davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16
A BAND OF ORGANIZED CRIMINALS.
Alleged Discovery of a Murderous Organiza.
tiOn Among South Carolina Negroes.

CHARLESTON, S. c., Dec. ia week ago the
News and Courier published a dispatch from
York county, South Carolina, reporting that a
white boy, named John K Lee Good, had been
so beaten and mangled that he soon died, and
that four colored men had been arrested as the
murderers and committed to jail 1t was stated
that the theory was that some of the negroes
had been detected by the boy in the act Of steal
ing cotton from his fathers field, and that, to
prevent their arrest, they killed him. There
was great excitement in the county in conse-
quence, and several more arrests were made.
The News and Courier, to get all the facts, sent
special correspondent to York, and will publish
tomorrow the result of his Investigations There
is evidently an alarming state of affairs in
York county, and it is proved conclusivey that
an organization exists among the colored people
which contemplates murder in event of the de-
lection of any member accused of crime. TWEEN
ty-six negroes are now under arrest. The in
quest on the body of the murdered boy. before
secret jury, brought out all the facts. One of
the negroes turned States evidence, another ad-
mitted that he killed a man who was murdered
in the county eighteen months ago. Several OF
the colored witnesses at the inquest swore dis
tncty that they had club or clan in the
county, for the purpose of stealing cotton, pro-
visions. whisky. etc. The members were TO steal
whatever they wanted, and if detected we're
sworn to kill the persan who detected them.
The club had different names, but was ceneraiiy
known as "The Rising Star Lodge No "a, of
the Grand United Order of National Laborers
and Protective Society of North America" The
charter came from Charlotte, N. c.. and is dated
December, 1884 The charter, however, would
seem to show that the society had only benevo-
lent and fraternal objects. Among other things
revealed at the inquest was plot to waylay Mr.
Elias Inman, who was thought 70 have money,
but the assassin missed him. One of the wit
nesses gave detailed account of the poor boy,
John Lee Good and also the names Of his ac-
lynching has abated, but the interest is intense.
hundred white men rode to the Jail in York
vile at o'clock this morning and demanded the
four murderers of john Good. The sheriff, how
ever. had already sent them to Columbia, thus
avoiding lynching.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

one of its fundamental duties toward the COM
munity whose confidence it asks and whose
support it seeks. The press has no higher
duty than to use its utmost power and infu-
ence for the prevention and the punishment
of such fatal crimes against the suffrage as
the one committed by somebody upon the
tally-sheets of our late election. How any
honest and law-abiding influence can be ar
raigned against the detection, exposure and
punishment of the men guilty of such an Of
Tense we cannot imagine.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

In Is matter of sincere regret that the In
aianapolis Sentinel feels called upon to be-
some the apologist and defender of political
forgery and the organ of the thieves, whoever
they may be, that committed the crime of
nutilating the tally-sheets so as to steal two
offices. If the public press will not denounce
such frauds and crimes, and assist in the de-
lection and proper punishment of the crimi-
zals, whoever they may be, then it fails of
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

The SentinePs advertisement for a leader
out of spirit of pure benevolence given
wide and gratuitous circulation by the Jour
nal-has finally been answered, somewhat
tardily, by the application of Representative
Jewett for the position. In the absence of
better material, the offer of the Floyd county
man was accepted, but the question which
now agtates the sad and suspicious Demo
cratic mind is, "Can Jewett lead?'
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16
workmen Injured by a Failing Wall

WASHINGTON, Dec. ia few minutes before i
o'clock to-day while workmen were engaged in tear.
ing down one Of the old Carroll buildings opposite
the east front Of the Capitol the top part of the outer
throwing others the brick piles outside The fire
and police depar tmens were quickly on hand and all
the workmen were rescued alive, but several were
found to be severely injured and carried at once
to Providence Hospital. Theinjured are John Mock
abce (vhite) subcontractor badly shaken up and in
jured about the head and body Ben Tettlow whitel,
Peter Coleman twhte) William O'Brien twhte).
Harry Cranshaw (ccloredl, all injured about the
head John Bear and j. Matthews (colored) and Pat
rick Snow swhite,, were slightly injured about the
head and body
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16
THE CITIZENS COMMITTEE

