The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-09-07
Matters In Lnurens,

4 VuutterS In lLnurenS.
We havo received from correspon-
dent in Laurens, under date of the 4th,
tho following communication:
N1R. EDITOR: Tho teachings of Joe
Crews have at last been brought to bear
on portion of our community. His
advice, in his speech at Waterloo, ms re-
ported by those who heard it, was, "that
the blacks should never unite with the
whites in any movement-that if they
(the colored people) wanted provisions,
and could not buy them. to 90 into the
fields and get what they wanted. If the
whites did not settle with them the way
they thought was right, to burn them
out OF house and home-not to leave ono
stone upon another-that matches were
cheap; any ono could buy box for five
cents" How long shall we submit to
such conduct2 Shall we sit quietly and
allow such lnccndiary speakers to 20
through the country teaching the credu-
lous negroes to pursue such course? If
he was the friend-ns he pretends to be-
to the negro, he would certainly teach
them very differently.
On Wednesday, young man, by the
name of VIM. Hunter, hnd two negro
mon arrested for stealing wheat. He
went to Thomas Owens, Trial Justice
brother of Y. j. p. Owens, Senator from
this County-and procured warrant.
Owens sent his Constable Tumbling, and
with Hunter, arrested and brought them
to town. They were carried to Joe
Crews house. where Trial Justice FREQ
man lives. to get a commitment. Whilst
there, Hunter left the prisoners in the
hands of the constable, and when he re-
turned, he found that one white man
(Adam Crews, son of Joe) and several
negroes had ordered the constable to re-
lease them, and they did then and there
set thom free again. AS Hunter return
ed home, he was cursed and abused aud
told to ''try it again"
On Thursday night, between II and l
o'clock, the store-house of W. T. Beard
was discovered to be on fire. The alarm
was given and in short time, the flames
wero arrested. The colored people, who
were present, worked faithfully and de-
serve great credit for their conduct The
building Is on the Northwest corner of
the public square-a one-story wooden
building The fire was kindled between
tho weather boarding and corner casing
or column. and also about the centre OF
the end of tho building. which was for
tunately smothered. Matches and light
wood kindling wero found; hence there
can be no doubt as to origin of the fire,
as it was doubtless tho work of an incen-
diary.
On Friday night, about half-past 8
o'clock, the most unfortunate tragedy
that ever happened in onr community
took place. Thomas r. Montgomery
was shot and killed in his room by Thos.
A. Tobin. AS tho matter will undergo
Judicial investigation, we will refrain
from giving any more of the particulars.
MIR. Montgomery was young man,
about t"enty-ono years Of age, son Of
John u. Montgomery, of Spartanburg,
and was clerking for Mr.. John Kyle'
Mr.. Thomas a. Tobin is member of
the firm of Tobin & Moscley, and was
we'll known not only here, but you might
say, oil over tho South, having travelled
extensively before the war in the interest
OF uotchkiss, Fenner & Bennett, of New
York. He is native of Augusta, Ga.
Both stood we'll and have many friends.
The whole community lament this sad
affair. Mr.. Montgomery was consistent
member Of the Presbyterian Church at
this place, and truly, "None knew him
but to lovo him." I will state that from
some misunderstanding, tho parties re-
ferred to had had fight in front of the
hotel, and when parted, Tobin went to
his room in the hotel, and Montgomery
to his, over Kyle's store. Tobn came
out Of the hotel, and asked some one,
where Montgomery was; they replied
that they did not know-presumed he
was in his room, as there was light up
there. Tobin crossed tho street, went
up stairs, and few words passed, when
n pistol was fired twice, ono entering the
lower bowels, and is supposed to have
cut All artery; tho other ball was buried
III the outer frame Of the door. Tobin
went into his store. The house was sur
rounded by the constabuary and the mi
litia; Tobin refused to surrender until
about 4 o'clock n M, when, after con
sulting with his attorney, ho consented
to give up, and was lodged in Jail.
writu you this that you may knoyt
the true situation III Laurens, knowing,
full we'll that many wild rumors will bo
in circulation.
A Memphis despatch of the ID, says:
About ten days since, q party of men
rode up to the residence Of Mr.. j. Clio
| YER. n n1nnter livip in .TOhneOn Countv