The Topeka state journal., 1903-01-16
He WILL LIVE.
Editor Gonzales, Who Was Shot
by TilIman,
Is Today in a Fair Way to
Recover.
DETAILS OF SHOOTING.
There Was No Quarrel and No
Blows Struck.
lETAILS OF SHOOTING.
Gonzales Insists the Affair Was
Wholly UnprOvOked.

Columbia, S. c.. Jan. 16.-N. C. Con
zales, editor of the State, who was shot
and perhaps fatally wounded by Lieu
tenant Governor James H. Tillman, was
reported by his physicians to be holding
his own with indications of improve
ment. The persons who have been in
constant attendance at the bedside of
Mr.. Gonzales since the operation last
evening at the Columbia hospital, ex-
pressed satisfaction at the outcome OF
the operation. Though no official bull
letin has been issued this afternoon, the
physicians say that since a. m there
has been a favorable change in Mr..
Gonzales condition, which with his
strong constitution and splendid habits
Will give him better fighting chance
for his life.
The last official bulletin which was
issued at 4 o'clock was as follows:
Pulse ITO; respiration %; tempera-
ture 99.''
In a statement to the hospital physi-
clans before the operation was perform
ed last evening Mr.. Gonzales said:
Il was unarmed and there was no
cause for my assassination, but 1 die
martyr to a good cause gladly.
Il have done nothing but my duty
and have nothing to regret
There appears to be no conflict of
testimony as to the essential features Of
the tragedy. Mr. Gonzales was going
home from his Office to his luncheon, his
route leading him down Main street to
Gervais, thence east As usual Mr.. Con
zales was walking. Lieutenant Cover
nor Tillman had presided at the senate's
session, and remained around the senate
chamber for a short time after adjourn
ment. As he came out of the state
house he was accompanied by Senator
Talbaird and Senator Brown and he
was joined on his way up town by Con-
gressman-elect Wyatt Aiken and former
Deputy Dominiek.
The lieutenant governor and the ed
itor of The State met at the corner of
Main and Gervais streets just at the
street car tracks. There was no en-
counter, no fist fight, no laying on of
hands. Tillman. so far as the evidence
disclosed. simply drew his revolver and
fired at Gonzales. Most Of those who
saw the affair say there was nothing
said until after the shot. One of the
Tillnan escorts says he thinks Tillman
said, II received your message" and
then fired. He is not certain Of this, but
thinks SO. The other companion of Mr..
Tillman says he did not hear anything
but thinks he would have heard any
words If they had been spoken. Two
or three others say they heard nothing
until after the firing of the pistol.
Gonzales himself gave an exclamation
of the affair. He was very emphatic in
saying that he had not sent any mes
sage to Tillman at any time, and that
Tillman said nothing until after he had
fired and after he had shot he SAID
at his word. Gonzales took this TO
mean that Tillman told him that he was
settling old issues face to face with
him. Gonzales is certain that nothing
was said until after the shot was fired,
when he tottered to the street car trans
fer station, where he leaned Mr. Till
man was still pointing his pistol at him
WhereupOn Gonzales said: Shoot again.
you coward" Lieut. Governor Tillman
lowered his pistol and walked away.
There was only one shot fired, and
that entered the right side between the
eighth and ninth ribs and passed
through the forepart of the body COM
ing out just above the free border ribs.
The bullet was picked up on the pave
ment.
Gonzales and TiTlman passed each 9th
er in full view since the opening of the
present session of the legislature on last
Tuesday. but there was no encounter,
no words passed, and no recognition of
any kind
fectly collected, sober and unexcited TO
all appearances Mr.. Gonzales was un-
armed. In a few moments after the
wounded man had been conveyed to the
office of his newspaper half dozen or
more physicians were doing all they
could to save his life. 1t was promptly
decided that the only hope was to per-
form an operation.
Lieutenant Governor Tillman was ask
ed for a statement but said he had been
advised by his counsel to say absolute
~ nothing and he followed their advice
to the letter
Gonzales is of Spanish descent. being
the son of Ambrose Jose Gonzales, who
with Narciso Lopez began the struggle
for Cuban independence in 1S4S. He is
45 years old. He himself served in the
ranks of the Cuban insurgents in 1895
He organized the Columbia State news
paper in 1891, and has been always
bitter opponent of the Tillman faction
in South Carolina politics.