The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1903-01-20

j. pulse 113, respiration so, temper !.
!. allure SO 80. Mr.. Gonzales sleeping =
< quietly =
Columbia, S. c., Jan. 15.-In the very
I shadow of the South Carolina State
House, Lieutenant Governor James H.
Tillman shot and probably mortally
wounded Narcisso Gener Gonzales,
founder and editor Of the Columbia
State, a newspaper which, since its in
ception, has bitterly opposed the Till
man faction in South Carolina politics.
The two men lave been sworn enemies
for some years and Tillman's animosity
was accentuated by Gonzales pronounced
editorial opposition to him as a candi-
date for the Democratic nomination for
governor during last falls primary.
The condition of the wounded man lat
tonight vas regarded by the surgeons as
critical. Tillman was arrested and is
confined in the county Jail, pending the
outcome of Gonzales injuries.
The affair caused great excitement in
the city, which is filled with politicians,
who are here to participate in the in
auguration of the new State govern
ment. Some expressions Of a desire for
summary vengeance were heard on the
streets after the shooting, but nothing
of a serious character occurred.
The ill feeling between Lieutenant
| Governor Tillman and Editor Gonzales
had been brewing for some time, and
followed a severe denunciation of Till
J man., which Gonzales made in the col
umns of his paper and on the stump
throughout the State. The trouble be-
tween the two men, however, first grew
out of a fist fight between United States
Senator B.. r. Tillman and Senator Nc
Laurin on the floor Of the United States
Senate.
Major Micah Jenkins, who had served
with Roosevclt's Rough Riders in Cuba,
and who had won a record for bravery
! and merit, was to have been presented
with a sword by the people of South
Carolina, in recognition Of his courage
and the fame he had won for his State
in the Spanish war.
The presentation was to have been
made by Lieutenant Governor-elect Till
man, who today shot Gonzales.
When President Roosevelt withdrew
his invitation to a State dinner in Wash
I ington, which he had sent Senator Till
man, because OF the fight the latter had
in the United States Senate, Lieutenant
Governor Tillman refused to present the
sword to Lieutenant Jenkins. Mr.. Con
zales took up the matter through the
columns CT his paper and bitterly de-
nOunccd Tillman. He repeated the de-
nunciations made previously on many diff
ferent occasions, and even dared Mr..
Tillman to deny the charges. The charge
Gonzales made were spread all over the
South and made a deep sensation. many
\ lnPnn n " on 4 q nv Voy,0 r1- h@:~~ .~~1 g.
the press Of the country, because Till
man did not resent the charges.
Both Gonzales and Tillman have hosts
of friends, ana more trouble may follow
today's affair. Gonzales comes of a
family noted in this section of the coun-
try for courage and nerve. Gonzales
himself, went to Cuba before the Span
lSh-Amerlcan war and enlisted as a
scout with General Gomez, doing notable
work for the insurgent army.
STORY OF THE TRAGEDY.
It was just a few minutes before two
O'Clock when the news passed along the
streets that Jim Tillman had shot N.
v. GONZALES. There was a rush towards
me scene of the tragedy to learn the
facts and the condition Of the wounded
editor. The office of The State is on the
same block as the scene Of the shooting
and It took bat a few moments for :
great throng to assemble in front of the
newspaper building. The excitement on
the streets was intense.
Policeman Roland immediately after
the shooting arrested observation-disclosures
nor Tillman and took him to police
headquarters where he was relieved of
two revolvers, the one with which he
shot Editor Gonzales and a second large
one of 3S-calibre. From the police sta
ton be was taken to the county Jail
where he is tonight in full protection of
tn" officers.
There appears to be no conflict OF test
mony as to the essential features of the
tragedy. Mr.. N. G. Gonzales was going
home alone from his office to his lunch.
He had to go down Main street to Ger
vais and then turn east and go down
that street. Mr.. Gonzales was, as usual,
walking.
Lieutenant Governor Tillman left the
state House just after the adjournment
of the Senate, He had presided at the
session and remained around the Senate
chamber for a while. AS he came out
of the State House he was accompanied
by Senator Talbert, of Beaufort, and
Senator Brown, of Darlington, and he
was Joined on his way up town by Con-
gressman-elect Wyatt Aiken and former
Representative DoIninick. The meeting
was just at the turn of Main and Ger
Vals streets on the north side of the
street, just at the street car transfer
station. There was no encounter. neither
touched the other. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Tillman, the testimony now all seems TO
be. simply drew his revolver and fired
into Editor Gonzales. Most of those
who saw the affair say there was Moth
ing said, until after the shot. One Of
Lleutenant-GoVernor Tillman's escorts
J says he thinks. though not certain, Mr..
| Tillman said:
i received your message" and then