The Progress., 1892-03-26
DISGR ACEFUI
RowdyiSm Runs Riot IN Shreveport
Her Public Streets the Scene
Of Wild Disorder

acted on the most public streets of
Shreveport several scenes which
were a disgrace to civilization and
an outrage on common decency
and good society. intoxicated to
a degree that made them bestial,
several citizens became SO bolster
ous and unruly that the police
was forced to interfere in order
that the law should not appear a
mere play thing, to be trampled
under foot rs Ill object fit only for
ridicule. IL was then, when the
officers interposed, that the most
unbecoming conduct was indulged
in. Not only did the rioting par
ties resist arrest, but likewise gave
expression to language that was
horrible to listen to. Nor did the
outrage stop here, for several by
ISLANDERS who Witnessed the affair,
instead of lending their assistance
to the officers. Chief Busbey and
Patrolman Boynton, aud helping
them to quell the disturbances,
rather urged the offenders to fur
ther acts Of lawlessness by imped-
ing the efforts of the officers, who
we're assaying to make arrests and
thus restore peace BY this act OF
encouragement Chief Busbey re
ceived severe blow in the face
and Officer Boynton a slight
scratch, while Mr.. e.. V. Evans,
who came to their aid, would have
been murdered but for the alert
action of the chief, who arrested
the arm which was about to crush
Mr.. Evans head with stone
But for the assistance of Col. D
J. Ward and Mr.. n. b. Murf and
one or two others, there doubtless
would have been several murders
in the broad light of day, on the
public streets of our city, and III
all probability two Of the victims
would have been policemen OF the
town. killed by her own citizens
for discharging their duty.
On learning of the affair, Dis
trict Attorney Shepherd, after IN
qniring thoroughly into the case
lby a public examination before
Justice G. ID Hicks, had that
magistrate to issue the proper wal
rants charging the participants
some with using vulgar, obscene
and blasphemous language in Q
public place, and others with il
legally resisting and wounding al
officer in the discharge Of his duty
and others with assault and bat
terry, as the cases merited.
The PRoeREss reflects Will
grave disquietude on such an oc
currence, from such source. On
community, one week ago. woult
| not have believed that such al
event would have happened here
and is now considerably wrougL
up over it. II is not pleasant mus
lings which teach us that such
state of affairs can exist IN on
community. and does not augu
well for its peace and quietude
The character of the parties on
gagged only adds to the enormit,
of the offense, for they are no
cloaked with the excuse OF tn
lhoodlum, though at this time the.
were playing the part to perfection
Drunkenness is no paliation fo
such an infringement on publ
order. and every one engaged /
the disturbance should be mad
to pay the fullest penalty of tn
llaw. The fact that they are ger
tlemen only adds to the gravity o
the offense, and justice demand
that an example be made of tn
actors in this affair. and all fouD
guilty should be made to pay tn
uttermost farthing.
In closing, we must pay com
mendable tribute to the forbeai
ance Of the policemen, who. unde
the trying circumstances. woul'
have been justifable in seriousl
hurting several Of the parties er
gagged in the ARRAY.
Charges were lodged in the pc
lice court against the rioters, an