Paragould soliphone., 1921-06-27
(Lihtle Rock Democrat)

John Wilson, speaker of the first House of Representatives, on the floor of the House during the first special session of the Arkansas leg islature, in 1887. the story of which was sketched briefly in an article in the Arkansas Democrat several weeks ago. have been brought forth from the dusty re- cesses of the past by s. H. Logan of Clarksville, who relates the aft crmath of the killing-how Wilson was acquitted on the grounds of cxcusable homicide by verdict which aroused intense public indig- nation, how he moved to section of the state where he was strang- CT and again built up a prestige which resulted in his being re-elect- cd to the legislature five years later, and how the man of ungovernable temper was prevented from commit ting second murder in House.
 The facts of the tragedy as as- certaincd by MT. Logan, are as fol- lows:
 A member from Marion county had introduced q bill--said to have been written by William F. Hicks, young man residing in Little Rock, at the request of the member from Marian, who. it was said. was unable to write, or at least to for mulatc a bill---to increase the boun- tiv on wolf scalps from $1.50 to $2.50.
 On the second reading of the bill, an amendment was offered to the effect that the person killing a wolf should be allowed to deposit the scalp with the nearest justice of the peace, who would issue his certifi- cate of the fact, which certificate should be receivable ill payment of county taxes.
 Anthony, who had taken a lead ing part in rechartering the banks, moved as an amendment to the amendment that the certificate be countersigned by the president of the real estate bank, referring to John Wilson, speaker of the house, who was also at that time president of the bank
 This was thrust. which the speaker very keenly felt, and he cx- citedly and precmptorily ruled An thOny out of order and commanded him tO take. his scat. 'Thisn An thony refused to do, saying that he stood there as the representative of the people of Randolph county and that he was entitled to the floor and should refuse to resign it at the dictates of Wilson.
 The speaker, livid with rage, left the chair, saying, "Then I will make yon.'
 CTS stand he drew his knife and advanced down the aisle to where Anthony was standing behind his dcsk. As Wilson approached nearer, Anthony, who was very large and powerfully biult man, over six feet tall, weighing 200 pounds, and by no means a coward said. in rath CT conciliatory terms, My remarks were intended as joke
 Wilson, however. continued to ad- vance, and as he did so Anthony drew his knife, stepped into the aisle and awaited his antagonist s coming.
 Grandson D. Royston, member from Hampstead county, who occu- pied seat near Anthony's, raised chair and thrust it between the now infuriated foes. Both men grasped the chair with their left hand and began cutting at each other, and Anthony inflicted a slight wound on Wilson's left arm.
 At the second attempt to reach his enemy Anthony's knife flew ont of his hand and he was placed at the the mercy of his antagonist. Wilson raised his chair. and stoop- ing down to make his aim sure plunged the weapon into Anthony's breast. Anthony fell, cXclaiming, 'I am a dead man" and he immc- diatcIy expired Wilson stood for a few seconds gazing upon his victim and then remarked, Tit is not the first time he has insulted mo"
 Col. Allen Martin, sheriff of the county, arrived at this juncture and Wilson was taken into custody.
 As soon as the body was removed, and order was somewhat restored, ! tho House was called to order by 1 thc clerk and a resolution eXpcllinS | Wilson was introduced and carried and Grandson D. Royston was chos- cn speaker.
 Wilson was promptly indicted by tho grand jury for murder in the { first degree, but upon q change of venue to Saline county, was acqlit- ted on the grounds of cxcusable q verdict that caused the ss