The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1905-03-09
Corrected Statement of Accident.

l think it proper to write brief state.
ment, concerning the accidental shoot
ing and death of my son Irving, in or.
der to correct erroneous statements
which have become current. 1t will
also be source of satisfaction to many
Of your readers who are friends or &C.
quaintances of our family. On the
morning of the 21st of Feb, Irving,
Rufus johnson, Ed and James Kent
started on ramble across the knobs
just East of Carnegie Hotel. They had
scarcely reached the top, when Ed Kent
fred pistol several times in the air,
and upon lowering the weapon which
was thought to be empty, and turning it
toward Irving, carlessly swapping it,
when a remaining cartridge exploded
with fatal results. The bullet entered
about one inch to the right of the navel,
and although 39 rim fire the bullet
remained in the body.
The unfortunate boy was carried
home, and received every attention
calculated to alleviate his intense suf-
fering. He was told that he must die,
and although he expressed a desire to
live, he said, 81 am not afraid to de-"
and also, later, 81 am ready, now."
Although in agony, scarcely groan
escaped him. When, in answer to his
question, 1 assured him that he was
sinking fast and could live but few
hours at best, he said, "Come quickly
Lord" He told infinitely all the cir
cumstances of the accident, and assur-
ed us that no illfeeling had existed be-
tween him and his companions at any
time, and that no blame other than care
lessn ess could be charged against the
boy who shot him. He called for his
brothers and sisters, and took leave of
them in most affectionate manner, as
surfing them that they would meet again
in the great beyond. AS the end was
approaching, he asked me to raise him
up. He sat up only few seconds.
His head fell over, we laid him down
gently. He Strengthened out his limbs,
for the death agony was on him. His
eyes stared vacantly at us moment;
few convulsive gasps, and another
victim was added to the list of the GRIM
inal pistol carrying habit.
Who is responsible for this act, which
has made home desolate; shattered
our idols, and cast them ruthlessly at
our feet? Is it the parent who fails to
admonish his child, and is too prone to
take his part when told of the boys
waywardness and bad conduct?
Is it the judge who fails to infiict the
light penalty which the law prescribes?
1t is time to tell the boys in tones Of
thunder that murderers and cowardly
thieves alone need pistols in their hip
pockets.
Irving Mettetal was almost 18 years
old, feet 10 inches tall, and weighed
nearly 100 pounds. Intellectually, he
was behind in his studies, owing to
nervous trouble from early childhood,
which he overcalAe about his 10th year.
He was amiable in disposition and
? department, and general favorite
: with his companions. Hewas leader
in athletic sports, but never obtrusive
or boisterous. I never knew him tt
: have a quarrel or alteration with any
:. one, and never conspicuous any wher'
except for his silence, and quiet, hum
s BILE behaviour.
I take this opportunity to thank oul
many friends for their words and letter
i. Of coincidence, and the many acts o
It thoughtful kindness of which we were
!, recipients. 1t would not be fair t.
/. discriminate by naming those to whom
. we feel most indebted, but 1 must men
$, ton the beautiful floral tribute sent b
Y the teachers and pupils of Science Eli
!. School. We placed them ON the grave
Of the pupil aud school mate, where W
laid him at rest beneath the cedar
N where he often played during the year
n Of Infancy.
as A. NJ. Mettetal