Mont Mason, merchant and Justice of the Peace, Leadwood, was shot in the left arm by a soldier at Desloge, Wednesday night. The trouble which resulted in the shooting started in Lon Florence's cafe. Mason, in company with Wm. Kernen and Peter Farney, were in the cafe getting a lunch when something was said at which Mrs. Florence took offence. According to a statement by Mason, Florence ordered them out of the store. He went out ahead of the other men. The soldiers were sent for. When the soldiers arrived he started down the street. They ordered him to halt and when he failed to do so they shot him. All three men were placed under arrest. Kernen and Farney were held at military headquarters all night. Mason was taken to the National hospital where his wound was dressed and he was then allowed to go home.
Florence refused to make a statement when called by telephone by a News reporter Thursday. The trouble according to the statement of others, seems to have been a free for all fight in which Florence and the three men engaged. During the fight Florence hit one of the Leadwood men over the head with a gun. Two of the Leadwood men are alleged to have drawn knives. The timely arrival of the soldiers probably prevented the affray resulting in a tragedy.
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