The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1888-12-12
JUDGE LYNCH DOWNED.
A Mob Attempts to Lynch a Prisoner and
Nine Men are Killed---A GatIing
Gun Used----Exciting
Times.

Times.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala, December "a mob
made an attack on the Jail. here at mid
night for the purpose of lynching Henry
Hawes, a murderer The officers fired
several volleys, killing nine men and
wounding many more. The crime for
which the mob were endeavoring to take
the life of Henry Hawes was the supposed
murder Of his wife and 20 year-old daugh-
ter. The body of the daughter was
found about week ago in a pond with
her throat cut and weights attached to
her limbs Suspicion was attached to
a negro who was seen in the vicinity, but
he proved innocent. Later it was discov-
cred the
WIFE OF HAYES WAS MISSING
and search failed to reveal her where
abouts. A few days ago it was said
Hawes was about to leave the country
with another woman with whom he had
been suspected of being on intimate
terms, and he was arrested and jailed.
From that time suspicion was directed to
71awes and threats of lynching him, on
the slightest proof of guilt. have been
freely made. The finding of the body of
his wife to-day infamed the public mind
and the attack of the mob on the jail was
the result. Although nothing but cir
cumstantial evidence could be brought
against him, everything strongly points
to his guilt 1t was said tonight another
child of his has disappeared and it is
feared was murdered like his wife and
eldest daughter.
ST.. Louis, December 9, 2 a. ma spec
ial from Birmingham. Ala, TO the Repub-
lie, says: At 1915 a. M mob attacked
the jail in which Hawes is confined for
the purpose of lynching the murderer
When the mob made a rush the Gatling
gun was turned loose by order of Sheriff
Smith, and fifteen men fell, among them
Postmastes Throckmorton and specta-
tor named Chas. Bailey.
MANY WILL DIE.
The city is wild beyond expression and
Hawes will be lynched, it is said, before
The scene here since the shoot
ing down of innocent citizens cannot be
pictured. The people are utterly dumb
founded at the terrible outcome Of the
affair, and Sheriff Smith is strongly cen
sured for his hasty action. The prisoner
Hawes has just been seen in the
jail. He said: eyes, [ know what the
meant.
THE CROWD WANTED MY LIFE,
and they can have it," Hawes is uncon-
eerned. It has just been reported that
the postmaster is dead, and the people
say they are in favor of the law, but can
lot see their best citizens shot down
without protesting. There are probably
5000 people congregated on the streets
md further trouble is expected HaWes
jtill asserts his innocence of the crime of
which he is charged. Two military com
oanies are now guarding the jail.
The following is list of the victims:
3has Bailey, Boston man, shot through
he brain; A. J. Side, shot through the
Jack and ranging toward the heart; NJ.
;. Throckmorton, shot through the hip:
lajor Kennedy, shot lin both legs and
eft arm; A. j. Brannon, y. S. deputy
1arshal, shot in the hip; Smith, of Avon
ale, shot all over with small shot; Chas.
ate, of East Lake, same; John Merritt,
hot in leg; John Ross and A Walters,
lightly wounded.
3 a. m. Hawes is growing nervous and
} a reporter said: Let them kill me if 7
ley will; | have nothing now to live for; I
ut [ swear I am innocent. / must, how I
ser, thank the officers for protecting me
J they did"
what did you think while the shoot
g was going on?" he was asked
THAT | was as willing to die that way
any other" ,
A Republic dispatch from Birmingham. g
ated $50 p. M, says it is now positively it
1oWn that five men are fatally and seven n
wounded, while quite mum u
,r received slighter wounds. The ex- :
tement has not abated in the least and
ere are strong threats of lynching the
erlff and Lis posse of guards. +