The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-10-24
by the authorities to dispense, but
elected to remain at their own peril.

W. SAol ousuOTitl6b W QlSp6pS6y Dut
elected to remain at their own peril.
Notwithstanding the claim that only
innocent citizens were shot and killed,
the evidence shows beyond; doubt that q
portion OF the killed and wounded were
taking active part In the attack on the
Jail.
While 1t appears that the mayor and
the militia were urged to abandon their
post by numerous friends, who were
fearful OF their safety, we firmly believe
that the ends of justice would have been
attained If all parties would have re-
manned in possession of the jail.
When the prisoner. had been moved
from the jail by order OF the mayor
there was no longer any reason for the
militia to remain, but we are strongly
OF the opinion that the prisoner should
never have been taken from the build
ing. and that after there OF the mob
the officials were in q better condition
than ever to maintain their positions.
Had there been a second attack upon
the Jail, and the mob no, longer having
the encouragement OF. their presence,
would have proved less formidable
foe. .-.. Il
The evidence indicates that the polio !,
force was in demoralizad condition,
and 1t Is clear In our minds that those in
charge OF the police, afterthe mayor
was wounded, had made but half an
effort the prisoner could have been re-
moved from danger and taken TO place
OF safe keeping, even after the disband.
ing OF the militia, and our city would
have been saved the disgraceiul pre-
ceedings of the following day.
1t was source of deep regret to the
law. abiding citizens of Roanoke that ON
Thursday (the day after the riot) there
was practically no protection or evil
dence that the municipal laws would be
enforced.
In the absence of the police and
militia the city was absolutely given
over to mob law, and, while there was
plenty of good citizens who would have
used every effort to again bring about a
stable government. there seemed to DO
no means for them to get together
under proper authority.
We cannot censure too severely those
persons who, under the excitement of
the moment, made use OF language un-
becoming law-abidinR citizens, and this
added fuel TO the already fiery dis
position of tho crowd.
The attem OF of the mob to drag the
mutilated body of the negro through the
streets was an illustration Of bru taiity,
rarely recorded in civilized communities.
and we heartily commend the action Of
those who resisted this effort in the face.
OF our angry mob and at the risk of their
lives.
In conclusion we state it as our belief
that IL trials for grevious offenses were
ordinarily FASTENED and not postponed
from time to time for trivial causes the
law would be better vindicated and the
masses knowing that speedy trials were
assured would have much less temptation
to override the efforts of the law and
would be content to let the culprit re-,
ceive his punishment legally.
Respectfully submitted,
A. M. NELSON, foreman,
j. d. CARR,
q. R. HENDERSON,
JAMES o. HOBBS,
R. S. BOSWELL,
w. L. THOMSON,
a. j. DAVIS,
c. c. SHockEY.
Judge Woods Immediately ordered
that capaii be issued for the arrest of
the persons indicted and that the report
OF the jury be spread upon the records
OF the court. He then thanked the
jurymen for their earnest work and dis
missed them,
Directly after the indictments we're
returned Mayor Trout suspended Police
sergeant q. III. Griffin, who was acting
chief, and temporarily appointed R. II.
Gsld chief of police and Police Officer
Austin as police sergeant.
No warrants for the arrests of any of
the parties indicted were given to the
city sergeant last night and conse-
ouently no arrests were made The
supposition is that all the parties who
can be found will be arrested to day.
In this connection it can be stated
that since the riot Mayor Trout has re-
ceiyed over 600 letters from all parts of
this country and from England and all
excepting two commended his course.
TWENTY FIVE new Estey organs at
greatly reduced prices. Styles formerly
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line organ cheap. Hobbie Music Com
pany, sole agents, SO Salem avenue.
LOVING INDICTED.