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Pistol Puts End I To Negro Whoopeei--Pythian j Celebration at Armory Closes With G*m PoppingThe pomp and Circumstance that always attends a gathering a I a. Negro j fraternal organisation was shattered In ! a most unbrotherly manner In the early hears of yesterday morning* The social side of the state convention of the Knights af Pythias was drawing to a close at the armory when four shots from an owt-head revolver put a premature period to the celebration, and maybe aa much to the cateer of Charles Taylor of 307 Bradford street. He la in a critical condition at the St. j Francis hospital. There are three bui- \ let wounds in his back and another in » hie arm.The first step toward what may yet prove to be a tragedy was a misstep on the part of Private Qeorge Scruggs of the Kanawha Marching club of the Elks lodge. Rivalry was running high for the honora in the competition between the various lodges' drill teams when Private Scruggs mUeued In the midst of an Intricate maneuver. First Lteut, Evans Buffington took the matter of Private Scruggs* lapae in precision so keenly to heart that he spoke harsh words to hie private after the exhibition was ended. Police Patrol Drivers John Wooster and William Jefferson, guests at the affair, sent Lieutenant Buffington home.Later in. the evening, Lieutenant Buffington reappeared- He had armed hlmaelf with the revolver. The dispute with Private Scruggs was resumed. The two officers were not near, Just how Taylor became Involved has not yet been made clear. But in BOtne manner be drew the wrath of the lieutenant, and with it the four wounds,Lieutenant Buffington was arrested and placed in Jail by’ the two officers. He was sill! there last night, charged with felonious shooting and carrying a pistol In violation of the state law. He appeared in police court yesterday morning still garbed In all his fine regalia as first lieutenant of the Kanawha Marching club. But the official purple and whit* uniform was replaced by more sober garments later In the day, garments more befitting to the Jail house.Lieutenant Buffington's hearing was postponed pending the outcome of Taylor's wounds,
Newspaper Details
Charleston Gazette
Charleston, West Virginia, US
Sat, Aug 03, 1929
Page 7
Full Page
Clipped by
Library O.
USA 24 Feb 2023
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