Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-12-26
Christmas Party at Eureka Ends
In Tragedy, One Man Being
Killed, Another Wounded.
JOHN EASTMAN IS THE VICTIM.
Trouble the Result Of a Drunken Man
Entering the Building-Shootiug
Accidental.
Special Correspondence.

Special Correspondence.
Eureka, Juab Co., Dec. 25.--A horrible
tragedy was enacted at tho Tintlc hall
about o'clock this morning, during a
Christmas celebration. in which John
Eastman was instantly killed and
John Backman fatally injured. The
Firms and Swedes OF the camp were
holding their annual Christmas cele-
bration and dance and all went mer-
rily until the time stated when John
Backman entered the hall in an intox-
icated condition. and began to raise a
disturbance. He was warned to be
quiet, but got into quarrel with a
Finn and hurled bottle at him. The
missile went wide OF Its mark and
struck lady In the mouth. knocking
out her teeth. This act started the
trouble.
SECURED A SHOTGUN.
Charles Peterson, who had charge Of
the entertainment, attempted to put a
stop TO the rioting, but could not do SO.
Gle rushed across the street to his home
nd secured a shotgun, and returned to
the hall. He was seized by several Of
the parties present and during the
struggle both barrels OF the weapon
We're discharged. John Eastman, an
innocent party, who was trying TO re-
store peace, received both of the dead
ly loads. One of the shots took effect
In the breast and the other In the right
side, tearing large holes in his body.
lie died Instantly Backman, the cause
or the disturbance, was shot In the left
thigh, probably by some unknown par
W, as the physician states that the
wound was made by n bullet from a.
caliber revolver. The man was fatal
~ wounded. The city officers were i'm
mediately summoned to the scene. Of
ficep Hannifin went to the home OF
Peterson. who Immediately surrender
ed to the officer ard he was locked IN
In the city Jail.
BACKMAN IN SALT LAKE.
DR.. Hensel was called to dress Back
mans wounds, and the wounded man
was rut on the early Rio Grande train
and sent to Salt Lake hospital.
The remains of John Eastman were
removed TO the undertaking parlors OF
James Eustice, and this morning coro-
ners jury consisting of David Lindsay.
John Horkins and John Wirthlln, was
summoned who viewed the remains and
the inquest will be held tomorrow.
EASTMAN MUCH RESPECTED.
John Eastman, the innocent victim OF
the tragedy, is about S5 years OF age.
ana has been resident of Eureka for
several years, and at the time OF his
ueatn was employed at the Centennial
Eureka mine. He was held in high es.
TEEN by all who knew him. He has
wife In the old country. His
funeral VIII probably be held Sunday
under the auspices Of the Eureka Mn
ers union, of which Organization he
was member.
Very little is known OF Backman in
eureka, but Il Is saii that he Is OF a
quarrelsome disposition when under tha
influence Of liquor. He is a married
man and has q family.
WHO PETERSON is.
Charles Peterson, who is charged with
doing the shooting Ia well known In
Eureka. and is known as an upright
honorable man. He is married and an
employe OF the Centennial Eureka
mine. AS far as known he was not ad-
dlcted 10 the use of intoxicants. and
keenly feels the position In which he il
placed.
According to his statement made 10
the News representative, he did not
procure the weapon for the purpose OF
shooung, but TO overawe the quarrel
some element. Peterson also stated that
he lid not fire the shots that killed
Eastman, but that the gun was acct
ientally discharged during the struggle
which ensued when he entered the hall
Peterson and Eastman were personal
friends, which makes the tragedy ali