The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-04-23
THE NICHOLS TROUBLE.
II Seems TO he in Fair Way for
PeaceabIe Settlement.

Waycross. Ga. April 22.-Nichols is the
northern terminus Of the Waycross Air
Line. and is in the southeast corner Of
Coffee county, and near the Ware county
line. A commissary. a large sawmil,
depot, postofiice. livery stable, a tur-
pentine still and a number of cottages and
struggling shacks are the principal things
that meet the eye of the visitor as he steps
off the Air Line freight and accommodate
There is no communication with the out
side world, except by mail, as the town
has no telegraph or telephone facilities.
The large sawmtll Is the principal industry,
employing about $50 persons, the majority
OF whom are negroes. j. e. Claude Is SUI
perintendent of the mill for the Southern
Pine Company, and Mr. Roof is commits
sary manager The farmers in this Vicin-
lily, and there are many of them, are
thrifty and respectable, having good
homes and being interested in the educa-
ton of their children. They are peaceably
inclined, and are hospitable to friends
and strangers ordinarily but they reserve
the right to select their friends Among
the farmers in that community, as in all
rural districts, is rough element Of
whites and blacks, that becomes reckless
at times, especially when they think
strangers or new Corners are not treating
them right. They realize that they are ig-
norant and possibly stricken with poverty,
and when q stranger reminds them of
these things in a sarcastic or humorous
manner, they become indignant and vim
dictiVe. The general impression obtains
in that community that this class of people
is responsible for the excitement now ex-
listing, having written the notices Of warn
ing to the Southern Pine Company that
We're plastered on the houses, stores and
trees at Nichols OF course II would be
unwise and unbusiness like for the people
to make themselves known or give away
their plan, as that would thwart their
scheme. They have no knowledge as yet
of the preparations that have been made
by the company to protect its interests
They declared in their notices Of warning
that they could no longer tolerate in their
midst, as the head of an enterprise. man
who disposed and ridiculed them and their
families, hence they ordered Claude and
his employees to leave the place within
ten days. This was hardly an idle threat
a fact which may be fully realized before
the term of limitation expires, and during
the next three or four days. serious trou-
BILE may result. The notices are still posted
on the public places, and on the trees, and
the mill employees, especially the negroes
are greatly intimidated thereby, and would
leave the place In hot haste should any
trouble arise. Claude and Roof can hardly
feel satisfied, having before their eyes,
warnings that can not be entirely ignored
The detectives finished their work yester-
day at Nichols and returned to Savannah
having discovered the names of the par
ties who posted the warnings;
Hon. j. j. McDonough to-day removed
j. E. Claude from the superintendent of
the mill at Nichols and j. w Smith from
being superintendent at the Granville mill
near there. T. G.. lillian of WaltertoWn
was made superintendent at Nichols. and
Jerry Daniels superintendent at Granville
mill.