The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1865-09-16
The ROxbury Mob.


We stated yesterday that j. NJ. Way. Esq.
one of the citizens called upon by "genteel
mob" in April last and dragged from his
house compelled to put up and cheer flag and
repeat words dictated by his assallants-
which violence dangerously terrified his fam
ily-had commenced suit In the supreme
judicial court against different parties whom
he charges as aggressors, claiming $4,000
damages, and trusted the bank accounts of
the alleged offenders as security for the re-
suit. Edward D. Sohier, Esq. of Boston, and
VIM. CASTOR, Esq. of Roxbury. have been re-
tanned as counsel for plaintiff. The ebulli-
ton of political feeling which led TO these
acts was occssioned by the excitement pro-
duced by the death of President Lincoln, when
those who claimed monopoly of the patriot
ism of the country felt authorized to ira nple
upon the rights of others and offer such acts
as proof of commendable indignation at the
preparation of crime. Under the same in
fence several unoffending parties had their
property DESTROYED and their lives endanger-
ed in California, and other states. These
deeds-and those of like character at the out
break and during the war-wlll remain sn
indelible disgrace to the community that toll
Grated them, and stand as evidence of as
gross cruelty. injustice and barbarism as ever
We hope no suit will be prosecuted to graft
fy revenge or mercenary desire, but purely to
vlndicate and establish the rights and secur
ity of unoffending and law abiding citizens
under the sancity of the dom site roof and
upon their own premises. The records OF the
past will be revealed, sooner or later; the
wronged be righted and the aggressor pun
ished. The immutabie laws OF Justice can
not be violated with impunity. But accused
parties should be dealt with fairly and dispss-
sionately and punishment only follow the
clearest evidence of guilt; therefore, public
and legal condemnation should be slow and
patient III It's action, that rebuke in general
sentiment shall not err far on the side of
censure and penalty as the frenzy OF lntOler-
ance went in the neat of passOn.-BoStOR
Post.
The above is suggestive as to q similar affair
which occurred in this city, at the same time.
jim Beardsley, (the negro suffrage candid
ate Tor county clerk with one more sol
diers, went to Mr.. John Bulley's crockery
store and. with no color of law or authority,
compelled him to leave his store and accom-
pany him to the store of Harper & Steel,
whore was assembled a mobcOurt to try him
for words alleged to have been used by him in
regard to the death Of Mr.. Lincoln. The
whole allegation against Mr.. Bulley was false,
and the mob court becoming ashamed OF it,
scattered away, one at a time, leaving Mr..
Bulley alone. But that is a matter of no
consequence. Even if the allegation had been
true it furnished no justification for the mob.
The question is this Has Jim Beardsley
any right to head-l mob and compel any man
to leave his business leave his store alone
terrify his family; threaten him with hang
Ing to lamp post if ne don't leave the town,
or threaten him with violence of any sort p
Mr.. Bulley was deprived of his liberty by
mob of which Jim Beardsley was the leader,
he and his family were terrified by the vi
olence and threats of Beardsley and others
and the laws of this state were set at defiance
by Bsardsley and those who set him on.
The mob was inaugurated at the court
house. on Saturday evening, April 18th, By
the incendiary and violent speeches of few
negro-worshippers, and had it not been for the
temperate and appropriate remarks of Jacob |
Norris, Esq there is little doubt that our city |
would have been scene of bloc ished that |
night The mob spirit was auelled, for !
timely Mr.Norris' speech, but il afterwards, |
on Sunday and Monday, revived, in a meas
ure, through the action of certain persons
who congregate at Harper & Steeps store.
and showed itself In threats to destroy this
office; in threats to various parties to leave |
town or be hung to lamp post; in the vio-
lence shown to Mr.. Bulley las quiet and in
offensive, christian gentleman as lives in
town. and finally dwindled down to ISLANDERS
upon women IA most lame and impotent
conclusion. We should regret to learn that
any suits had been commenced, against the
offending parties, to crafty a spirit of re-
venge-but we think it is due to the good |
name of this community to vindicate and es-
tablish the rights and security of our law
abiding citizens under the ssnotity of their
own roof and on their own premises.
mil of harn haa