The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-08
NEGRO ASSAULTS MAN WITH RATCHET M. J. Coniff of Bessemer at
 Point of Death AN OPERATION PERFORMED Attack Was Made In Etter's Saloon In Central Part of city-Neero
 Is In the County
 Jail.
AN OPERATION PERFORMED

Bessemer, January 7.-(special.)-M. J. Coniff, a well known railroad man of this city, was assaulted by Taylor Smith, a negro porter of Etter's saloon, in the wine room in the rear of the saloon to- night at o'clock with a hatchet.
 The object of the negro is supposed to have been robbery. The negro was ar rested by the officials and carried to Bir- mingham for safekeeping. The doctors found 1t necessary to perform an oper- ation on MT Coniff He Is in a critical condition and is not expected to live.
 The saloon adjoins the Grand hotel, in the most central part of the city. MT. conin entered the front of the saloon this evening alone and walked to the rear where the wine room is situated. Smith, who was splitting wood with the hatchet, followed him. They were alone in the room
 Without and warning, the negro ap- preached MT. Gonim and struck him three hard blows with the hatehet, breaking the handle to pieces. The blows were de- ! livered with such force that they attract ed the attention of Henry Etter who was tending bar in the front of the sa- loon. MT. Etter ran back, with a pistol in his hand. He drew the weapon on the negro and held him until an officer could arrive.
 Picked Up Unconscious.
 Mir Coniff was picked up in an uncon- scious condition. Drs. Lacy, Waldrop, Donald and Hogan were called in and af- ter consultation decided to perform an operation on the wounded man. The operation was a very delicate one, requir- Ing the removal of three inches of the skull. MT. Coniff was carried to his resi- dence, corner Seventh avenue and Nine teenth street.
 Considerable excitement was caused by the incident A large crowd quickly gath cred around the saloon and although no violence was offered the negro, it was deemed wise to cary him to Birmingham, and he was rushed off in great haste. Smith claims that MT. Coniff assaulted him with stick striking him on the head. A close examination however. failed to re- veal any sign of the alleged blows. The negro had been tending the bar for a considerable time. He is tall ginger cake coored negro and somewhat resem- bes an Indian.
 Installation of Officers.
 The Myrtle lodge, No. 5S Knights or Pythias, met in their hall tonight and in stalled officers for the ensuing year. A large crowd was present and the occasion was a very happy one.
 The bazaar that Is to be given by the members of St Aloysius church from the 14th to the 18th of this month promises to be one of the most interesting events of the winter season. The committees that have the arrangements in hand IS working hard to make the bazar sue cessful one Elaborate refreshments will be served, and many interesting contests have been scheduled.
 The llvliest feature of the bazaar Will perlfhps be the race between Capt. John Hanby and Alderman H. F. Mundes 10 determine who is the most popular man. A silver tea service will be given to the contestant who receives the highest num- Der of votes. Already number of tickets have been sold and the contest bids fair to be one of great interest.
 Council to Meet.
 The city council will meet in special ses- sion tomorrow night. Last Tuesday night was the regular meeting night, but owing to the illness of several members of the board the council was forced to adjourn for lack of quorum. In addition to the regular monthly reports of the city of- fcers, several other matters are expected 1 to come before the body.
 Cafe Changes Hands.
 " S. Tubbs, one of the best known res- taurant men in the city, has purchased the lunch room and cafe at Court Ex- change, and will conduct first-class eat ing house at the old stand in the future. Driver Hurt.
 Sam Jowery, a negro drayman, was hlt | by a switch engine at the A. G. s. cross ing at Twenty-second street last night. The wagon was completely demolished and the contents scattered in every di- rection. It was thought that the negro was killed but on further investigation 1t was discovered that his injuries were not necessarily fatal.