Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-24
MAYFIELD IN ARMS.
EVERY MAN AND BOY WHO CAN
CARRY GUN HAS ONE.
ATTACK BY NEGROES EXPECTED,
Colorcd Men Reported to De Mass
ing mt Various Points to Descend
and Killed.

ST. LOUIS. MO. December GA spe-
cial from Mayiicld. KY, says that al
o'clock this morning every man of that
town and every boy who could carry
weapon was on guard there, for an at
tack by an army Of negroes was expected
at any moment. The whites were be-
ing reinforced hourly by citizens from
surrounding towns. 1t was thought that
before daybreak there would be COM
menced the fiercest race-war ever known
in the South.
For forty-eight hours news had been
received at Mayheld from different points
that the negroes were organizing in large
bodies, for the purpose of visiting the
town and wreaking vengeance upon those
who had lynched Jim Stone on Monday
morning, and followed this by white
Gaping some OF the colored families
who lived on the outskirts OF the town.
AT 3 o'clock last night kilograms from
Water Valley said that the negroes. who
had massed there were go i'm number.
and that every one had some sort OF
weapon. a half hour later news of
similar nature came from Wngo. These
reports. in addition to many of a similar
nature received from surrounding towns
during the evening. caused the greatest
CONSERVATION, and preparations were at
once made for an attack. Homes were
barricaded, as we'll as that could be done,
and then the people proceeded to the
hardware-stores. where every one who
could use a weapon was handed one, un-
I'll the entire stock was distributed
a dispatch was sent from Mayfield TO
Fulton as soon as the alarming reports
began 10 come i'm. asking aid of the white
citizens at that point. A reply came at
once. stating that a special train would
be chartered, and body of armed men
would reach Mayfield as soon as poss bic.
ALARM SOUNDED.
At 10 o'clock last night the reports had
become so alarming that the fire-bel was
sounded, and all the citizens assembled in
the public square, where they remained.
expecting an attack at any hour. a mes
sage from Paducah. received at IL o'clock.
stated that body Of negroes was being
organized there, but that they would
probably not march upon Mayfield before
daybreak.
At 1890 o'clock this morning a body
of citizens of Fulton reached the town.
They reported meeting a mob of 200
on the outskirts of the town. No attempt
was made by the negroes 10 interfere with
the Fulton people. and IL was evident that
the former were waiting for reinforce
ments.
Guns have been ordered from Paducah.
and are expected at any moment on a
special train.
At 2:S0 O'clock this morning several
shots were fired at three negroes, who
were seen on the outskirts Of Alayfield.
There was no response. and the negroes
retreated, evidently toward the larger
body.
NEGRO KILLED.
VIII Suet. negro, aged IS years, was
shot and killed early this morning near
the railway depot. a number of guards
were watching the incoming train for
negro refugees. Three negroes alighted.
and when ordered to halt, refused. One
deputy fired, and Suet fell, riddled with
bullets. The killing of Suet has aroused
the negroes to madness, and they swear
10 wipe out the town tonight. This
morning the Town Council held an
emergency meeting. All women and chill
dren were ordered 10 remain off the
streets after 6 o'clock tonight. Hun
dreds of farmers came 10 Mayileld this
forenoon. and are being armed. to assist
in saving the town if hostilities COM
mence.
At 3 o'clock this afternoon the citizens
held a mass-meetng and organized into
companies for mutual defence against the
negroes.
STATEMENT FROM GOV. BRADLEY.
FRANKFORT. KY, December o.
Governor Bradley tonight gre out
statement about the four cases of mob
violence at Russellyille and Mayfeld. The
Governor says the lawless acts call for
the most condign punishment. and he
urges the county officers 10 see that
prompt punishment is meted out. Cover
nor Bradley says there is no law covering
such cases. but intimates that ne will
offer a reward. il requested by the Cir
cult Judge.
THE TROUBLE EXAGGERATED.
LOUISVILLE. KY, December 2S.-The
alleged race-war at Mayfield has been
greatly exaggerated. There has been no
trouble since the killing OF VIII Suet
(colored) early this morning. Suet was
only IS years of age. No further out
break Is looked for. as the better class
o. people have determined TO suppress