Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-08-18

RICHMOND, TEX, August 17.-An old
race quarrel has broken out here again, and
the streets have been deluged with blood.
The "Jaybirds' is the name given to the
white Democrats of Fort Bend, numbering
about 400. The "Woodpeckers" include
negroes and a few whites. The negroes are
greatly in the ascendant.
Last evening Judge j. W. Parker met
Volney and Grif Gibson, and Immediately
opened fire upon them. The fire was re-
turned by the Gibsons. Parker was wounded
and at once ran in the direction of the
Court House, closely followed by Grif Glib
son. When Parker reached the Court House
he was Joined by more officers and a general
fight ensued, in which j. Blskeney and
Sheriff Garvey were killed. II. II. Frost,
Volney Gibson and William Andrews were
wounded. Gibson's and Andrews injuries
are not fatal. M. Schmidt, a Texas Ranger,
was wounded slightly in the leg, and a lit
tie negro girl was killed by a wild bullet.
LULL AFTER THE STORM.
Since the fighting last evening in the
streets here, things have been supremely
quiet. 1t is the lull after the storm and has
lasted a whole dav and night. The county
officials who are among the "Woodpeckers''
retreated to the Court House, carrying their
wounded, and still occupy it. supported by
the Houston Light Guard, who arrived here.
this morning, % strong.
The wounded In the Court House are
Judge j. w. Parker, now a member OF the
Legislature, and Deputy Sheriff Mason, shot
badly through the shoulder. One ball
entered beneath the shoulder blade Of
Judge Parker and another through the
groin. The latter is the most dangerous
wound. The bodies of Sheriff James Garvev
and ex-Sheriff Blakely are still being held,
there being no proper officer to hold an in
quest. The presence of the military will
preserve the peace, but the "Jsybirds" are
in possession of the streets and no warrant
has been sworn out or arrest made.
Henry Frost, leader of the "Jaybirds,"
who also was shot down on the streets last
night with four bullet wounds, is fast sink
ing, and the doctors have despaired of his
life. He was waylaid some months ago
and shot in the back with a load of buck
shot, but recovered with the tanning of one
of his arms.
READY FOR ACTION.
The "Jsybirds'' are undoubtedly pre-
pared for trouble at any moment, while the
opposition has materially weakened by the
loss OF two OF their leaders. There Is a
panic among the people here, chiefly the
negroes, and nearly hundred have left by
rail to-day, never to return. 1t has fright
ened them badly.
Volney johnson, one of the "Jaybirds''
who led the fighting yesterday, was shot in
the jaw with Winchester rifle and the
ball is now somewhere In his neck, but he
is walking on the streets this afternoon,
ready for anything that may arise.
A distressing feature is the arrival here Of
relatives OF parties who have been killed or
badly wounded. A squad of Regular State
Rangers was here yesterday, but were
powerless to check the fight, though they
made every effort to do so. One of their
number, Private Smith, was shot through
the thigh. 1t is said that Henry Frost,
"Jaybird," after he was shot down, raised
himself on his arms and killed ex-Sheriff
Blakely with his Winchester. Governor
Ross is expected here.