The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1855-06-04
MONDAY MORNING :::::::

Mere eutrages ON the CanaI.Canal
BY MOb-Reward for GOyernOr's
Head LynchiDg and threats OF Lyn mem
Ing, &c. &c.
A short time since we published the fact
that large body of ruffians of Clay and Vigo
counties had cut away the bank of the Birch
Greek Reservoir, and that they threatened
dire vengeance on those who should attempt
to repair the breach. The Governor issued
q proclamation, which we published, offering
rewards for the perpetrators of the outrage.
The scoundrels sent fmoral notice 10 the
resident Trustee at Terre Haute, that il an
attempt were made to repair the Canal. it
would be at the risk of the lives of the men
sent, and that the canal would be cut away
for long distance in the neighborhood of
the Reservoir. Notwithstanding these threats
state boat was sent to the Reservoir last
Tuesday, with twenty armed laborers under
charge Of Mr.. Higgins. They worked all
Tuesday without interruption. eve may
here say we learned these particulars from
Capt. Grant of the archer, who informed him.
self fully and carefully as possible Of the
facts.) On Tuesday night the boat was
surrounded by men with blackened faces,
who during the night kept up continal fir
ing Of guns about the boat. These ruffians
held meeting about mile from the boat
during Tuesday night, and drew up state
ment oftheir complaints and resolutions of
threatening nature. In the morning copy
Of these was found stuck up on the boat,
with q warning that the laborers would be
allowed seven hours to take away the earth
they had replaced in the Reservoir bank,
and one hour after that to leave, and that
the canal would be cut away and the Birch
Creek Aqueduct burned the following night.
The laborers, who had been during the whole
night expecting an attack, took the seven
hours for at once making tracks from the
neighborhood instead of undoing their work
Of the day previous.
Wednesday night the canal bank was cut
away on Summit Level, eighteen miles be-
low Terre Haute, and boats on the level CON-
ing down, at once made their way back to
Tere Haute with much difficulty. The
Aqueduct over Birch creek, near the Re-
servoir as was that part Of the canal cut
away, was burned down the same night
q guard of the poor deluded scoundrels
standing by to prevent interruption during
the FIRE. It was also understood they in
tended to cut away the ole Reservoir, on
the opposite side of the canal to the other,
and perform other acts of villainy. As an
exhibition Of their contempt for the Governor
and his Proclamation, they stuck up notice
offering high reward for the Governors
head. 1t was reported at Terre Haute Fri.
day morning that this mob had destroyed the
two locks at the Junction. They left
written notices at the doors of persons in
their neighborhood who regarded their acts
with disapproval, that if they gave any in
formation as to the perpetrators Of these
cowardy acts, or had anything to say on the
subject, they would be at once taken out
and lynched. 1t was reported at Terre
Haute, that the owner Of mill in this neigh.
borhood had for some of his language of dis
approval, been severely lynched by scourg.
ing, and was told that that If he interfcred
any further his mill and house would be
burned to the ground.
We understand Gov. Wright was at Terre
Haute last week, but returned to indianapolis
without visiting the reservoir neighborhood
being probably afraid to trust himself
there. His action now is looked for with
great deal of interest. He has duty to
perform from which there must be no shrink
ing. Not only must this gang of lawless
scoundrels be punished, but the repairs of
reservoir, canal, &c. must at once be made,
and the improvements protected from further
injury. He can get thousands of volunteers
il necessary. Evansville alone, we have
no doubt, would turn cut enough men to
render the Governor secure of his head in
visiting the scene of these outrages.
Nothing but the lowest ignorance and
depravity can account for the action Of this
mob. The Reservoir was in no manner the
cause of sickness. 1t was filled with clear
water, and was no more injurious than a
natural lake. The Canal is Of course great
benefit to that benighted region of country.
We trust the ringleaders will be brought to
punishment, and that right speedily. Even
il the damages to reservoir and canal be
promptly repaired, we doubt whether canal
navigation at and below Summit Level can
be worth much this summer.
The following boats were compelled to
return to Terre Haute. They were all laden
foy Evansville.