Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-05-03
MOB LAW.
The Murderer of Officer Frazier
Taken from the Jail by a Re.
lentless Mob.
He is Dragged 10 the Suspension
Bridge and Hurled into the
Cumberland.

Yesterday afternoon officer Robert 7.
Frazier was shot aud killed by a negro,
Joe Reed. whom he attempted to arrest
on Whiteside street, north Nashville.
The news Of the shocking murder of
officer Frazier spread rapidly over the
city, and the negro Reed had not more
than been lodged in Jail before the posi-
bility of his being lynched was the sub
iect of general discussion. Appre-
tensions we're soon expressed on all
sides, aud very many we're heard to ex-
press the wish that Reed had never been
taken alive, or indulge the hope that the
dread idea Of mob violence would be
carried out.
The Mayor, Police Commissioners,
Sheriff and others held a consultation at
the Office Of the Mayor at A pm, to con
slider precautionary measures. A note
from Governor Porter to Mayor Howell
in reference to the emergency, which had
been reported to him, was read. The
Governor referred to the duty of the
Sheriff to call out the power Of the
county when necessary to conserve the
peace, aud eounseled whatever steps
we're necessary to give assurance that the
law wound take its course. The Mayor
promised that be and the police force, as
conservaters Of the peace, would aid the
county authorities to the extent Of their
power. Notwithstanding this official
conference no one present seemed to
entertain very grave fears Of actual
violence.
Sheriff Whitworth aud Deputy Sheriff
Wilkinson left the meejing with the view
of providing a guard for the Jail, but az
ter summoning q nunber Of men. all Of
whom declined to act, gave up the-un-
dertaking as far as a posse comitatus
was concerned.
The opinion was commonly expressed
on the streets that the law and the
courts could not be trusted for the
punishment Of the murderer. Continu-
ances on account Of undue excitement,
it was said, would be the order in the
courts and the prisoner finally escape
merited punishment.
Rain fell almost continuously during
the evening and ushered in a dark night.
A crowd soon began to collect in front
Of the Jail, making violent demonstra-
tions. The numbers swelled and the ex.
element grew SO in intensity, that it was
decided to alarm the city by ringing the
marketheuse bell. The call was an
swered by hundreds, few of whom, how
ever, we're actuated by any other motive
than curiosity.
The street in front Of the Jail was soon
blocked up by a multitude numbering
thousands. A large number Of policemen
were stationed at the entrance of the
jail in a phalanx, which it was hoped
would proven. the mob from %essaying to
force their way in. The portion of the
crowd clamoring for vengeance occupied
| the middle Of the street and INDUCED in
the cry to I" rally" while the lookers-on
stood around at greater or less distances
contemplating the dreadful scene.
Mayor Howell and a few citizens min.
gled with the crowd, and demonstrated
and pleaded with them to dispense and
20 to their homes. Justice Meacham
got on the steps of the Jail and under
took to make a speech in favor of law
and order, but his utteranees, like those
of others who attempted to speak, we're
greeted with jeers and ridicule and cries
Of Take him out" referring, of course,
to the prisoner. This last cry was moi
confined to those actively participating
in the mob.
At about hslfpast eight o'clock the
command to rally was given, and q huge
mass of the participants surged against
the body of policemen and began theiI
desperate task furiously. The officers
were forced aside and the Infatuated
throng began to fercely batter upon the
doors. The struggle with the police
men lasted some time.
The doors we're finally shattered ant
the mob rushed in with a yell which wa,
responded to by a shout on the outside
They we're now in the iailer's tenemen.
and had two more doors to break oper
before reaching the Jail proper. Tn,
policemen, Jailer Heverin, DEPUTY
Sheriff Wilkinson and others rallied ant
made a stand at the hex door. By din
Of blows with an ak and a sledge-ham
mer this soon gave way, as did the next
when the mob issued into the Jail yard
AT this point it numbered about twenty
five men-mainly young men. The,
demanded the keys to the Jail but faileI
to get them, Hugh Heverin protestin
that he did not have them. All poss
BILE resistance was made by the jaile
and his posse.
With the sledge-hammer, ak and othe
implements, the mob set to work on tn
heavy iron doors of the Jail. By Gu
ting hinges and breaking locks they SUI
ceeded in forcing their way through tn
four doors separating them from tn
prisoner, who was in No. 8. All th
prisoners seemed greatly alarmed, an
!, out of fearsfor their " safety, directe
the intruders to the proper cell.
They reached Reed at halfpast |
O'clock, having been two hours in owe
} coming all the resistance. Some {
them had handkerchief tied over the
} eyes as a mask. They placed a halte
around the neck Of their victim an
rushed madly forth with him amid dea
ening yells from the crowd.
Reed was dragged and pushed hu
riedly up Front street toward the Squai
in front Of a surging mass Of enrage
humanity. He was rushed to the su