The Sentinel, in it's defense of the suffrage
crime and criminals, feels it necessary to re-
fer to the citizens committee. which is con-
Quoting the prosecution, as Republican COM
mittee. 1t may be well to give the. names
The organization of the COMMITTEES of one
hundred is as follows:
President-SIT4AS T. BOWEN Democrat
Vice presidents-WILLIAM HENDERSON, Dem.
JOHN COBURN. Republican.
Secretary-LUCIUS B. SWIFT, Mugwump.
Treasurer-W. P. GALLUP. Republican.
The executive committee, which, with these
officers, constitute the authority under which
the prosecutions are being made, is as follows:
Chairman-E B. MARTINDALE, Republican.
Secretary--W. @. GRIFFTTHS, Democrat.
Attorney-ELI +. RITTER, Prohibitonist.
Mernbers--A. b. Conduit. Democrat.
FRED FAHNT4EY Republican.
JOHN H. HOLIDAY. Independent.
2. H. JAMESON. Republican.
A. L. WRIGHT, Republican.
OF the fourteen persons named but six are
Republicans, while eight are Democrats and
Independents. It will also be noticed that
the Republicans are not Of the cred hot" par
tisan order and not one Of them is a man
who would connive at or contribute to inn
proper conduct in connection with the very
important duty committed to them. We are
also authorized to say that in every step
thus far taken the committee has
been practically unanimous, and that
none has been more anxious and earnest
in the work of prosecuting the fraud
than the honorable Democrats who are mem
bers of the committee, and have given their
time, their money, and the influence of their
standing and character to the work of ferret
ing out the criminals who so boldly forged
the returns and changed the result of the
election. The Sentinel is gnawing file in
its absurd and false statements about the citi-
zens' committee.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

Above all, public policy and the ends of
justice may in the judgment of the sommis-
sioner be promoted by hearing the cause
And shall defendan. charged with crime be
permitted to thrust himself between the
court and the ends of justicef The ruling of
Commissioner Van Buren, was sound and right
in law, equity and public morals, though it
may be unprecedented, for the reason that the
question involved had never before been
raised.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

THE position of the Sentinel is that man
charged with felony against the United
States may waive examination and thereby
prevent the United States commissioner from
hearing the evidence in the case, although
public justice may suffer untold harm by the
suppression Of the evidence This is on the
theory that it is better that a thousand limo
cent men should suffer than that one rascal
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

The tally-sheets of the second precinct,
Thirteenth ward, were all right when the
votes were counted and the papers sealed up.
Afterwards one of them was in the hands of
Samuel E. Perkins for about twenty minutes.
and when it reached the canvassing board it
had been materially changed. Has Mr.. Per-
kins anything to say, or does he prefer to
waive examination?
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

In New York the idea seems to be that law
and courts of justice are not solely ordained
for the benefit and protection of criminals
Mr.. McQuade, another of the ''boodle" alder
men, was convicted of bribery, yesterday,
and will speedily go to join Jaehne. That
notion of the law will some time prevail in
Indiana, and not at very distant day, either.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16
EX-GOVERNOR JARVIS. Of NORTH Carolina

EX-GOVERNOR JARVIS, of North Carolina,
and now minister to Brazil, is at his home on
three months leave for the purpose of enter
ing into a contest with Senator Ransom for
the senatorship. To the ordinary mind this
would seem to be worse case of pernicious
activity than that of Stone or Benton, be-
cause Jarvis is certainly too far distant from
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

WILL Commissioner Henderson present
the White House, as holiday gift, a copy of
an edition de luxe of his celebrated campaign
poem? That would seem to be very fitting
and graceful acknowledgement to the Presi-
dent of the appointment conferred upon him.
He must have been appointed for that stirring
ode; he never did anything else in politics
that cut any figure.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

GREENvILLE, Ala, Dec I5.-The local election for
prohibition in Greenvie resulted in victory for
liquor. For a week or more Messrs Cheeves and
Beauchamr. temperance lecturers from Kentucky,
were engaged in te campaign. Yesterday morning.
as Cheeyes alighted from nack at the depot to take
the north bound train j. Perry Mayor Of the city.
assaulted him, beating him Violently over the head
Cheeves finally rescued and IS now IN the hands
Of nhysican. His skull has two holes in IL. and
there are other bruises on his body. Mayor Perry
was on the liquor side OF the contest and claims that
Cheeves insulted him in some speeches made last
week. The Mayor has not been arrested
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

The defendants in the election-fr cases
were ready to give any amount of bail rather
than have the evidence made public. Why
this extraordinary squeamishness as to evi.
dence that, it is claimed, was not sufficient
upon which to base an indictment? Who has
shown any interest in suppressing the testi-
mony except the defendants and their coun-
sa1q
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

