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Show On Friday last, in St. (Saint) Louis, John A. Cockrell, managing editor of the Post-Dispatch, shot and killed Col. (Colonel) D. W. Slayback, a prominent lawyer and politician. The latter had, in a political meeting made bitter accusations against the editors of the paper. They in turn republished an old card which charged Slayback with cowardice. The shooting occurred in the editorial room of the Post-Dispatch, and is thus described in the dispatches: John M. McGuflin and Victor T. Cole, two attaches of the paper, made a statement as to what occurred in the room where the shooting took place. They say in substance, that Slayback on entering the room, threw his coat back, drew a revolver and advancing said, "well, I'm here sir," then observing a weapon on Cockrell's desk asked, "Is that for me?" to which Cockrell replied, "No its for use only to defend myself." Slayback then said, "You are prepared to draw then draw." Cockrell answered, "I don't want to draw. Go away from here. I don't want to have anything to do with you." Slayback meanwhile pressed forward and crowded Cockrell against the wall. Then they all got into a sort of tussle, each having hold of the other, Cockrell being the most crowded. The latter asked McGuflin to take Slayback's pistol from him and when he attempted to do so the weapon discharged, and Slayback staggered and sank to the floor. |
