A Romantic Career.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 5015, 24 May 1889, Page 3

A Romantic Career.

The murder is reported [from Charleston, South Carolina, of Captain P. W. Dawson, editor of The News and Courier, the leading newspaper of the State, It appears that Mr Dawson went to the house of a young physician named M'Dow, to remonstrate with him for unbecoming conduct towards a maidservant in his (Captain Dawson’s) family. M'Dow resented bis words, and shot him after an angry dispute. The crime was not discovered till three hours after,when M'Dow confessed his guilt. Captain DaweorTs career was a very romantic one. Born in London in 1840, and educated there, he wrote several comedies, which were acted on the London stage. Ho became greatly interested in the American War of Secession, and, running the blockade soon after tbo war began, enlisted in the Southern navy. After serving a short time ho resigned and enlisted in the Southern army as a private. He showed distinguished bravery in many battles, and was severely wounded, but remained with the army till the close of the war, having been promoted to the rank of captain. Ho was three times wounded, and at the time of his death carried four bullets in his body—two received in battle, one during a riot in Charleston, and the bullet which killed him. IJo bought an interest in the Charleston Nows in 1867, and, subsequently, with Mr Riordan, became coproprietor. His successful efforts to repress duelling in South Carolina so impressed Pope Leo XIII that in 1883 he created him Knight of the Order of St Gregory the Great. His murder took place on the Feast of St Gregory. The law against carrying concealed weapons in South Carolina was passed mainly through his efforts, and he had not carried a pistol about him for 20 years. He was twice married and leaves two children.