The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-02-27
RELIGIONISTS RIOT.
Catholics Try to Mob Ex-Priest
Slatterly at Savannah.
The Troops Had to Charge the
Furious Crowd.
LASTED FIVE HOURS.
The City Was on the Verge Of
Anarchy.

SAVANNAH, Ga. Feb. 27--For Eve
hours this city last night trembled on
the verge of religious riots. The entire
white military force of the city ex-
cept the artillery was on duty, ten
infantry companies and the Georgia
Hussars, the latter being dismounted.
A mob estimated at from 3. 900 to
5000, the greater part being Catho-
lies, had challenged their forbear-
ance to. the extreme. But for the
GOODNESS of Mayor Meyers and the
officers commanding the troops, blood
might have been the result. Bayonet
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 and situated in the heart of
Savannah, stubbornly refused to re-
tire.
For three days it had been apparent
that grave trouble was brewing. The
city had been literally placarded
with notices that ex-Priest Slattery
and h is wife, described as an ex-nun,
would lecture here on Catholicism.
Members of the Ancient Order of Hi
bernians at once took steps to pre-
vent their appearance here. Petitions
were Vi .
to refuse permission to the ex-priest
to hold his 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 of two divlS-
ions of the Ancient Order of Hiberni-
ans, he handed them written opin-
ion from the corporation attorney to
the effect that he, as mayor, had no
power to abrldge 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 Stat
tery's remarks would stay away from
his lecture. He urged all to do so.
Mayor Meyers also asked the COM
mittee to advise all Catholics to keep
away from the lecture. Il cannot
stop this man from lecturing," said
the mayor, who is a Hebrew, but
So If the police are not sufficient
force to do so, the military will be
applied to- Riot will not be tolerated. :"
The committee stated that it 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 Siattery 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 Slattery is booked for a lee
ture this afternoon and Slattery for
one tonight. Threats are made that
they will be driven from the city.
Prominent Catholics and the priests
are using their influence to quen the
riotous element and to induce them
to pay no ate ntion to Slattery's at
tacks on Catholicism.
Several policemen were so injured
that they had to be sent home Sew
eral of the militia were wounded by
being struck by rocks. Slattery's
manager was knocked senseless with
a sand bag.