The Feliciana Democrat., 1858-09-11
AN INFAMOUS RECURRENCE.

ANOTHER NEGRO OurRAGE.--Wc are again called
upon to record another of those outrages the first
of which was committed in the vicinity of our town,
in the month of February.
On last Sunday evening rs Mrs. Coleman and her
sister. Miss Connor, walking in the woods, at
short distance from their residence situate on the
outskirts they met negro man, to avoid whom they
hurried into another path The negro however, took
and club in the other. Miss Connor, frightened,
ran away screaming. The negro Immediately at
tackled Mrs. Coleman striking her with his club the
full force of which was broken by coming in contact
with tree, saving her life, yet Knocking her down.
lie then choked her and made an outrageous attack
upon her person. She fought him for some time
calling loudly for assistance, the negro threatening
to kill her with his knife Finally, hc negro became
alarmed and took to his heels.
The news of the outrage spread rapidly, and nimc-
date steps were taken for the arrest and discovery
of the villain. The negro dogs of Mr.. Broadway
were sent for and put upon the trail but were unable
to keep II any distance. Since then, q meeting of
the citizens has been held. They resolved TO spare
neither means money TO effect the capture of the
negro !; committee appointed TO carry this into
effect A number ofncgrocs favoring his description
have been taken to Mrs Coleman for her inspection
but the culprt has not been identified she thus de-
scribcs him eyes rather prominent full round face.
dark yellow color front teeth somewhat projecting
with light beard, had on straw hat, with black rib
band. spccklcd or striped shirt and yellow or dingy
pants and would readily recognize him.
The frequent recurrence of crimes of hcnous cha
racer, by our servc population, shows that there Il
much injury caused by the tardy administration of the
criminal laws. In the parish Jail there are two ne
grocs confined under the death penalty awaiting The
one for eighteen and the other for six months, the
action Of the Supreme Court. The procrastination
in eases Of this character is franght with much cyl
and should be remedied, if not possible otherwise. by
legislative enactment There should be a PROMPT
and immediate examination by the Judges and d
speedy return Of their decisions TO the tribunals from
whose judgments appeals have been taken.
II is owing to the knowledge. by the negro of the
uncertainty of punishment when the penalty is death
as shown TO him in instances like the preceding
means used in somc and we are happy to say rare
instances, by owners to screen him, from just and
mcrited awards-thc aid of eloquent and able at.
tornes. who defend guilt proven clear as the noon
day sun, for n monicd considerations that has led
in many instances the negro to believe that lie could
commit capital crimes with impunty. They have
also, seeing the noncxccuton Of the laws arrived at
the conclusion, that the loss which their master is
liable to sustain by their conviction, will induce him
however guilty he may know them to be- to use eve
ry means that may screen them from the due course
Of the law, and the innicton Of its penalties
This tardiness in the administration Of Justice has
also its effect upon the white population, for II was
general remark on Sunday evening last that had the
perperator OF similar outrage now in Jail. been
promptly punished, this recurrence wonld not have
taken place. They will not abide, in cases such Ms
these the laws slow course. Had the negro who
committed the crime on that day been arrested. his
Identity and guilt established there is no knowing
to what extent the popular indignation would have
been carried
1t Is the interest as well as the duty of every one
IN the community, to use their utmost endeayors 10
discover the perpetrator Of this crime crime that
has no equal in the decalogue crime revolving 10
humanity, unnatural in conception, and damnable in
execution And when found if proven guilty, let
him be punished.
Since pennng the above "a negro has been ar
rested, who has been identified by Mrs Coleman MS
hcpcrpetrator of the crime. There vas some dispo.
sition manifested to inhct summary punishment upon
him. but other counsel prevailed and he has been com
mltted to Jail to await his trial.