A GOOD deal is said in the papers about the
two wings of the Democratic party but in In
diana it seems to have as many wings as the
avWRge woman sports upon her hat-so many,
indeed, as to sadly impede its fight
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

If the Democratic brethren who met to
consult upon important party matters on
Tuesday united upon Senatorial candidate
that fact has been carefully concealed. The
aspirants for that empty honor of the party
nomination, if they can only be got together
long enough, may still sing ''We are seven"
with great propriety.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

1T is stupendous joke on civil-service re-
form to turn out man like Rodgers and put
in man like Henderson in tie most inn
portant department of the Internal Revenue
Bureau. Whatever else Mr.. Henderson may
be, no one will, for moment, pretend that
he is fit and competent person for such an
offina
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

SAMUEL E. PERKINS, after borrowing the
tally-sheet from Inspector Hiser, ''to see if it
was all right" stepped into another room and
was gone about twenty minutes. So testified
Mr.. Hiser yesterday. Was Mr. Perkins act
ing in the interest of justice and right? If
So he should lose no time in clearing himself
of suspicion.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16
inconvenience,

Courts have often refused to accept plea
of guilty when there was reason to believe the
ends of justice would be better served by hear
ing the evidence in the case. Is a waiver of
examination higher right than the right to
plead guilty2
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

IT has been so many years since disaster
of serious nature has occurred on the Mis-
sissippi that river travel has come to be con-
sidered among the safest methods of trans
portation. This circumstance causes the ca
lamity near New Orleans to be the more
appalling
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

A WAIVER of examination by person ac-
cused of crime is in itself prima facie case
against the accused, and in connection with
other circumstances may furnish strong ground
for pursuing the examination.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

The burden of proof is on Mr. Samuel E.
Perkins to show where the tally-sheets Of the
second precinct, Thirteenth ward, were taken,
and what was done with them during the
time they were illegally in his possession be-
fore they were handed to the board.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16
appalling.

IT is to be hoped that Major Gordon's name
has been stricken from the roll of the citizens
committee, if, as it is said, he requested ii
should be DONE There should be no delay
about it. Criminal lawyers are more at home
on the other side of the present proceedings.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

IT looks as though there were one little rat
In the trap, anyhow. Does our esteemed con-
temporary, the Sentinel, think Justice grows
siok' looking at yesterdays proceedings be-
fore sthe little commissioner"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

AN honest man, conscious of his innocence
is more apt to demand instant and thorough
Investigation of criminal charge against
him than to waive examination and give bail
for his future appearance.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

THE '1ittle commissioner" seems to greatly
disturb the equanimity of the ballot-thieves
gang. Why is there such Tutoring because
the testimony as to the tally sheet forgery is
cnminr ont2
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

THE Sentinel succeeded in getting part of
the brethren together for caucus or council"
but apparently the result was not satisfactory,
for still it is not happy.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

TIE melancholy tone of tho Sentinel yes
terdas morning created the impression that it
wanted to go somewhere and die. Right on
the heels of the caucus which it has been
clamoring for. this sadness is pitiful.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

SOME one should get out new work on the
law of estoppel, with chapter on the right of
defendant in a criminal prosecution to estop
a United States commissioner from hearing
fha oaso
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

PROBABLY Mr.. William Henderson, whom
the Sentinel attacks by name, was Democrat
before the present managementof the Sentinel
how,
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

'I4EADER" JEwETT advises Democrats to
talk loud and frighten the Republicans. This
scheme was tried up at Logansport in the
Shroyer contested election case but so far as
any one has noticed 40 Republican scared
worth a cent.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

the scene of his official duties to give them
proper attention. However. if he praises the
administration while making his canvass, this
circumstance will not be allowed to cause him
Inconvenience
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

READERS of the Sentinel would be apt to
conclude that the citizens committee
were on trial for some infamous crime, and
that the Bernhamer gang were prosecuting
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16
NO OCCASION FOR DISTRESS.

