The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-04-07
CARROLLTON MASSACRE.
WHAT MEMPHIS COLORED MIN
LISTERS SAT- ABOUT 1T.
They Ask for the Punishment Of the
Murderers ~ security for
the Future.

At meeting oil the colored minis
tiers Of Memoirs, recently held in this
city, the following paper and Tesolu-
tons were adopted:
1t is not strange that under strong
provOcstion and amid great excitement
caused by some shocking crime men
will sometimes resort to lynch law. A
very different case, however. is that OF
the recent killing OF twelve or fifteen
men, innocent Of any crime against
society, at the court house in Carroll
ton, Miss. 1t appears to be case OF
wantoD, cold-blooded butchery, worthy
of savagts or highwaymeD. The only
excuse or defense offered for the deed
is the assertion that the prisoner on
trial was armed and that he imme-
diately began firing when he saw the
advancing n OBJ at the door.
1t will be seen at once that this insti-
fcation OF the crime has upon the face
of it no indication of truth. A prisoner
in the hands of toe law snd on trial
would not likely have a revolver in
his possession. 1t has been alleged
that the whole crowd of negroes a
the courtroom were armed, and yet it
does not appear that they made any
defense. No evidence is found that
the local authorities feared any out
break which they could not pnt down.
The simple fact appears to be that a
crowd OF blood thirsty men, un.
doubtsdly belonging to Carrollton and
vicinity, took this method OF wreakiDg
vengeance on the defenseless negroes
on account OF special hatred Of one Of
their number.
The whole affair is foul blot on a
so-called Christian land. 1t is base
and cowardly in conception and exc
cution. Worse than the crime is the
fact that no power of government
consents to take any notice OF the saw
age deed to bring the guilty parties 10
Justice. The good people" who are
sad to "regret" aud "deprecate" aud
"deplore" the affair, do nothing more,
except it be to conclude by denounc.
ing the negro who was on trial when
killed, and say: ut was in reality an
unpleasant necessity" But the crime
rises TO heaven, and the terror and
SORROW Of so many poor women and
children left in despair and wretch
edness cries to God, to whom VEN
geance belongeth. n''
Until the state takes up this case
and proves its capa ity for Just gov
! eminent, let the world in horror
aghsst, looking on, condemn the muir
deIous mob, and with them the COM
munity which shields them in its
midst. LIT the State OF Mississippi
great in its territorial resources, great in
its public Institutions, great in lite
pride OF governmental sovereignty
confess with shame that its humble
black citizens are without protection
, and when limo of any crime may
be shot down in cold blond, the vic
tins OF hate and scorn. Had the as
I sailants in this case been negroes anC
the victims whites, who dou ITS that
! the whole State would have arisen in
, armies, il necessary, to hunt down anC
: put to death the last one OF the guilty
party2
. In view OF the facts cited above
. b. it
, ResolUed, That we regard with pro
3 found sorrow aud indignation the re
/ cent outrage at Carrollton, Miss, il
which number of innocent and un
! offending men were subjected to saw
} age butchery.
. Resolved, That we put no confidenc,
{. in the professed regrets Of the citizen
4 OF that community and OF the S9ts o.
!. account Of this terrifying event unit
a they make some practical effort t
r prove their regard for law and justice
: Resolved, That while we advise an
counsel our people everywhere an
9 always to avoid any just cause for 81
citing race hostility, yet do insisr, mo!
earnestly, upon demanding protection
under law. We are here to share |
whatever fortune the prevailing civil
q ization OF this country shall produC
u for its citizens in common, and we b'
~ lieve that the progress and hsppines
y of both rsces depends upon the Col
= sent and mutual peration OF escl
10 And we unite with all good citizens I
the republic 10 demanding that Ii
q State OF Mississippi shall at least e.
:, deavor TO wipe away this horrib
70 blot.
5 Resolrcd, Tia the APPEAL aud Au
:. ldnche be requested to publish tn
~ paper ana resolutions.
10 w. ASBURY, Oh mn Committee.
81 b, A. INKS, Secretary.