Evening journal., 1888-12-10

an Attempt TO capture an Alleged MUIR
derer Ia Met by Determined Resistanos
Nine Men Killed and Many wounded
by a voiiey from the Guards.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala, Dec. 10-A crowd
which had beon collecting on the streets for
several hours Saturday night advanced on
the county jail at midnight with the inten
tion Of lynching r. b. Hawes, charged witt
tho murder Of his wife and child. Many %
the best citizens tried 10 reason with this
crowd and prevent trouble, aud some have
lost their lives In this attempt
When the jail was reached there were not
less than 600 In the uncomfortable mob. II
lAcked leader, however, and each mar
seemed impressed by his own desire for re
venga
Sheriff Smith had anticipated an attack.
and made preparations accordingly. lie
swore In 800 special officers and distributed
them about the Jail. He had secured sup
ply Of rifles previously, and issued them
with six rounds Of cartridges each, to tht
spocials
The mob debated long and talked excltedly
before the attach was made. a peremptory
demand was mnde on Sheriff Smith for the
surrender Of his prisoner and was ignored
NAAs AhAAAhAhNAA ANAAf IDnhliti1Ntlf luihltA DL
q barrel standing on tho curb and addressed
the mob. He eounseled peace and advised
the men 20 dlsperse
Impatient ~ the refusal and unmindful of
tho pleOdings Of those who urged that the
law be allowed to deal with the murderer
the mob made a rush toward the Jail With
imprecations and curses they demanded tha
surrender of Hawes and announced their do
termination 70 break down the doors II their
demands were not complied with. The sheriff
refused, and again tho mob rushed toward
the Jail
When within few feet Of the ediflcc tha
order was given the guards TO ire From
every window flashed a rifle, and simultane-
ously forty or more OF them were dis
charged Tho mob wavered and fell back.
Tho groans uf the wounded and cries Of hor-
ror from those alongside the dead and dying
paralyzed them. The rush on the jail ceased,
tho mob retreatod and again returned, but
this time with the purpose Of carrying off
tho dead and wounded
When order had bean restored and tha
mob separated lt was found that the follow
ing had been killed by the voley: A. II
Bryant. Frank Childer, Charles Jenkins,
single; J. r. Mccoy, Colbert Smith colored),
a. 3. Tarrant, M. B. Throclmorton, post
known negro
Over thirty were wounded by the discharge,
of which the eleven namod below are believed
Co have fatal injuries, viz: Lauroaoe Fitz-
hugh, Charles Bailey, Of Boston; a. J.
schlide M. Berkeley, Charles Bailey. of Bir-
mingham; John Merritt, Matt Kennedy, J.
! I. Owen. j. Nv. Gilmore, W. A. Bird, w.
Rdchman
The mob then dispersed, and preparations
for more strongly guarding the jad wcrs
made
In response 10 the governors orders the
military companies were placed under con-
trol OF tho sheriff In addition to the mill
tary, 100 armed policemen formed Gordon,
through which Il would be almost impossibIs
to pass.
The city was comparatively quiet yester-
day, though the streets were crowded with
excited peopla One man tried to break
through tho lines but a detachment Of troops
with Calling gun rushed to the place, pro
pared 70 meet any onslaught from the mob.
During the day warrant was issued for
tho arrest Of Sheriff Smith, charging him
with murder.
There are rumors that another attack win
ha made on the jail, but no one seems willing
10 take the initiative. The city is practically
under martial law, and this deters many
from resorting 70 violence.
Hawee in speaking Of the affair 10 10
porter, said: "This is terrible / am CON
fined in this cell, charged with numbering my
wife and children Why should kill theml
loved them all dearly He said he wished
he could 90 to the side of his wife, and then
that he aud his son might both die.
AZ midnight the crowds grew thinner ON
the gtroets although there il fear Of further
trouble, and the belief is growing that tbs
mob Is perfecting an organization. Soldiers
from Montgomery and other points are arriv-
ing here. and the city is guarded by a strong
military forca Nine companies, fully armed
and equipped arc patroling the streets IN
response b an order from the governor.