The New York herald., 1871-03-12
WHITE AND BLACK TROUBLES In MISSISSIPPI,

The Riot in Meridian-Shooting of Judge
Bromlette by n NeGre-The Murderer Killed
in the street-A Number Of the Rioters Killed
and Wounded.
The Meridian MISSY Gazette OF Tuesday. March T.
gives the following details OF the violent scenes at
that place, heretofore noticed In our despatches-
TURBULENCE AND ARSON
Saturday afternoon Billy Clopton had his thin br-
gade OF negro militia IN arms and paraded the streets
as usual Billy was extremely abusive towards the
close OF the militia exercises, and declared that with
one hundred men he could annlhilate a thousand
white men-lhat the whites were afraid OF the
negroes and he would have his way in Meridian.
He was not interfered with molested. When the
fire broke out the same scoundrei was on hand
thanking God the rebels property was burning ana
praying that the flames would consume every build
Inc in the city. He drew a pistol on man who re-
monstrated, and would have killed him but for the
interference OF friendly negro. While marching
up the street in front of the fire with pistol hand,
curslng rebels and Roating their misfortnnes.
ae and I to
who carried him out OF the crowd, when he
time, while the fire was raging and our citizens
struggling to arrest it and save little Of their
property, the bell OF the African church peaed
forth the usual signal for the negroes to repair there
This was more than our people could stand and
a company was al once formed and marched to the
residence or the sheriff, where a tender was made
OF the posse and request made for the arrest OF
Billy Clopton. The sheriff sent his deputy, Mr..
Belk, in charge OF the posse ana arrested Clopton
and placed him under guard in The Court House.
The turbulent threats OF the negroes and their
white allies called The citizens. together again
Sunday afternoon and evening, when one hundred
men volunteered TO vindicate the majesty OF the law
and crush lawlessness no matter whence 1t might
come. The town was well policed on Sunday night
and strong guard or citizens kept C.opton to
see that he was neither rescued nor mo!ested. The
negroes did net carry out their threats; the fire
fend longer darted athwart the skv and the con-
staEt and prOmiscuous shooting which has alarmed
women and children Tor months ceased One
squad OF armed negroes was dispersed and
sent home, and the night passed in noonshine balm
and peace. Yesterday morning there was an i'm
mense mass meeting al the Court House to devise
ways and means for keeping peace and giving re-
pose to the community The meeting was large and
enthusiastic, the largest probably ever held in Mer
dian. over five hundred persons were present All
classes were represented there and all climes.
the deIlberatlons. The speeches were pacific
and pointed, and showed that the white peo-
pie Of Meridian have at last determined to to
bad negroes and their white confederates. In the
Afternoon the case OF Billy Clopton, Aaron Moore
Captains Evans and Ford representing the State and
Mayor Sturges his black friends. The testimony
day made very speeces War
paosa Isa i'ss sop1S s
and Gomorrah, and spoke OF what might be the fate
OF Meridian. other negroes spoke OF the posi-
bnity or the town being reduced to ashes. That
very night the hand OF the incendlary reduced TO
ashes $4,000 wsrth Of property in Meridian.
THE COURT HOUSE TRAGEDY.
Meridian has been the scene OF one of the
most horrible tragedies that ever occurred in
civilized community. While the examina-
vs.. William Copton and other negroes,
charged with riotous conduct on Saturday
night at the time Of she fire, progressing,
Mr.. Brantley deposed as 10 some remarks Warren
Tyler had made about the white people. He was IA.
terrupted in very rude and angry manner by Ty-
ler who, it appears. was armed with two pistols,
and who was one OF the defendants In the case Ty-
Ter stated that he would lmpeach Brantley's test-
mony, for which Brantley raised cane and ad-
vanced 10 within eight or ten feet OF him. AT this
Juncture General Patten, City Marshal,
caught Brantley and held him. Wnie he
was thus held Tyler drew repeater
and commenced firing at Brantley. AT
the first fire Judge Bramette was shot
through the head and instantly killed. The room
was crowded with white and black, who were at
tending The trial. and, az great excitement was pre-
vailing an indiscrminGte firing commencea In
which william Clopton end negro named Gus
Ford were killed ana several persons white and
black, were wounded.
After firing several shots Tyler jumped out OF the
window OF the court room. which was In the second
story OF the Sheehan Building and ran up Sydney
street. AS soon as II was known that he had Killed
Judge Bramlette be was pursued, and, on refusing
TO surrender, was instantly Killed. Tyler 1ied a
number OF shots 8t the parties In pursuit OF MIN,
and resisted his capture until the very last.
Judge Bramlette was man universally loved and
respected. He had been Judge OF Probate and was
al the time Of his death Justice OF the Peace and
member OF the Board Of Aldermen.
Copton and Tyler were turbulent and disorderly
negroes, VINO have been stirring up strife In this
community for the last two years. Iheir greatest
desire seemed to oe 70 stlr up eumtty between the
Two races and DO al the mischief irf tfieE power.