The daily gazette., 1883-12-06
FEARS OF LYNCHING.
EXCITEMENT fn AN ALABAMA
TOWN.
SEEKING A WRETCH's LIFE
birmingham, Alabama, Under Martial
Law-The People Seeking to Lynch a
Negro Ravfaher.

BIRMINaHAM, ALA, Dec. 6.--On Sunday
afternoon last IT was reported In this city
that the nine year old daughter of white
man, named Doyle, q section boss on the
Louisville and Nashville railroad, had been
assaulted by a negro, near Oxmocr, six
miles south of here. Louise, the little
victim, gave the name of Wesley POsey,
ball -witted negro, as her assailant, and on
Monday he was arrested and lodged in iaiI
by the sheriff Monday night an excited
crowd broke down the doors Of the jail, but
the sheriff had removed the prisoner TO q
place OF safety, disguised as a woman. A
company of militia was stationed at the
jail, but IN the absehce of the sheriff they
had no orders, and did not resist the mob
who, after satisfying themselves that Posey
was not in the jail, dispersed.
Yesterday morning It was reported that
the negro would be returned to the jail, and
the excitement of the day before was re-
newed.
Judge Spratt, on conveniHg the court in
session now sitting, in speaking of the dis
turbance, said that he could not hold court
without the assurance of the support of the
court and the law by the citizens.
Thereupon, at the suggestion of members
OF the bar, mass meeting of citizens was
called to take place Immediately, and the
court took recess for that purpose In a
short time the building was packed with
people. The eommi tee which had been ap-
pointed submitted resolution condemning
the acts OF the mob and all mob law.
The reading of this resolution met with
excited confusion and was said TO be too
radical in the present excited condition of
OF the public mind. The resolutions were
recommitted and other names were added to
the committee. The second report adyo-
Gated the support of the law, provided a
trial as speedy as possible be had, and ad-
vised the citizens to retire to their homes to
await the action of the court Judge Spratt.
on reconvening the court, directed the
Sheriff to arraign the prisoner at O'Clock.
p. M, with posse to protect him.
At the mass meeting of citizens part Of
the crowd left the building protesting against
any delay. They gathered outside OF the
court house, and uutil dark, With aug.
mented numbers, listened 10 speeches de-
manding the lynehing of the prisoner. The
| authorities, deeming it still unsafe 10 ar
| raiRn the prisoner, failed TO bring him to
court Meanwhile Governor O'Nel was
telegraphed to for military aid. At z
o'clock two companies, the Gray's and True
Blues, OF Montgomery, arrived.
They united with the two homes eompan-
les and marched to the Jail. At this point A
large crowd obstructed the way, and only
retired at the point of the bayonet Some
OF the mob even threw stones at the troops,
| two OF whom were hit, though not hurt
Two or three of the crowd were slightly
pricked with bayonets. The streets Ihcpt
the place were finally clsarsS q. -os..t.
tansyS, ana the troops were nostos "tsIout cas-
ESe,'1 The night passed auVan1
Greenyille. OneInResnee IIRsee more companies fron,
All the command belong arrived.
Regiment OF Alabama State TROOPS, Second
l. u. Jones, OF Montgomery, who is vet
eran of Confederate distinction, command
ing, About $50 men, armed with Spring.
field rifles and one Gatling aud two field
rifle rifle guns, comprise the command.
This morning three companies brought the
prisoner to court. He was arraigned, and
his trial set for Friday, which is the earliest
possible time allowed by law. During the
whole affair the excitemet has been at fever
heat, and trouble In the shape of reckless
ness or mob violence hes been apprehended,
All sorts of exciting rumors have been cur
rent.
Colonel Jones to-day issued hand-bilIs
broadcast declaring that he and the troops
here would only see the law executed and
peace preserved. Citing the State laws as
authority, Mayor Lane also issued procla-
nation calling upon all citizens to retire
peacefully to their homes, and stating that
the troops were strong enough and could
certainly protect the prisoner.
Among the reports current tonight 1t Is
stated that there are several crowds of men
assembled In various parts of the city or
ganizing with the intent to take the prisoner
and lynch him. A lew of the coolest heads
believe that the strong military display will
have the effect of preventing any serious dis
turbance. Nothing of q race issue exists.
1t is said that Wesley Posley has assaulted
several little negro girls, aud the negroes
are as much incensed as the whites.