AN EPISODE OF BUTCHERY IN AMERICA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 44, 6 January 1880, Page 3

AN EPISODE OF BUTCHERY IN AMERICA.

£, Particulars are given in the American papers of an extraordinary duel which occurred near Kansas between James Dobbins and Michael Burns, resulting in the death of both men. Burns and Dobbins were farmers and neighbors, and lived in the Kansas river bottom, six and ahalf miles from the city, and two miles from th<? south end of the county bridge that spans the Kansas river. Four years ago Dobbins got married, and at that time Burns lent him 80 dols. The money was never paid back by Dobbins, and on this account there was a feeling of enmity between the men. Towards the latter end of last mouth Burns came to town. Dobbins was at work on the road. On his way home Burns passed the place where Dobbins and others were working. The men did not have any conversation. To go to his house Dobbins had to pass by that of Burns. Whoa Dobbins arrived in front of Burns’ bouse, lie found Burns standing before the door, revolver in hand. Burns said, “ Jim, I want that money you owe me.” Dobbins made a reply winch incensed Burns, but, disregarding bis anger, Dobbins said, “ Throw down that revolver and I can whip you.” Burns throw down the revolver on the ground by his side, when Bobbins said, "You have the drop on mo now, but if yon wait till I come back I will be heeled to meet you.” Dobbins then drove his horses into his yard, and leaving them unhitched, ran into the house. Here lie got two revolvers and started towards Burns’ place. Burns was sitting on the doorstep as Dobbins came up, and before he had time to move, and without a word of warning to Burns, Dobbins presented a revolver in each hand and opened tire. The balls from both revolvers bulged in the side of the house, Burns then ran into tire house, got his pistol, and rushed out upon Dobbins. The men advanced to within two feet of each other before a shot was fired Il3' either. Dobbins fired first, the shot hitting Burns; in the right forearm. Burns returned the fire, and sent two bullets through Dobbins’s chest. Although wounded desperately, and fast becoming weak from loss of blood, Dobbins summoned strength enough to lire again, his return shot tearing into Burns’ abdomen and passing through his body. Full of rage, Burns managed to raise his revolver and discharge it once more. His last shot struck Dobbins under bis left ear, and passed clear through Ins bead. Ensiling together, the men clinched each other, and fell to the ground, Dobbins underneath. Burns then boat Dobbins on the head and face with the butt end of his revolver. Supposing that Dobbins was dead, Burns was about to leave him, but with a desperate effort Dobbins turned, and in a moment had again thrown Burns to the ground. One of the neighbors, a Mrs. Kalfton. appeared at this time, and pulled Dobbins away from Burns. Two young men coming up, the men wore separated. Burns was then carried by the men to his own house, and they went back to the scene of the fight to carry Dobbins away. Lilting the man to bis feet, they walked on each side of him, supporting him between them. They had hardly gone five yards when Dobbins sank down on his knees, and died in the wiods. He died without saying a word. Burns lingered for t.vo days, when lie died. Burns was an unmarried man. Dobbins loaves a wife and. child.