Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1883-11-22
Political Liberty in Mississippi.

That the determination to terrify the
negroes and those whites whom they
recognize as their leaders is not confined
to Virginia, is shown by the shooting of
Prent. Matthews, at Hazelhurst, Copiah
county, Miss, on election day, and espe-
cially by series of resolutions adopted
by public meeting of prominent citi-
zens of the same county, held the 7th
inst.
Prent. Matthews is described by the
Crystal Springs (Copiah County, Meteor
as ''the leader of the Radicals, and of
every party in opposition to the white
peoples government" which it seems
is mortal offense. He was bold, fear
less, sharp, and shrewd man, with the
brain for leader, and he made good
use of his qualities, and repeatedly
bOasted that he was the possesor of more
offices than any other man in the State.
He was U. S. Deputy Collector and all
Alderman of this town, and had con-
trolling influence in the affairs of the
town as we'll as several county offices.
Early on the morning of election day
Matthews was killed at the polls by E.
B. Wheeler. The 'origin of the Difficult
ty," the Meteor says, rs obscure" I'm
mediately messages were sent in every
direction by telegraph and carriers
bearing the tidings through the whole
country, land within few hours after
armed men came to town prepared for
any emergency. for the widest rumors
were circulated of an uprising of the
negroes-rumOrs of blood and fire. A
report was also circulated that seventy
five armed negroes had cOngregated near
the town. and the Governor was urged
by telegraph to send troops, which he
promised to do; but latter mature delib-
Grafton ard TAXI into consideration
the murder of gallant men from the
country, it was decided to countermand
the order for troops and ask only for
guns and ammunition"
The day after the election mass meet
ing of the citizens of Copiah county
was held at Crystal Springs, and resolu >
tions expressive of their sentiments
were unanimously adopted. In sub
stance these resolutions were that GER
tain runurs being current that the rela
tives of the late PreDt. Matthews have
threatened to avenge his death by kill
ing Democrats and destroying their
property, they were given forma notice
by the said citizens OF Copiah county
THAT. in the opinion of this meeting, ii
is necessary to the safety of society and
the welfare of all races and classes in
this county, that hereafter the Matthews
family shall keep out of politics in this
uunty." And also, THAT from hence
forth no man or set of men shall organ
iZe the negro race against the whites in
this county, and if it shall be attempted
in the future we hereby give notice that
it shall be at the peril of the person or
persons attempting so to do" To the
enforcement of these resolutions all
present pledged their "lives. fortunes
and sacred honor"
The motives of these resolutions is as
manifest as though stated in plain
words, and it is the same as that set
forth in the resolutions by the citizens
and in the articles printed in the news
papers of Virginia-tha the negro is to
enjoy no rights that may in any way
conflict with the political supremacy of
the Southern Democrats.-[C Gin. Com.
GaZ.