The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1895-02-28
CATHOLICS ATTEMPT TO MOB
EX-PRIEST SLATTERY.
THE TROOPS CHARGED THE CROWD
Tor Five Hours the City Tremblod ON
tho verge of Religious anarchy
The Lecturer Escorted to Ills
Hotel by Troops Masonic
Temple Almost Wrecked
Moro Trouble Feared.

SAVANNAH, Ga, Feb 27.-For five
hours this city last night trcmbled on
the verge of religious riots. The entire
white military force of the city cN-
cept the artillery was on duty, ten
infantry companies and the Georgia
Hussars, the latter being dismountcd.
A mob estimated at from 1900 to
5000, the greater part being Catho-
lies, had challenged their forbear-
ance TO the extreme. But for the
coolncss of Mayor Meyers and the
officers commanding the troops. blood
might have been the result. Bayonct
charges were made several times TO
clear the streets, but the mob which
had gathered about Masonic temple.
one of the prominent buildings OF the
city ami situated in the heart of
Savannah, stubbornly refused to re-
tir'.
For three days it had been apparent
that grave trouble was brewing. The
city had been literally placarded
with notices that cN-Priest Slattery
and hi wife described as am cN-nun,
would lecture here ON Catholicism.
Members of the Ancient Order Of Hi
bernians at once took steps TO pre-
vent llltlI Il Ilttli tiliAf llti u NNi'A'li''
were circulated asking Mayor Meyers
TO refuse permission TO the cN-priest
tohold lis lecture The petition said
that if Slattery was allowed TO speak
there would be disorder and riot
About 900 signed the petition.
When it was presented TO the mayor
by committee of twelve Catholics,
including the presidents oi two divls-
ions of the Ancient Order Of HiOerni-
ans, he handed them a written cpin-
ion from the corporation attorney to
the effect that he, as mayor had no
mower TO aIrldge the right of speech
Guaranteed by the constitution of the
United States and Georgia In his
opinion the city attorney SAID that
there could be no disorder or trouble If
those who would be offended by Slat-
tery's remarks would stay away from
his lecture. lie urged all TO do so
Mayor Meyers also asked the com
mittee to advise all Catholics TO keep
away from the lecture. ! cannot
stop this man from lecturing, said
the mayor. who is a Hebrew, but /
can prevent disorder, and | will do
so. If the police are not sutlicienC
force 10 DO so, the military will be
applied to. Riot will not be tolerated"
The committee stated that IL was
their desire to avoid trouble, and that
they would use their influence in
that direction. They did so. but their
efforts utterly failed. Last evening
a mob of 1000 surrounded the Mason
ic Temple. where Slattery lectured.
All the windows in the hall were
broken and it was with the utmost
difficulty that the life of Slattery and
his wife were saved. When they left
the hall they were surrounded by
military.
Mrs. Slattcry is booked for lee
ture this afternoon and Slattery for
one to night Threats are made that
they will be driven from the city.
Prominent Catholics and the priests
are using their influence TO quell the
riotous element and TO induce them
to pay no attention TO Slattory's at
tacks on Catholicism.
Several policemen were so injured
that they had to be sent home. Sew
eral Of the militia were wounded 10y
being struck by rocks. Slattery'
manager was knocked senseless with
sand bag.