A few of the able lawyers are in great
spasms over the action Of Commissioner Van
Buren, in determining that he has the right to
hear the evidence in the election fraud case.
These lawyers acknowledge that there is moth
ing in the law giving the accused the right of
waiver, and also, as matter of fact in prac-
tice, that the direct question has never
been raised. But they insist that
it has been the custom to
allow persons accused of crimo to waive ex-
animation, and that therefore, it is an awful
breach Of precedent to interfere with the pre-
scriptive rights of presumed law-breakers,
especially if they be men of "politikle infoo-
ence," as these are who are now before the
Commissioner. The able lawyers who
are seized with fits belong to that
eminent class which stick in the bark,
and who still Groom the lying old adage that it
is better for one hundred guilty men to es-
cape than for one innocent man to suffer.
There are lawyers and lawyers The lawyers
who believe that law is for the protection of
society and for the punishment of
crime slept quite well last night.
though the spirits of the ballot
thieves and tally sheet forgers whoever they
may be, might have been in somewhat per-
tubed condition. As for the four men on
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

If the Republicans persist in the prosecu-
ton of their plan they will have to encounter
a solid wall of Democratic opposition.-The
Sentinel
And perhaps some Democrats may encoun-
ter solid walls of another kind
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

Our election law defines the duties of
judges, inspectors, clerks and canvassing
boards, but where does Sammy Perkins come
in, and what right had he to handle the tally
-boo4R
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

Now all the .'boys' will unite in singing
with greater JUNCTION than ever the soul
string campaign lyric, "Hurrah for Marian,
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

Our penitentiaries are full of abused indi-
viduals who, according to their story, were
placed there by persecution.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

CRIMINAL laws are made to prevent and
Vanish crime. In carrying out this purpose
It generally happens that somebody's feelings
are hurt
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

IT was merely Surface eddy in the polit-
ical waters at Logansport, and would never
have interfered in the least with Senator
Shroyer's plain sailing.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

If there is one thing that your average
Democratic politician abhors more than an
other it is a court Of justice.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16
That Settled It.

Philadelphia Press.
When the mugwumps began to howl for Bank
Examiner Scriba's retention in Office the bust
ness was settled Serbia had to 60 and stay
zone
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

The mills of God sometimes grind slowly,
yet they grind exceeding small. Let the crank
continue to turn.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

1T is pity that criminal laws cannot be en-
forced without hurting somebody.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

DID the Sentinel ever hear that it is the
CALLED jade that winces7
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

In the opinion of criminals and their friends,
q prosecution is always persecution.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

SLANDERER MORTON was provided for, and
now Troubadour Henderson has received his
reward
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

WHAT interest has the Sentinel in protect
ing ballot thieves and tally-sheet forgers2
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

Boss TWEED died in Jail, and in striped
clothes.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16
THE INDIANAPOLIS JOURNAL

Telephone Calls.
Business Office .23S Editorial Rooms .....2 42
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-16

oFFICE-513 Fourteenth st.
p S. HEATH Correspondent
The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1886-03-12

Quite an exciting incident occurred at the
feed mill run by Day & Williams, on Saturday
last. Things were going at a pretty lively rate
when the mill suddenly became cl0gged,
sending the steam up with rush. The safety
guage, true to its calling, gave Its usual warm
ing with vigor that astonished the natives.
Day thinking general dissolution was about
to visit those parts, went through a 2x4 window
with the agility of a monkey, and started south
Oh a double-quick He claims that he went
around the corner to see friend, but it is more
likely that 1t was want of frienly feeling for
the engine that caused his flight On alIght-
ing from the window he came near coliding
with our buthcher, who, not taking in the sit
uatioD, and seeing the suddenness of his, Days
flight, concluded that discretion was the better
part Of valor, so took to his heels without
waiting further developments. AL Williams
WIS so convulsed with laughter that it was
sonre seconds before he could close his drafts
and reduce steam.
The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1886-03-12
What is a Crankf

A little thought on the subject will show
that the word as applied to 'tranps" and the
demented is misnomer. The tramp and the
demented are perfectly useless to the world;
they are worse than useless; they are pests
and trials to every One, and the world would
be better without them. The 'crank," on the
other hand, is one of the most useful articles
man possesses. Without 1t much that is now
accomplished would have to be abandoned,
and poverty would range more extensively
than it does. Therefore, as phrase Of re-
proach it is out Of place, but when applied to
the deep thinker, the man who can see farther
into the future than his neighbor, to the pro-
gressive man, the inventor, the philosopher, or
the scientist, 1t is perfectly legitimate. They,
like the crank, are not only useful to their fel-
low men, but Indispensable to progress. Such
men can be justly proud Of the appelation Of
'crank," for it indicates worthy character
and 1t is an emphatic indication when its def
milton is learned. We object, therefore, to the
prostitution Of this word to indicate worthless
beings. 1t has no such neanlng. The great
est men of all ages and Of all professions were
the "cranks" that have brought the world to
its present state Of perfection. They were not
| what the Ignorant and self-wiss call cranks.-
Corn,oay (N. NJ Reflector.