The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1903-01-17
EditOr Gonzales Shot
Down by Jim Tillman.
Now at Point of Death-Desper-
ate Deed Was Totally Unex,
pected and a Surprise
to All.

Columbia, S. G, Jan. 10
N. q. Gonzales, editor of The
State, is at the Columbia Hospi-
tai in a critical condition, as a re-
suit of serious pistol wound ip-
fllcted by Mr.. James H. Tillman.
Lieutenant Governor of South
Carolina. The Shooting occur
red on Main Street, just at the
intersection of Gervais street, in
full view of the State Capitol. 1t
was an awful tragedy in broad
daylight and on the most frequent
ed street and corner in Columbia.
The bullet which pierced through
one of the most distinguished edi-
tors of the entire South, may end
that brilliant life, but If the be st
OF surgery, the best of care and
the most ardent of prayers and
wishes avail for aught, that life
ought to be saved 1t was Just a
few moments before 9 o'clock
when the cry was passed along the
streets that "Jim Tillman had
shot N. @. Gonzales. " 1t was a
shocking and startling announce
ment. 1t went like a thrill through
all Columbia and there was a rush
towards he scene of the tragedy
to learn the facts and condition of
the distinguished editor.
Lieutenant Gov. Tillman was
arrested after the shooting and re-
lieved of two 3S calibre pistols be-
fore being taken to Jail. The
only cause known for the shoot
ing is the opposition of Editor
Gonzales to Tillman's election as
Governor in the primary last Au
gust and the expressions used
editorally against him.
There appears to be no conflict
of testimony as to the essential
features of the tragedy. Lieut..
Gov. TiIlman, in company with
Senators Talbird and Brown, Con-
gressman-e elect Aiken and former
representative Dominick, on their
way from the State house, met
Mr.. Gonzales, who was on his
way to dinner, just at the turn of
Main and Gervais Streets. There
was no encounter, no fist fighting,
no laying on of hands. Lieutenant
Governor 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 Lieutenant Governor Tlllman's
escort says he thinks Mr.. Tillman
said: 81 received your message,
and then fired. He Is not certain
of this, but thinks so. The other
escort of MIR. Tillman says he did
not hear anything and did not see
the affair, but thinks he would
have heard any words, as he was
IN the very midst of the affair.
Two or three others say they heard
nothing until after the firing of
the pistol.
Editor Gonzales and Lieuten-
ant Governor Tillman have pass
cd each other in full view since
the opening of the present session
of the General Assembly on
Tuesday, bat there has been no
encounter, no word passed, no
nod or recognition of any kind,
and today it came like thunder
clap out of peaceful sky when
the shot was fired. AS to the
shooti g, that is simple story.
Lieutenant Governor Tillman
met Mr.. Gonzales on the street,
drew his pistol and fired at him,
wiped his pistol on his coat sleeve,
took aim as if to fire again, chang
ed his mind and let his pistol fail
to his side. Lieutenant Cover
nor Tillman was perfectly cool
and collected, sober and unexcit-
ed TO all appearance. Mr.. Con
Zales was unarmed.
The shock from the magazine
pistol paralyzed him and as Mr..
GoLzales saw the deadly weapon
aimed at him, perhaps for fatal
hnllef ha crInl ont lIShnnt