The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-19
THE CAUSE OF THE TROUBLE
And Fuller Details orthe Anair-PubIi,
Scntimeut.

And Fuller Details ofthe Amatr-PubIic
Sentiment.
Special Dispatch to The Appeal
FoRREsr CRY, Ark, May 1s.--For two
or three years the white people OF this
county have undergone a great fear OF ne
gro domination. In the election of 1883
tho negroes, assisted and encouraged bv
about 275 white men, who had become
estranged from their lifelong principles
and number OF them having an insatia'
BILE greed for Office, succeeded in electing
three negro county officers and two white
Republicans. In this election the will OF
the great majority OF the intelligent whites
was defeated. To this they quietly sub
mitted.
The school election which was held
today has been the all-important topic for
several days. The negroes were led to be-
lieve they had a majority in this district
and were encouraged by a few white men
to undertake 10 elect controlling board.
Some threats were made and trouble was
anticipated. This morning one A. NJ. Nicely,
a negro leader and n notorious character,
was on the street threatening certain ones
OF the white people. lie was allowed to
vent his spleen until just before the open
ing OF the polls at o'clock. He has
made himself obnoxious to the
people here ON more than one occa-
sion. AT this time he said too
much and was struck with q cane in the
hands OF q prominent business man.
Neely's white friends Immediately drew
revolyers aud opened fire. The street was
crowded instantly Perhaps fifty shots
were fired. Nicely ran for his life and was
pursued, but he escaped. Ho is supposed
to be in hiding at his office.
4. II. Parham, Deputy Circuit Court
Clerk and friend OF Neely's, and other
wise n prominent Young man, fired at the
| CITY Marshal, 4. NJ. Folbre, the ball en-.
tering the back OF the head AS the fatally
wounded man was falling no shot Tom
| parham in the body, killing him almost
Instantly. Sheriff ID. NJ Wilson was in
the crowd aud was hit by stray bullet, as
far ms can bc learned, and instantly killed.
The town is all excitement, and Is
guarded by goodly numDero armed and
determined men. One Of the incondiary
negroes was put ON the east bound train
at q o'clock and given orders never
10 return at the peril OF his life.
Capt. John Parham, ut one Time very
prominent man throughout Arkansas was
wounded in his leg by stray bullet. lie
Is the leader OF the negroes and dissatisfied
| whites lie refuses 10 allow ply.
scans TO examine his wounds lie
/ would have been killed, but
for his Inaimed conditi'n and Igray
hairs 1t IL said nc begged Tor his lifo aud
II was spared him. Tho affair Is very UNI
fortunate aud is heartily regretted by all
good citizens, but the negroes had become
unbearable aud gradually worked upon
the patience OF the law abiding people
until II had ceased TO DO n virtue. Out
sdcrs have no idea OF the extent OF the
grievances which this people has
had TO bear They have stood
defeat ut the polls by negroes They have
listened to their jeer and threats TO carry
every election aud have all things thciI
own way.
Your correspondent Is informed that th,
Marshal cannot live, although still breath
ing. lie was a manly, brave man and 4
good citizen. There may be more trouble
but il IL hoped that nothing further will
happen TO mar tho peace and prosperit!
OF our little town, which Is one OF the bees
In Arkansas.