The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-05-20
KILLED FOR HIS POLITICS.
AProminent COlOred Republican Riddled with
Bullets by an Arkansas Mob.

LITTLE Rock, Ark, May 19.-The particu-
lars of the killing of the fourth man in the
Forrest City riot are given by special cor
respondent. The last victim is A. l.. Nicely,
the negro who started the whole trouble.
Nicely, his father and brother took refuge
in the Advocate building. when the killing
of ID. M. Wilson, Thos. Parham and Frank
Folbre occurred yesterday evening. Every
effort was made to get at Nicely,
but they proved unsuccessful, as
the negroes were we'll barricaded.
Between 1 and Q o'clock this morning
several shots were fired into the building
without avail in hopes of soaring the ne
groes to a surrender. At 8 o'clock this
morning acting Sheriff Van BLIZZARD per-
suaded old man Nicely and his other son to
come out, promising them safe conduct to
the Jail and fair trial A. NJ. Nicely did
not appear. The sherlf7s posse was not
more than hundred yards distant with
the two prisoners when a number of
other members of the posse raided the Adj
vocate building. A. NJ. Nicely was discov-
cred secreted under the floor and was rid
died with bullets, at least ten shots being
fired into him. 1t was thought that others
of the Nicely gang were concealed under
the floor, and the posse made an extended
search but found no more.
This last killing created a great deal more
excitement, and the people were afraid of
q raid on the town by the negroes. The
acting sheriff wired Gov. James p. Eagle
the facts. and asked that q company of
militia be ordered there. The Governor re-
piled that he thought the civil authorities
could preserve the peace, and he did not
want to order out the militia unless all
Othermeansfailed.G Governor Eagle thought
he could be better able to judge of what
WAS needed by being on the ground, so he
took the first train for Forrest City, and
is now there, and will remain until quiet
is restored. He is in constant CON-
munication with Acknowledgement John
c. England, and il they are needed the Mo
Carthy Light Guards are ready to move by
special train at moments notice The
company is well equipped, and will be able
to handle most any kind of a mob. 1t is
thought now that there will be no further
trouble. The feeling was so high against
Nicely that his death was looked for every
moment after the beginning of the riot, and
now that he is out of the way it is thought
the feeling will subside unless there is
negro uprising. and of course, In that in
stance, the military will be called out.
Governor Eagles presence on the ground
will have reassuring effect, and will re-
store order, as he is cool-headed and cour-
ageOus man.
The cause of all this trouble, in which
feed. is the desire of the negro to rule in
politics. Nicely was at the head of the
negro element of the Fusionists in st.
Francis county. Capt John Parham, father
of Thomas Parham, and Sheriff ID. NJ. Will
son headed the white element. These men
were opposed to the Democrats or white
people of the county in all matters. Yes
terday was the day for the election of
school directors. In the Forrest City dis
s tsSt the white ths people 80
negroes are given representatives on
the school board. and have as good
if not a better school than the white peo-
pie. Two of the six directors were to have
for e-election were two white men, men,
bers of the board, but Nicely and his side
desired to replace these men with their
candidates. Nicely said: 1--WE propose to
age the school to suit ourselves" A: NJ.
Nicely and G. w. Ingram made incendiary
speeches on the subject, and stirred up a
very bitter feeling. which resulted in a
difficulty on Saturday between James Fus-
sell and Nicely. in which Nicely was knocked
down. and this was the beginning of the
tragedy which ended in Neely's death this
morning.
Nicely was prominent Republican. He
is member of the State central committee
and of the executive committee, and had
secured the recommendation Of that body
for register of the land office at this place,
and would doubtless have been appointed,
as so far President Harrison has observed
the recommendations of this committee in
making appointments for this State.
Thomas Parham's funeral occurred this
morning, and was largely attended. He
was a capable young man, and was former
~ deputy United States internal revenue
collector for this district, under the pres
ent collector. He did not indorse his faith
er's views. but naturally defended him
when he was in trouble; and it was, as he
thought. in the performance of his duty he
died. Capt. John Parham was also shot in
the fight yesterday, but not dangerously.
He ATTEMPTED to shoot Thos. Prewett, who
snatched the pistol from him, saying:
that Tom Is dead. Don't force me to kill
you" 1t is now known that Marshal
Frank Folbre killed both Wilson and Par
ham. after he had been shot down by
Parham