The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-17
MORE DEATHS FROM FEUD Bad State of Affairs at
 Baxter, Fla.
TROOPS NOW ON SCENE
Great Delay in the Sending of Militia.
The Altmans Agree to Surrender To day-Eight Men Alrendx Have Been Placed in Jail By
 the Sheriff.

Jacksonville, Fla. Sept. 16.-The latest developments in the Duncan- Altman feud at Baxter. Baker County. Fla, Is the killing of Deputy Sherin Thrift and Ellis Bowling and the wounding of several others. All this occurred at late hour last night.
 } Information received here this morn ing came in the shape of detailed tele- grams to the Consolidated Naval stores Company, which Is interesting itself to the end that the Altmans may be brought to justice. These telegrams came through various sources.
 The first one was from William Dun can and related some of the details of the shooting. From this and others received 1t is evident that about II o'clock last night at the home of Will liam Duncan a posse was quietly rest ing upon their arms as they had done for several nights in their efforts to prevent further bloodshed, when sud- denly and without warnisg there were as many as twenty-five shots from rifles and pistols fired at the house.
 Another volley.
 The deputy called on his posse to as- sist him in arresting the culprits and as they came from the house there was another volley of shots. Thrift the deputy, was standing In front of the house. He was shot fatally and lived but few moments. The others returned the fire and killed Bowling. a member of the mob Those who kill ed Thrift as well as other members of the mob withdrew to the home of the Altmans where they are still ready to resist any attempt at arrest.
 All telegrams received here this morning called for aid. Every one of the them was transmitted to the State capitol with endorsements and in tho meantime the Consolidated Naval Stores Company have chartered spe- cial train and Is awaiting the order for the Governor to move the troops from this city to the scene. sa
 Several days SEQ the Eovefnor was asked tor help to afrect The arrest of Aitmans. Wednesday a latter was re- ceived from William Duncan by the Naval Stores Company In which he stated that Altmans we're still congre- gated with their friends and that they were threatening furher trouble. He said in hiI letter that Sheriff Herndon had refused to act in the premises, and that he wanted the governor to send help.
 Effort to Get Troops.
 This letter met with the endorsement of the Turpeniine Operators Associa- tion of which William Duncan is a member, and a resolution was sent to the Governor to send troops. This morning this request has been repeated. Sheriff Herndon of Baker County states that he refused to act because the shooting and cutting which resulted in the killing of Jackson Duncan and a negro Sunday night was in Georgia and . tl.at Nv. to was given as his reasons for not act ing. But it has developed that last night he attempte dto arrest the Alt mans and was driven from the place.
 The Sheriff of Charlton County, Geor- gia of which Folkston is the capital, has not made an effort to get tangled up in the matter.
 Jennings Out of State.
 Governor Jennings is not in the State but Cromwell Gibbons. the Speaker of the House of Representatives. who will have to sign the order for troops states that he is ready when the Secretary of State calls upon him. In the meantime one of the local companies of Florida State troops are ready to move as soon as they are notified to do so. Otis R. Parker and L. E. Wade of this city lawyers who were sent to Baxter yes teruay' nave wired that the situation is critical and that if troops are not sent that there is to be further blood shed. They ask for quick action.
 The feud between the Altmans and the Duncans is of long standing. The Duncans are turpentine operators there and a great many of the people of Baker county have felt that were en- croaching upon their property. On the other hand, the Altmans are merchants and represented the business of the Duncans.