The Forrest City times., 1899-03-24

A bloody street riot between county
and city officers took place on the
streets of Hot Springs about o'clock
On the afternoon of March 10th, result
ing in the death of five men and the
wounding Of another. The dead are:
T. C. T.OLER, chief of police.
TOM GOSLEE, sergeant of police.
]. E. HART. city detective.
LOUIS HINKLE, business man.
20. WILLIAMS, son of sheriff.
Wounded:
ED SPEARS, deputy sheriff.
The terrible tragedy was the out
come of a difficulty earlier in the day
between Sheriff Williams and Tom Cos
lee, when both men used their pistols
without damage to either.
The trouble grew out of politics. A
spirited municipal campaign is on and
much bitterness exists between the
supporters of the two candidates for
mayor. Tolar was supporting the in
dependent candidate for mayor, with
the understanding that he would be re-
appointed chief of police, while the
Williams faction was supporting the
regular democratic nominee. In case
of the latter's election, it is supposed
Sheriff Williams brother would have
succeeded Tolar.
1t is not known who fred the frst
shot Chief Toler, accompanied by
Goslee and Hinkle, met J. o. Williams
and Ed Spears opposite Lemp's depot,
when the battle began. Between fifteen
and twenty shots were fred, and as the
streets were crowded the greatest ex-
element prevailed.
When the firing ceased it was found
that Chief Toler, Sergeant Goslee and
Ed Hinkle had been killed outright,
the two former shot through the head
and body. Williams received a mortal
wound in the head, dying few hours
later, and Spears was shot or cut in the
neck.
About twenty minutes after the first
battle another one took place, in which
Detective Hart was killed, the top of
his head being shot off. The latter
killing occurred only short distance
= L.
Sheriff Williams was not present
when the first battle took place, but
arrived in few minutes, accompanied
by his brother and two nephews, all
heavily armed.
Learning his sons fate, the sheriff
became frantic with grief and rage, and
could hardly be restrained. The killing
of Hart took place after the arrival of
Sheriff Williams.
For several hours after the killings
great excitement prevailed, and all
business houses, saloons and gambling
rooms were closed for the night.
The dead bodies on the sidewalk pre-
sented a CHASTITY sight. Soon news Of
the terrible affair was conveyed to the
homes of the victims, and the shrieks
of wives, mothers and children was
most heartrending, and had they been
heard, would have softened the heart
and subdued the anger of any man.
Judge Beldin was sworn in as chief
OF police and Immediately appointed $50
special policemen to patrol the city and
prevent further trouble.
At the request of leading citizens
Gov. Jones and the entire Garland coun-
ty delegation in the legislature went
to Hot Springs, to lend their aid and
influence in maintaining order.
The friends Of both factions are in an
ugly mood, and further trouble may
occur at any time.
Sketches Of the Dead.
Chief T. C. Toler had been a resident
of Hot Springs about % years, and was
regarded as an absolutely fearless man.
He served as chief of police Of Hot
Springs a number of years, and at
other times was interested in saloons
and gambling houses. About fifteen
years ago he killed gambler named
Ed Howell in self-defense He was ap-
pointed chief In 1897, but, as before
stated, served In that capacity num-
Der of terms before.
Thos. +. Goslee was a printer bv
trade, and had lived in Hot Springs
about 80 years. He was a man of
Eerve and good officer.
Hinkle was born and raised in the
Vapor City He was formerly in the
saloon business, but at the time of his
death was employed by the Lemp brew
cry agent.
John Williams was 81 years old, and
while utterly fearless, was never con-
sidered quarrelsome. He conducted a
feed store.
J. <. Hart had been connected with
the Hot Springs police department off
and on for many years He was chief