The Russellville Democrat., 1893-09-21
TERRIBLE DOUBLE TRAGEDY.
Emanuel Ferguson Kills a Companion and
 theG Himself.
FeAREDIwHiTE CAP VENGEANCE.
The Culmination of the Reign of White
 Capism in Drew County.

day afternoon.
 Emanuel Ferguson and com. panion named Adair, were driving together in wagon when the former killed the latter and then killed him. self.
 As soon as Ferguson shot Adail he ran to a negro house near by and asked for white man, and learning that none was there he went in run across a field to Pat terson's, a white man. He met Patterson's mother-in law at the door and called for the man of the house. She told him that he was away. Ferguson then handed hel his pocket book, saying:
 There is $65. Give it him and tell him to send it to my wife. Two men ara after me and trying to kill me. 1 have been out with some of the White Cappers and they tried to kill me, but 1 have done one of them and now l am going to kill myself.
 With tbis, he turned and placed the gun on the ground with the muzzle to his head. The woman fled and screamed, and in a moment heard the gun fire and went out and found the man in dying condition with bullet hole through his head. The authorities were notified, and the bodies were cared for and buried by friends to-day.
 This double tragedy marks an epoch in the history of Drew county, and is the direct result and legitimate fruit of White Capism.
 For two years or more. band of White Caps has heen depredating over the county and making life and peace uncertain
 About year ago band of them went to see negro, and while they were knocking his door down he shot and killed the leader.
 The negro was jailed, and in a few nights was taken out and shot by the White Caps.
 Several of them were indicted, and two have been tried and ac- quilted, while others are to be tried yet.
 It seems that Emanuel Fergu- son had some knowledge of the identity of the White Caps, and he was forced to join them under threats of violence. While a men Der he went, under protest, to help mob the negro. When the in- dictments were found one was against him and he ran away. A short time ago he returned and said he would stand his trial, and to the authorities he indicated his willingness to make confession.
 There were also indictments against Adair, Billie Woods and Drew Grant for the same offense, though none had been arrested. They were aware that Ferguson was disposed to tell what he knew, and they opposed his going to court.
 Court convened Monday at Mon ticello, the county seat, and for a couple of weeks the ones who were implicated in the mob had been talking to Ferguson, trying to per suade him not to go to court and threatening dire consequences if he did.
 Last week the thing came to a climax, and on Thursday Adair, Drew Grant and Woods got Fergu- son. n.and told him he could not go to court, though he insisted on going, and promised not to duplicate any one.
 Whether Ferguson was persuaded or forced hy threats, he, at any rate, went with them, ostensibly on a hunt, but in reality to eyade the officers of the court and to keep Ferguson from testifying. They all went together to Big Bayou, a deso- late swamp east of here, and camped out.
 In the meantime, Ferguson got sick, and insisted on going home, so they all started to return.
 Yesterday they came across the country on their way and wanted to go by a certain house near tbe edge of the bayou to stop over night, but Ferguson would not go, claiming he was afraid he woald be killed.
 They then changed their course and Woods and Grant got out to walk down through the forest mile or so, and while they were out of the way difficulty arose between Ferguson and Adair, presumably over the White Cap evidence, which resulted in the death of the two men.
 The whole country is getting worked up to a fever heat over the matter, and the good citizens say they will not submit to so much lawless conduct aud open defiance of the law.