MILITARY LYNCHERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 9446, 22 June 1891, Page 3

MILITARY LYNCHERS.

A man named Hunt, well known in the far west as a professional gambler, became involved in a dispute with a private soldier of the United States army at a drinking bar. Hunt, who was under the influence of liquor at the time, finally drew ft revolver and shot Miller through the heart. The murderer, protected by hie friends, escaped, but was arrested on tbe following day and conveyed to the County gaol. The soldiers in garrison met ana came to a determination to avenge their fallen comrade. Sixteen privates were selected to carry out this decision, which, becoming known to the sheriff, extra guards were engaged to protect the prison. The soldiers charged with, the carrying out of the lynching arrived' at the gaol shortly after nightfall, and demanded that the doors should bo opened. This waa refused by the guards; within, whbreupoa the lynchers threatened to-blow the place up with dynamite. In obedience to this threat the doors were Opened; and 1 the mob of soldiers entered. They demanded and obtained the keys of the cells, and, having found Hunt, led him put into the Courthouse yard, where he was shot. :

The excitement in the town was intense, «nd the crowd outside! the gaol numbered 2000 persons, but no one interfered with the proceedings 'o t the soldiers, who were alone responsible for' the lynching. At the conclusion of the tragedy tho soldiers returned to their quarters, and all attempts to identify the lynchers have so far failed. . .