The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1867-07-12
Another Carnival Of Blood
A Bloody Brownlow Riot.

From tho Union aud Dispatch.
1t is well understood here that a Radi
cal meeting had been held at Franklin on
Saturday, and from this it was generally
supposed the riot had grown. The facts,
however, show a somewhat different case.
A Radical meeting had been called at that
place, and at one O'Clock in the afternoon
crowd Of about $500 blacks and whites,
many Of chem armed had assembled at the
courthouse, where the speaking was to be
done. Abe Smith, coloFed man employ
ed at the capitol introduced D. NJ McFall,
Radical candidate for Representative of
Williamson county in the Lower House of
the General Assembly, who was followed
By ". Y Elliott, candidate for State sena-
tor. Elliott spoke about an hour and a
half, when John Trimble, one of Che Radi-
cal nominees for Congress in this (the
fifth1 district. took the stand and made the
last speech, occupying two hours, and the
meeting quietly broke up at five O'Clock
The drums, lifes, and banners were laid up
in the court house, and a portion of the
crowd moved homeward.
In the assembly that listened to the Radi-
cal speeches were goodly number of Con-
servatives, who expressed no little sur
prise at their tone, as nothing but virtu-
peration, SANDER and abuse, the usual con
CONTAINS of Radical harangues, had been
looked for General good feeling appeared
to prevail. and no harsh words had passed
in any portion Of the crowd
At about halfpast five O'Clock, Joe Will
liams, the great colored Conservative ora
tor, who had been addressing large meet
ing at Spring Ill., thirteen miles distant,
rode into town in buggy, accompanied
by Alfred Newsom, colored man They
drove up to the store Of Col. john N.
House where they were greeted by Luther
Ewing, the President of the Colored Con
servative Club, who invited Williams to
address the club at the court house.
Williams replied that it would be impos
sible for him to do so, as it was important
that he should be in Nashville that night
Ewing again urged, but Williams still re-
fused, and in a few minutes started off to-
ward Nashville.
After crossing Harpeth river, Newsom
demonstrated with Williams, saying that
he should not think Of going on to Nash
Vile until the next day. as their horse had
been driven long way, and could not we'll
stand the fatigue of the drive home. Some
further talk followed, when Williams final
" concluded to turn back.
AS they again reached the Square, they
were observed by large number of the
colored Loyal League, who were on their
WY to the League rooms. AS the buggy
came up, the Leaguers crowded around it,
some of them shaking hands with and well
coming Williams, while others received
him by tipping the vehicle, and calling up
on him to get out and make a speech VIII
liams repeatedly declined, but they would
not listen 10 him, and he was foroibly lift
ed from his scat to the ground. Two of
the leaders of the League then locked arms
with him and the three marched toward
the court house, followed by the crowd,
who cheered for Williams, and shouted,
.sCome and hear the Rebel Joe Williams
speak p The bell Of the court louse rang
out clearly and loudly, and people from all
quarters began to flock around, as the col
ored orator mounted the steps.
AS he commenced his speech, the deep
est interest was manifested by the large as
sembly, and their attention was riyeted
upon the speak or as he proceeded. Every
thing was orderly aud quiet, and there APP
peared 10 possible prospect of any trouble.
though a number of the League were arm
ed with revolyers, and swords dapgled. at
the sides Of their leaders.
Anumber Of mean whites, who were
watching the course matters were taking.
could not brook the idea that the colored
men should be allowed to hear the truth
from one of their own people, and at once
determined that the meeting should be
broken up. OneJobn Bliss, an unprinci-
Piled white Radical. the proprietor of a
store ia the place, appeared to be most
active in his efforts TO draw away the
crowd
In about eileen minutes, the drums,
ffes and banners were brought out. the
long roll sounded, aud everybody turned
their eyes for a moment to the center of
the square, where the musicians stood
Part of The crowd immediately started
away, and IN little while commenced form
ing as II for procession. taking their
cue from the whites and setting up yells
for BrowBlow.
The friends Of Williams fearing trouble,
appealed to the remaing members Of the
League to protect him. A colored man
said to Col. Jno. NJ. House, MAS John,