Arrested.
w 81 A T w A s S AID
Evening Star Bureau,
No. $50 King st.
Bell telephone No 1O6


Bell telephone No. 1O6
ALEXANDRIA, Va, May r. 1897
There was quite a great deal of excite
ment at the corner of King and Pitt streets
shortly before noon today, caused by Mrs.
L. G. Kirby, wife of the city electrician
publicly cowhiding Daniel NJ Steers, man.
ager of the Home Telephone Company.
The story in connection with the affair, as
told by the parties mixed up in 1t, Is inter
esting. Some days ago, according to Mr.
Kirby. he heard that Mr.. Steers had been
talking In an improper manner about Mrs
Kirby, and he called Steers to account for
1t when they met yesterday Steers, 1t is
alleged, reiterated to Kirby what he Lad
said. Kirby was so incensed that he at
once tried to attack Steers, but was pre-
vented from doing so by friends. Kirby at
once consulted his attorney, Mr.. S. G.
Brent, in regard to the matter and was ad-
vtsed that the only legal remedy was a
civil suit.
This Kirby, it is said, decided upon. but
when he told his wife what Steers had
charged, she was SO indignant that she at
once said she would fix Steers herself, and
she at once started to look for him, arming
nerself with a cowhide She was unable
70 nnd him last night. This morning as
she and her husband were coming up King
street together she spied Steers coming
down, and she made for him with her
cowhlde uplifted. AS soon as she was near
enough she commenced to ply blows thick
and fast over Steers head and face only
resisting when Steers, 1t is alleged. struck
ner In the face with his fist, knocking her
70 the ground. At this juncture Mr. Kir-
py went Tor Steers, but he had hardly done
SO before the latter drew 3S-caliber re-
voiVer and snapped 1t at Kirby. The pistol
was grabbed from Steers by a bystander
ana the two went at 1t with natures weap-
flvnA
gained her feet and was trying to reach
steers with her cowhide again. By this
Iime Omcer Knight and Deputy Sergt. B.
3. smith had arrived, and all hands were
placed under arrest and taken to police
headquarters.
/ What Was Said.
At headquarters The Star reporter talked
with Steers, who did not seem in the least
affected by the occurrence. Wasn't that
heaut ! landed in his eyer remarked
Steers. y could hear 1t crack"
! What Is 1t, Mr.. Steers, that you are
CHARGED wft1r having said about Mrs.
Kirby?" asked the rsporter
! s'Oh, well, don't want to say, but can
prove anything say"
At headquarters the pistol and cowhide
were put away for safe keeping. Mr.. and
Mrs. Kirby and Mr. Steers were admitted
to bail, their personal bonds being taken
for their appearance before the mayors
court tomorrow morning at S:45 o'clock
! There was a great crowd gathered around
police headquarters for some time after the
arrest was made and excitement reigned
supreme
Some of the bystanders say that Steers
struck Kirby In the eye with the butt of
the revolver. thus doing great damage.
Steers claims that he struck him with his
fist. Prominent citizens say that Steers
must leave town and at once, else there
will be serious harm done him.