The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-11-06

some DAYS in making investigations which ulti-
matey loi to the arrest of several parties ag lnst
whom suspicion was dir acted.
The prisoners arrested consisted OF six laborers,
all colored, and one boss carpenter named Carter
Harris. The names OF the colored we're George
Hayes, William Kirkland, Barney Goodwin, John
Montgomery, Perry I:eese and Isaac Lights. The
prisoners, on being arrested, we're confined in the
cells of the Detective Office, and the evidence In
tho case taken before Magistrate C. E. Kanapaux.
John Montgomery stated that the project OF
throwing the cars from the track HAD been spoken
of for nearly year, and he implicated all except
Reese and Lighls, who heard the conversation
but did not conse1t to join the party. Goodwin
and himself tore up the track on the night OF the
18th, throw ng the rails and bar used for the per-
formancs Of the deed to the side of the track.
Goodwin's statement corroborated that tf
Montgomery in great measure, but denied any
completely in the deed, though he acknowledged
walking to tie track and knowing what Mont
gomory's intentions were The testimony Of the
other prisoners and the Witnesses agreed in charg-
ing John Montgomery with the entire blame.
Goodwin and himself were discharged By Harris,
and he threatened TO have revenge by throwing
the cars of the track near Harris Section.
Harris denied any knowledge OF the run of nm
til notified by his hands, and said that no conver-
sation had taken place in his presence about
throwing oil the trains
During the evidence the parties acknowledged
having broken open and robbed the cars about q
year ago, and having divided The spoils, consist
ing OF hams, -four, candy, herrings and one b1-
reau. These articles .Tere taken to Harris house,
and he &C ;nowlodged receiving his share Of the
plunder, the bureau being still in his possession.
The evidence was very full and complete, and
though Montgomery was apparently the ring
leader, there was evidently we'll organized band,
whose object was to rob the trains. The robbery
alluded to was only one Of many that have recent
ly occurred, the parties having heretofore sue
ceeded in escaping justice.
The prisoners and the evidence taken In the
case we're turned over to the military authorities,
who reviewed the testimony and report furnish
ed by Brevet Colonel DENNIS, Judge Advocate OF
the Second Military District, recommends q trial
by Military Commission. The report also advises
modification OF the statutes Of this State rela-
ting to railroads. The South Carolina ordinance
provides that in case OF any accident on railroad,
arising from distractions placed thereon by de-
signing parties, il the passengers or anyone on the
train should be so injured that death should oo-
cur in O year and day, the punishment OF the
crime is death. IL North Carolina the limit Is sx
months, and the law is more severe than IN this
State. This crime his been considered as pec'l-
liarly heinous BIZ every civilized community, and
no law could BE- too stringent, OR nc punishment
too severe for those who wlltully agroe to commit
Wholesale murder.
Great praise is due to the detective officers for
the ekilful manner IN which they have conducted
this affair: the arrests having been made by officer
Coates only after personal investigation of the
accident