The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1901-04-17


missed ns untfnablN. an;l bis etstn.
ment to that effect is untSplaipsb'e g
By the testimony Of DR.. Gihres that
be was utterly irrespcnsiI Il for wh: t
he said or did. and this may explain
The delays which Mr. Evans took in
getting prompt medica| assistance
and bis refusal or opposition to allow
irg any one to enter the room
If he nad shot Captain Griffin &C
cidertel!y, bis conduct after it might
be explained on the same ground.
but The acriden: theory seems unten-
able in view of the bruises found On
tie face and head OF the deceased
IL the opinion Of the doctors the
bruises could only have been made
by some ore striking the face or
head.
This leaves but one explanation Of
tho occurrence in the absence Of any
statement frcm tho survivor Of the
terribly unfortunate occnrrerce.
That is that The two men drinking
together in friendly way at first,
become involved in some dispute,
their brains being affected with alco-
hol, which led to q fsticuff and the
shooting of Mr. Griffin by Mr. Evans
iu the boat of passion. The cane be-
longcd to Mr.. Griffin, and tits posi-
bic he may bave attempted to use it,
but, of course, is merely a surmise.
But the bruises could not have come
unless they were inflicted by Mr..
Evans, and although Captain Griffin
was a man of the most peaceful dis
position aud long suffering before
giving away to anger, it is not to be
presumed that he would take beat
ing without resisting, and 50 among
many people it is believed that the
two men were in fight during which
Mr.. Evans, for reason, which he will
no doubt try to substantiate, shot
bis antagonist. No preconceived
motive on the part of Mr.. Evans for
killing Captain Griffin can be imagin-
ed when the very pleasant and cor
dial relations that had existed be-
tween them is considered. No bruises
were seen on Mr.. Evans face, though
it is possible for him to have been
struck without being hit on his face.
No examination was made of him for
the purpose of ascertaining whether
be had been struck or not for the
reason that satisfactory explanation
of the occurrence had been made or
thought of during the excitement
Tie bullet which killed Mr.. Griffin
went in just above his heart and came
out about two inches below the place
of entrance in the back. Even if
medical attendance could have been
had Immediately, Captain Grifin's $
life could not have been saved. In
the opinion OF the physicians, how
ever, he could have remained
conscious for ten minutes perhaps,
during which time he might have
told something of the occurrence. But
when the doctors arrived he was un-
conscious.
l. was al awful tragedy which has
excited the deepest sympathy for the
Low fathelless family of Captain
Griffin At the same time there is
the same kindly feeling for the young
man, popular and talented, who for
whatever reason may develop, has
upon his hands the blood of fellow
man.
Former Governor John Gary Evans
and Mr.. \. G. Evans, brother of Mr..
B. B Evans, came to the city in re.
sponse to telegrams. Maj,r ". 7.
Gary, of Augusta, an uncle also az
rived yesterday.
Judge Asdrew Crawford will lie
one Of The attorneys 70: Mr.. Evans.
It is said that Major Gary will be
also
The next term of court for this
county couvenes in July, at which
Judge Gary will preside. As he is
closely related to Mr.. Evans, the
case will not be tried by him, and
unless there is change of venue,
which has not been mentioned, the
trial of Mr.. Evaus will not likely be
had until the fall !erm cf court.