The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-12-07
DESPERATE FIGHT
 ID BLOODY DEATH Al Parker Killed, J. p. Edwards
 MortaIIy Wounded MEN OF IRON BOUND NERVE FearfuIIy Injured, Both Continued Fir ing Until Leaden MissiVe Pierced Parker's Heart-The Cause
 Most Trifling.
MEN OF IRON BOUND NERVE

Two desperate men fought a bloody battle to the death yesterday morning in Southside saloon.
 As a result of the bloody rencounter Al Parker is dead and J P. Edwards is mortally wounded at the Hillman hospital.
 The shooting occurred in the saloon Of T. L. Russell. 24 South Twentieth street Edwards is a bartender employed at the saloon, and the dead man was a blacksmith employed by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad company. The time of the shooting was a little after S o clock The cause. while being clouded somewhat, is considered trifing The bat tie was charac terized by the most fiend- ish determination on the part of the prin- cipals to take the life of the other. Both men fought with boldness and coolness.
 Parker the Aegressor.
 From all indications, based on the evil dence of those who saw the men previous to the fight, and the testimony of Calvin Hayes, a negro porter, the dead man was the aggressor. It is stated that he had been frequent visitor to the saloon, and that last Saturday he left the place under the impression that he had been humiliat- ed in some way. At that time, it is said, he threatened to return. He was next seen yesterday morning, a few min- utes prior to the rencounter. He spoke to several men in front of the saloon, and turning to Edwards, asked:
 "Have you got it?'
 From this statement, nothing. at that time. indicating the intention of the man was imagined. However, it is now believed that he was referring to a pis- tol. At any rate, as soon as those in front of the saloon had retired, and Ed wards had re-entered the place, Parker followed. It is stated that Parker then ed shooting him. which statement was Immediately followed by revolver re- port
 Edwards Iron Nerve.
 Ii is then stated that Edwards. half failing to the floor, began a slow journey to the drawer where he kept his revolver He crawled some ten yards in spite of the fact that he was then seriously wounded, and bleeding freely He stag gered to his feet and grasped revolver. Both men then began firing, and when the two pistols were emptied. Parker was ly- ing upon his face, shot through the heart, and Edwards could barely retain his feet. Edwards staggered to a chair, and seated himself He exclaimed: ''It is all up with me-
 Each of the principals was struck twice. The first shot from Parker's revolver pierced Edwards right side and after per- fcrating both lungs. lodged in the left eff ately wounded man in the hip and ra nged upward towards the stomach. The shot that killed Parker entered the left breast and passed through the heart This was the fifth shot from Edwards gun. The fourth shot struck Parker in the cen- ter of the chin passed through the lower portion of the face, and tore a jagged hole in the neck. In spite of this hor- riLle wound. Parker remained firm. and it was only when his heart was struck that he fell to the floor. From the action of the two men, it is positive that they had mad desire to take the others life.
 Officers Arrive.
 The rencounter was only of a moment S duration. Policemen Mathewson and De- vine arrived upon the scene immediately after the shooting. When they dashed through the front doors they stumbled upon the dead body of Al Parker. Look ing up, they saw seated in a chair Ed wards, mortally wounded. The Smith & Wesson revolver used by the bartender was lying upon the counter, and it's barrel was still warm from the recent explosion of powder. The Colts revolver of the dead mar was lying on the floor, separated from his right hand by but a few inches it being self-evident that he only relnquished his hold on it's handle when life was extinct From an examina- ton of the dead mans pistol it is be- lieved that it had not been fired prior to the rencounter. Whether he purchased it with a specific purpose of shooting Edwards will. perhaps. never be known.
 The dead man was carried to the under taking establishment of Gaudin & Co Edwards was sent n tho Hillman hos pital Parker lived at Avondale. He was about i3 years of age, and for a long time had been employed at the Louisville and Nashville shops. He leaves a wife and daughter. Edwards is considerably younger and is single. He came to Bir- mingham only recently from Anniston His relatives were notified of the tragedy immediately after it's occurrence. He was living at 11O11a South Twentieth street As far as learned. both men had reputa- tions that were good.
 The Trifling Cause.
 From what can be judged from the statements as to the causes leading to the difficulty, they appear most meagre MT. Russell, proprietor of the saloon stated to the police officers that Parker was in his place one day last week, and that becoming intoxicated, he attempted to enter that portion of the bar reserved for colored patronage. It is stated that Parker was then told that that was no place for him. It is concluded that he took offense at that remark, for as he was leaving the door he was heard to re- mark: 'I will return again. casting at Edwards significant glance.
 At the time of the shooting Parker wa $ not drinking, for those in converse tion with him few moments before he was killed, testify that he was absolutely sober. It seems that he had just left his home in Avondale. and that he went direct to the Russell saloon.
 
 Marriage Licenses Issued.