Fort Worth Daily Gazette

Why No Inquest?

The details of the shooting and death of John F. Logan, a locomotive fireman, some days ago, have all been given in the press. After being shot Logan was cared for at the hospital, but his wound was fatal, and he died Thursday last and was buried early next morning.

The circumstances of the shooting were such as to be deemed mysterious at least, and it was but natural to expect that some judicial action in the matter would be taken, an inquest be held, and the jury's finding at least be placed on record. Quite a number of citizens expressed the opinion to a Gazette reporter that such investigation should have been made, yet nothing of the kind has been done, and comment on the subject is being freely indulged.

Either justice of the peace in this city may act as coroner, and upon notification they are always ready to investigate sudden or violent deaths; but they must be requested to do so.

Whatever be the general belief as to Logan having brought upon himself his death, the shot that killed him was from an unknown hand. He was shot down in a saloon and not a move has been made in a judicial way to look into the matter. None of the official departments of the city appear to feel it incumbent upon them to take steps in the affair, but it should certainly be some one's business, and whoever that be, he is derelict in his duty.

It is understood that Logan has relatives in Chicago—a mother, sisters and others; the family is related to or intimate with the chief of police of that city. Should they choose to investigate the killing of Logan it would reflect but little credit on Fort Worth to have it stated that a man can be killed, even justifiably, without judicial indorsement thereof.