The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-01-18
Col. David COlson is in Jail Charged With
Murder-0utcome of His Bitter Feud
With Lieutenant Scott.


master at Shelbyville, an innocent by
was shot three times and died
Charles Julian, another bystander,
was shot and died q half hour later,
and Capt. B. B. Golden, of Barbours-
vile, commonwealth attorney for the
twenty-seventh judicial district, was
shot in the back and is not expected to
survive the night.
Col. Colson himself was shot twice in
the, arm. Harry McEwing, of Louis
vile, was shot in the foot, and W. o.
Ridpath, of Chicago, sustained brok
en- leg by the lifeless form of Scott fall
ing against him as it rolled down the
stairway.
The tragedy is one of the most SEN
sational in the history of the
OZARK AND BLOODY GROUND"
The killing occurred in the lobby of
the Capitol hotel, the principal hostel
ry of the state capital, the room being
we'll filled at the time with politicians
and others who are here attending the
contests for state offices before the leg
islature.
Col. Colson is in Jail tonight, charg-
ed with murder, but lie claims self-de-
Tense.
The witnesses of the affair were tax
en- so much by surprise when the shoot
ing began that most Of them were al
most panic-stricken, and there are
many and conflicting stories as to how
the fight began.
Col. Colson and a party of friends,
among whom was Demaree, were sit.
ting in the lobby, engaged in converse,
ton, as Scott and Captain Golden came
up the stairs from the bar-room. Wher
they had advanced about half way
across the room, walking in the direc
ton of Colson, the latter, it is said
half rising from his chair, fred at Scott
who instantly returned the fire.
The shooting became general and by
ISLANDERS are at variance as to the nun
Der engaged in it. Demaree was stand
ing slightly in front Of Col. Colson ant
young Scott is said to have crouchet
behind him to ward of bullets from
Colson's revolver. In an instant Dem
aree fell dead, pierced by three bullets
Captain Golden, who accompanied
Scott, reeled to one side, and falling in
to the arms of Ex-Governor James b
McCreary, exclaimed, 81 am shot"
The smoke in the locality of the an
tagonists became dense, but Colsol
continued to press Scott, who retreate,
backward, shooting as he moved. Col
son emptied the chambers of a thirty
eight calibre revolver and quickl
brought forty-four into action.
Scott by this time had been shot sey
eral times. AS lie staggered back an
fell down the stairway, Colson, VIII
was within few feet of him, continu
ed to fire till the form of Scott role
over and showed that life was extinct
The battle was terrific and the blu
lets fairly rained through the lobby {
the hotel, several of which went wilC
piercing windowglass or imbedde
themselves in the walls and furnitur
of the hotel.
: 1t was not discovered for several mil
utes that Charles Julian, who died late
had been shot, and his wound wa
, thought to be trifing.
After the killing Col. Colson ran OF
of the hotel and hurried to the res
dence Of Chief of Police Williams
where he surrendered. He was almo'
exhausted and as he entered the hous
gasped:
81 am sorry he would not let m
alone. There were three of them shoe
ing at me-.