HAND-TO-HAND FIGHT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 503, 4 November 1909, Page 3

HAND-TO-HAND FIGHT.

EDITOR AND GENERAL. After a desperate hand-to-hand fight at Panama on August 25, General Herbert Jeffries, a noted Panama revolutionist, killed Mr William Chandler, editor of the Panama Press, whom he accused of writing an article defamatory to Mrs Claude Guyant, wife of the United States Deputy ConsulGeneral at Panama. Mrs Guyant is a sister-in-law of General Jeffries. She is only 18 years of age, and General Jeffries resented a statement charging her with drunkenness. All the parties are well-known on the Isthmus, and the affair has created much excitement in Anglo-Panama society. General Jeffries entered the office of the newspaper carrying a copy of the journal containing the article in question, which had been signed by Mr Chandler. “ What does this mean ?” General Jeffries exclaimed, thrusting the paper in front of the editor. “It means exactly what it says,” replied Mr Chandler, quietly. General Jeffries instantly sprang at Mr Chandler, and the two clenched. It was a desperate fight, but Mr Chandler gradually got the upper hand, landing smashing blows upon General Jeffries’ jaw and punching him at will. Then General Jefferies drew a revolver. He did not try to shoot, but as Mr Chandler, who was unarmed, fearlessly made a dash at him, he hit the editor a heavy blow with the butt-end of the weapon. Mr Chandler was dazed, but fought fiercely to get possession of the revolver, but General Jeffries rained blows upon his head, till at last he sank to the floor dying. The murderer was taken to gaol. There is no capital punishment in Panama, but the despatches say that it is pretty certain “ some member of American Panama society will avenge Mr Chandler’s death.” —Telegraph’s correspondent.

Far continuation of Reading Matter sec page 4.