Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-11-30
.Siayor,s OEce.
Cirr OF ALrOS. Nov. sIh,
To TIE PUBLIC.

'Strr or ALTON, Nov. BIh, 1887.
TO THE PUBLIC.
In order that the public mind may
be correctly informed Of the lamentsble
and fatal tragedy that was enacted in
our city on the night of the 7th inst.
and with view OF preventing and cor
reciing distorted statements OF the pro.
eeedings Of the mob aud those persons
against whom the attack was directed,
deem II incumbent on me and proper,
that | should present in my official ca.
pacity, plain statement Of all the facts
connected with the unhappy excite
ment that has SO long agllated the peace
and tranquility Of the citizens Of Alton.
Without recurring to the causes or re-
suits OF previous excitme at in reference
to.the ".7Lton O6seyUer'.. press and its
hnal destruction, shall cOnfne my
statement to the last aud most melan-
choly occurrence which has befallen
our city.
For several days past il had been
announced and generally believed THAI
aprinting press was hourly expected to
be landed at our wharf. II had also
been the current runor that this press
was intended for the establishment
OF the hilton Obserrer." The circu.
latIon OF these produced no small de.
gree OF excitement amongst those who
has taken q decided stand against the
ABOLITION sentiments that were under
stood to have been disse minated thro'
the columns Of the "O6sefpey.' Vari-
Gus reports Of a threatening character
against the landing Of the press were
en- circulation, which led the friends Of
the Observer and its editor to make
preparations TO defend the press in case
any violence should be offered by those
opposed TO the publication Of that pa
per. On Tuesday at about 3 o'clock
IN the morning, | was called from nv
lodgings and informed that the press
had arrived al the wharf, and that nv
official interference was desired. i'm
mediately repaired 20 the wharf and
remained there until the press was
landed aud stored in the warehouse of
Messrs. Godfrey, Gilman 4 Co. There
was no indication Of violence or resist.
ance on the part Of any one az that
time. The arrival Of the abolition
press las u was called was general.
ly known IN the early part of that day.
which served 10 re-kindle The excite.
menG Representation was made 10
the Common Council Of the threatening
reports which were in circulation. The
Common Council did not however.
deem Il necessary TO take any action on
the subject Gentlemen diTecily,ihte-
rested IN protecting he press from mob
violence, deemed Il expedient to guard
the warehouse with men and arms, in
readiness 10 resist violence. should any
be offered. During the early part Of
the night Of Tuesday, IT was reported
through the city that there were from
% 70 40 armed men on guard within
the warehouse
About 10 O'Clock At night 20 or 80
PeFsons appeared al the south end Of
the warehouse and gave some indiea-
tons Of an attack Mr.. w. s Gilman
from the Sd story Of the warehouse ad.
dressed those without. snd urged them
70 eeiist, add al the same time inform.
ca 'hem that the persons within the
warehouse we're prepared. and should
snaeavoE TO defend their property. and
s ss. sef'o0s consequences might ensue
lhose without demanded the Press.
and said they would no. be satisfied
Until y vas destroyed; said they did
not wish 70 injuse any person or other
property, Dot insisted on having the