The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-24

Tice Nelms, o. w. Mitchell, colored
lawyer; +. l.. Moore, the magistrate in
Marion; Henry Bybee, Mack Green and
Lewis Brown.
TIE sTITH CASE.
II is true that DR.. Stith is under indict-
ment. charged with conspiracy. II is also
true that he is in Jail, vainly hoping that
his bond OF 81 900 will be duly signed at an
early day and he released. Both these lat
ter anticipalions may never be realized,
and Stith will remain prisoner until the
next term OF court, in January next.
Were he released the immediate require
ment would be for him to forsake Arkan-
sas soil, which initiates heavily against
him in the skirmish (by proxy for sure
ties.
Is Stith guilty, as charged? But for one
singular and marked weakness in his state
ment, his defense would be hard tocombat.
1t is, in substance, this: He went to Ma
rion some time ago, a graduate from the
medical department Of Fisk university
After standing creditable examination
by regularly organized local medical
board, he soon acquired lucrative prac-
tice. II was among a class that the white
physicians had no especial desire TO attend,
hence they received him with genuine
cordially, and really liked him. Stith
soon fell into rapid company, such as
Lewis, Ferguson, Fleming, ct al, and
became editorially connected with the
Headlight. According 10 his story,
he became aware that his associates
were going too far, aud withdrew. Since
then he has had nothing whatever TO do
with them further than professional visits
and friendly intercourse when meetings
occurred. He left Arkansas Thursday,
coming to Memphis Sunday morning the
wife Of Dave Ferguson, who came over to
see her husband, told him his wife was
dangerously i'll. Here comes in the incon-
sistency, said by those who know him TO
be the result OF nervousness and excite
mcnt. The doctors iirst statement was
that he had received letter from his
nephew 10 the same effect, but when re-
minded OF this could not produce the
letter. Another discrepancy is the fact,
according TO his own story that he was on
his way 10 the train for Marion when Mrs.
| Ferguson's message was delivered. The
white people Of Marion are inclined 10
give him the benefit Of n certain amount
Of doubt, but look upon his incarceration
as partially just punishment for his sus.
picious associations, and also as a barrier
to further disturbance from the cxilcs.
Mrs. Silt has undoubtedly been sick.
ANOTHER WILL LEAVE.
The Hon. Sandy $. Odom, colored mem.
Der OF the Legislature from Crittendon,
and who resides six miles from Marion,
has not been lynched, as was reported
| from the Crittenden refugees in this city
|
| hued legislator is meek as n lamb and anN-
iously inquiring the way Of salvation from
the wrath 70 come II he tarrics. Inquiries
were numerous in this direction yesterday
morning, both verbal and by note. The
one directed TO Col. W. L. Smith was no
piled TO in this language: 81 think the best
thing you can do II leave the county. II
YOU remain there IL sure 10 bc dangerous
risk, and from direction which YOU do
not expect II" During the day the cx.
pected information came from Odcm
III will leave" The vacancy will he made
in few DAYS, as soonas lac can arrange hi,
business affairs, which consist entirely Of
farming interests.
THE SITUATION As n n.
Were the visitor TO Marion at this day
uniformed concerning the late affairs he
would probably leave no wiser ON the sub.
| ject than when he arrived. Aside from q
small guard posted at night, there is not
one remaining sign or visible relic. The
feeling has not died out however, and
questions on the subject never fail 10 elicit
| long-windcd discourse. But for the con.
servatism and caution Of older heads, there
| would have been tragic climax 30 Stith's
arrest and imprisonment Sunday. mum.
Der OF indiscrcct young fellows collected
soon after the catch, and earnestly adyo-
Gated hanging him 10 the nearest tree.
/ Penetrating minds In the older bodies
brought this proposition 30 an abrupt and
beautiful goose egg. II Is not believed
that the appearance Of any banishcd me-
groes, other than Lewis, Ferguson
and the few Tingleadcna, would
excite anything like violence. II
would not be healthy for the
excepted ones, though, ~ number 81
inviting limbs await their victims. Tho
negroes are aware Of II, too. II would ~
| quirc an inch hemp rope 10 pull them
upon Crittenden county soil. Dan Lowii
has already 80 expressed himself and
Mrs. Ferguson stated 30 the writer that
her husband had left Memphis TO find
them new home. IF he ever put hii
foot in dis county agin, I'd leave him. II
The woman was then asked Tor sampl,
OF her husbands writing for comparison
with the notes Of warning. She chccrlully
made prctonsc OF search, but found moth
ing, fact which she explained with the
statement that Dave never wrote any al
home, and never writes me letter whef
away" lfDayc Ferguson was ~ inccn
diary in his speech as the woman who 10
ioiced at being his wife, the wonder Y
how Crittondcn county endured him ~
long. There are no witnesses 10 say h,
and his co .conspimlor- were not m ba,
and even worse. As ior York Bycn, h,
was holy terror, aud no ono mourns hl
absence.
EVEN THE NEGROES REJOICE
Col. Smith was asked how many Of IN,
negroes were involved In the conspiracy
lie replied, "The actual number engage,
In the warning movement, aud iamilia
with the consequences in case OF apprc
hension, did not exceed twenty"
"Then the majority right here at hom
were either ignorant Of or ifowned upol
il2'
"why, Of course. More than two.third
Of them are heartily glad tho sc0undrcl
have been expelled, and would resist ihoi
return ~ actively as We"
A canvass Of the colorcd citizens csial
lishcd the accuracy Of Col. Smiths stat,
inent; but whether the corrobOmtio
came fIom further than the lips cannot b
said. Mrs. Ferguson and her sympathiy
ing female friends say they are misenbl
towards, and speak the sentiment from
/ .,.ttVa ~ apif tutafaaI