Albuquerque daily citizen. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1895-1903, 1898-05-10
AFfRAYs.
Officers Of Roswell, With Monte Players,
Indulge In Pistol Shootlng.

Olleers OF Roswell, With Monte Players
Indulge In Pistol Shooting.
Roswell has borne the reputation o
being the most orderly town In New
Mexico or the entire southwest, sAys On
Roswell Record, but a few more such a,
fairs "a we have had this week will sui
fee to tarnish the good name of the tow
for years to come.
Last Monday, just at noon, W. r Cum
minis, while under the influence OF liz
nor, and imagining that he had a griev
snce, went into the Oriental and began
shooting at Jas. Harp, the bartender
Harp returned the fire. Eight or ninC
shots we're exchanged before Deputy
Sheriffs Higgins and Peck could get there
and stop the proceedings. Barring the
destruction Of u $500 mirror, no actual
damage was done. On hearing before
Judge Lea, Harp was discharged and
Cummins placed under bond to await the
action OF the grand jury.
Tuesday night information was given
Deputy Town Marshal will Ralnbolt that
George MeElroy, a monte dealer, was
carrying a pistol. lie arrested him, took
the pistol and next morning brought him
before the justice Of the peace, who en-
tered up the ane Of fifty dollars and costs.
From this McEiroy gave bond and ap-
pealed his case to the district court.
About IL o'clock Wednesday he sent word
10 RainbOlt that he wanted to see him.
RainbOlt went TO the Central Hotel bar,
where McElrOy and a brother, Joe McEl.
roy, were dealing monte. The McBlroys
demanded that Rainbolt give back the
pistol, which he had taken the night
before. This the officer refused TO do
until the matter was settled. Joe Nc
Elroy remarked, with an oath, that he
(Rainbolt) would give up the pistol right
then and made a move under the table
behind which he was sitting al II TO
draw a pistol. Rainbolt drew his pistol
and struck him over the head with It.
just as he did, George McElroy made a
slash at Rainbolt with a knife. cutting
hun across the nose. The officer turned
and shot George, the ball taking effect In
his back near the shoulder and ranging
down lodged In his groin. Just as Rain
bolt shot, Joe raised with q pistol TO fire
at the officer, but Deputy Sheriff Higgins,
who ran in just as the 6ght opened
knocked the pistol down and the bali
passed through the floor. Rainbolt then
Joe McElroy In the arm, putting him
out Of II. After the melee was over II was
found that Rainbolt had three cuts; one
across the nose, one In the left arm and
one in the breast.
To us this has the appearance OF a de-
liberate attempt on the part OF the Nc
Elroys TO bulldoze the officer, aud IL
would be a nice state OF society II the
town IL 10 be dominated by such cattle.
We have heard some little carping In re-
gard to Rainbolt exceeding his authority,
but 1t is a poor citizen that does not
stand by peace officers. 1t can be proven
that these parties have been violating the
law relative to carrying pistols, and the
did his duty In arresting him.
The officers have given notice that they
intend to put a stop to this ~infraction Of
the law, and u number Of good citizens
stand ready to aid them, II necessary,
to the point OF searching every man
In town.