Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-02-22
THAT LITTLE LYNcHING
In which Postmaster Evans Is Alleged
10 Have Taken Part.

| telegrsphed you yesterday the main
points OF the hearing before the Senate
Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads
in the hartinsburg postotli ce cGse. Evans,
whose nomination was sent back TO the
committee for further report last week, was
on hand attended by Editor Hart, Of the
Inteliigencer, and Judge hoge, his attor-
ney, while Wisner appeared as his own
counsel. A couple OF cOlored gentlemen
from Msrtinsburg were present, and their
presence, together with that OF Senator
Malone, gave the scene a suggestion Of
Copeah or DanvilIe investigation, The
committee got together shortly after two
o'clock, aud the proceedings were opened
by inviting Mr.. Evans TO make such state.
ment as he desired. Evans made some
thing of a speech in connection with his
statement and made q good impression on
the committee. He stated that he heard
rumors Of
The Intended Hanging OF Toliiver
by the mob several days before it hap,
peped, and was told on the day Of its oc
Curresce that it was coming oil that even
ing, bat did not believe it. He was setting
on the porch OF a house near the Jail
when the mob entered the t0~n, and was
put under arrest by order of its leaders
When Tolliyer was taken frOm the jail the
squad guarding Evans wen off to JOIN
those who had the prisoner, and Exams
followed, as he says. for the ressou that ne
lad served on a Jury which tried TOlliVer,
md was curious 10 bear what statement he
would make. The night was dark one,
and be recognized 70 one engaged in the
~argirg Once, when a match was lii 10
sse IL The negro was dead, it was knocked
ont Of the mans hand who lit it. Evans
>sid be appealed to those who wanted 10
sHtshort the n Nesro'- Prayers
to give him time 10 prey, bnt was told to
shut up end wss packed back. The negro
usde no confession. These were the main
points OF Evans statement, as made by
himself snd drawn out by questions Of the
committee. He declined to be interrogat.
ed by MIR. Wisner, but professed his will:
lingness 10 answer any questions asked
him by others, and Wisner's questions
were propounded by Senator Hill.
Judge Hoges testimony was confined to
q brief statement OF the action OF suose,
Guent grand Jurors, and Wisner submitted
two additional sffidavits by Charles
Aimey, who was with Evans on the night
of the banging, and which set forth Evans
know ledge Of the intended hanging, but
acquitted him OF any participation IN u
other than following the crowd, as before
stated. Senator Malone remarked when
they were read that they we're stronger
sttidavits in favor Of Evans than those filed
by Evans himself. In reply 10 questions,
Wisner expressed his belief that child
strong enough to pull the rope OF fire
bell could have stopped the mob's pro-
eeedings that night. He said he did not
kpow Of Evans presence at the hanging
until the postofice appointment was made
but once showing il considered it his duty
10 ask the investigation which had taken
plsce.
The two coiored men, Prof. J. z. Cliiori
and Rev. keyes. who appeared as Wit.
nesses. made no statement, and the com
mittee, when the vote was taken, voted
unanimously to sgain report Evans nom
nation fsvorsbly.
The nomination came up in executive
session OF the Senate this afternoon on tne
favorable report OF the committee and Vas
opposed bp several Democrats and Rspuh.
licans, the latter urging that Evans should
have warned the authorities concerning
the approaching mob.
A motion TO confirm the vote dis
closed the absence Of quorum, and the
nomination lies over until future exscu-
tive session. LAS.