The Forrest City times., 1905-03-17
BEATEN WITH CLUBS.
Al Smith Attacked by C. H. Hen. son and E. F. Scott, and is
 in Critical Condition.

Al Smith is . weil-known timber man, who lives on the Stevens place near the Military road, 15 miles above Madison, on the St. Francis river. G. H. Henson and and E. F. Scott are also engaged in tim Der work, and livs nearby, It seems there had been some III feeling between Smith on the one side and the other two about some timber, and they met Tuesday morn- ing on the bank of the river, and settled matters. Smith was armed with pistol at the time he was attacked. The story Of the trouble, as near as we can learn, is as follows:
 Henson claims that Smith came to town and got drunk last Monday, and that when he returned home he found Hen sons log wagon in front Of his (Smith's) gate. This anRered Smith, and he went out and fired shot through the top of Henson's camp tent.
 Tuesday morning Smith was met on the bank of tho river, about 15O yards from his house, by Henson and Scott. It seems Smith owed Scott $6.5O, and when they m {, Scott demanded his money Smith told him he had the money at home, and if he would go there with him he would pay I hm. Scott refused to go anywhere, and demanded that the money be paid there and then. Scott and Hensley were each armed with stout club, one seemed to be piece of a singIetree and the other a hickory which had been carefully made with handle. Smith said that possibly he had tho change with him, and reached for his pocket for the money, when Scott struck him savage blow over the head with the club, bringing him to the ground, remarking that that was to settle with him for what he had done the night before, meaning the shooting of a hole through the tent. Henson also took whack at Smith with his club, and witness says tried to pull his knife, but was prevented by abystander named N. T. Rogers. It is said, they struck Smith several blows, and one sf them called out, Take his gun off of him." A man named s. J. Turner, also present at the time, disarmed Smith, though 1t Is stated that Smith had made no effort to draw the gun, and thus Turner got into trouble.
 Rogers tried to prevent further trouble, but says he couldn't do anything with Henson, and called to Smith to run. This Smith did, but he was pursued. and over- taken by Henson near Smiths house, and was again beaten with the club, this time Into insensibility, and 60 far as we know at this writing, Thursday morning, is still unconscious and In a very critical condi- ton.
 Dr. J. 0. Rush was called to see Smith, and found him as we have described.
 Officers were notified, and chief Deputy Sam Swan went over there Wednesday morning to place the parties under arrest and bring them to town, which he did without further incident, except that when he placed Turner under arrest, Turner said If he had to walk to town he would not go. Deputy Swan politely informed him that there were no ifs about the mat ter and that.he had to come along. They walked to the Hunter place, about four miles, where Mir. Swan hired a wagon and drove them to Madison, from there they were marched into town and landed in iail. Turner afterwards apologzed and acknowledged that he was wrong.
 smith is not expected to recover, though .he doctor thought him little better Wed nesday.