The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-01-17
Riot and Murder Predicted if the Ex-
ecutive Calls Out the State Militia
as He Has Announced.
MASS MEETING OF CITIZENS
Fiery Speeches Made and Protest
ing Resolutions Adopted.
Interview with the Governor i'm which
He Says COrbett and Mitchell Cannot
Fight in the State of Florida.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla, Jan. I6-Manager
Bowden's errand in Tallahassee was the
principal subject of conversation among the
followers Of Corbett and Mitchell to-day.
Although dispatches this afternoon an
nounced that his interview with Governor
Mitchell was of a private nature. still his
statement that the situation was unchanged
gives friends Of the Duval Club reason to
hope that nothing has developed adverse to
the interests Of the club.
Sheriff Broward is reported as having
said that if the Governor ordered out the
militia he BrowardD would consider il
personal insult and resign his position IL
was impossible to locate the sheriff. how
ever, and the truth OF the story cannot be
confirmed
Tonight a great throng Of citizens
thronged Metropolitan Hall, called there to
protest against the intended action Of Gov.
Mitchell in calling out the militia TO pre-
vent the Corbett-Mitchell contest. Speech
es were made OF fiery nature, some OF
the most prominent men in the city re-
spending to calls from the audience After
three of the city councilmen had spoken,
saying that they protested more against
the insult offered the city as law-abiding
place than against the anticipated stop
ping Oh tD0 contest, Ine lOnOWlnB IeSclu-
tions were introduced and adopted amid
the greatest applause and excitement:
Whereas, 1t is currently reported on the
streets of Jacksonville that Hon. II. L.
Mitchell, Governor, has instructed number
OF military companies throughout the State
18th inst. for the purpose of maintaining
and preserving the peace; and
whereas, There are no indications OF any
breach or the peace with which the civil
authorities of the city and county are not
fully able to deal; and
Whereas, We deem the massng OF
troops in this city, under the circumstances,
unwarTanted by law, and serious reflec-
ton upon the character of our citizens and
q serious detriment to the business interests
of the city, therefore, the city OF Jackson
vile and Duval county in mass meet
ing assembled, pursuant TO q call Of a large
number of our eminent business men, do
resolve as follows:
''Firgt-That we earnestly protest against
the threa tened massng OF troops in our city,
authorities and their ability fully TO pre-
serve the peace and maintain the dignity OF
this city and county.
"Second-That we individually and coll
lectively pledge ourselves TO aid the sheriff
in all lawful efforts to discharge his duties
and TO maintain and preserve the peace and
fully to enforce the law.
'Third-That we earnestly protest against
such rumored action on the part OF tbs
Governor, and most respectfully request that
he desist therefrom and leave the conduct
and guidance thereof TO the civil authorities.
be forwarded TO the Governor.
From sentiments expressed by prominent
citizens after the meeting, IL seems that
should the militia be ordered out, serious
trouble will surely follow. One man, who
is well known at the Florida bar, expressed
himself as follows: ''If Governor Mitchell
orders out the militia to suppress an an
ticipated riot, he will, instead, precipitats
a riot, as surely as / stand on my feet this
moment If the troops come to Jackson
vile on Jan 25. murder will be done and
Governor Mitchell will be responsible for
it."
The crowd was worked up to a high
pitch of excitement and threats were fire.
Quently heard that the first attempt by the
militia would result in boodshed. This IS
the general opinion throughout the city.
No move has yet been made by the Ath-
boxing match held here last night It was
expected that a test case would be made
of the contest, but the Duval people say
that no action will be taken.
II. NJ. Flagler. who owns nearly all OF
St Augustine says that the Corbett.
Mitchell fight will not come Off in St
Johns county IL he can prevent it
1t is reported that Corbett was very sick
for about half an hour to-day and had a
fit of vomiting which lasted several min
utes and left him very limp and ragged,
although he recovered before the day was
over. It appears that Corbett has been
having daily arguments with Trainer De-
laney about his work. The latter claims
Jim is devoting too much Of his time to
heroic exercise, but he has not been able,
up to this time, to convince the champion
on that point