The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1897-01-27
The Lynching in Sumter.

The horrible events in Sumter Coun-
ty last week make fearful addition to
the long list Of bloody crimes and swift
retribution in our State. Who can
measure the fearful consequences of
these revolving deeds2 The redhanded
murderer for whole week was defiant
and aggressive. and ended bis saturna
liza of crime with one of the most hor-
rible butcheries that vas ever known in
q civilized community. Simon Cooper
was 6end beyond comparison, and bis
cruel. relentless career has not a paral-
lei in our State There is not the
shadow of an excuse or palliating
SYLLABLE to be uttered in his behalf.
He vas deuco incarnate, and he de-
served instant death at the hands of
the infuriated citizens of Sumter
County, who were Justified in taking
his life, if there vas ever an occasion
In the world when lynch Law should
prevail 10 any community. While all
this is true, it ia grave aud deplorable
fact that the manner Of Cooper's lyach-
ing, under the circumstances of his
surrender on demand of the sheriff's
posse, is not at all creditable to the
manhood aud chivalry Of Sumter Couo-
ty. Let it be said that there were
urgent and emphatic protests against
what was done. aud that there we're
S brave and honorable men 90 the ground
who recognized the appalling character
Of the work that was done 10 spite of
their protests. It's not pleasure to
condemu an act Of our fellow-citizens
when they are ridding the world Of
s foul and incestuous beast, but even
the defenders Of life and home should
have sufficient regard for themselves, if
not for the sake of deSency and man
hood. to discharge what they conceive
ts be duty in at least seml-respecta-
BILE manner. We make due allowance
for excitement and the disturbed con-
ditioo OF the surrounding sountry, but
even then we cannot condone the COB
duct Of the mob in Sumter County.
who were acting uoder the regis, of a
shesiff's posse, aud to that extent they
we're representing the majesty of the
law.
The facts are as follows: One hun
dred men bad siogle, british 6end
completely surrounded in house, With
arms and ammunition, and every op-
portunity to secure reinforcements of
men and arms. They we're making
fair hesdway at distance 10 the re-
duction of bis citadel, and there vas
little chance for his escape, with tbe
whole day besose them Their repeat
ed fire caused hin to cry for succor
parley eusued, and, he was promised
immunity if he cane out Afterwards
he emerged from the house, and vas
taken in charge by the posse. A
wrsngle took place, the maD was. shot
time and again. and the advice Of the
deputy sheriff and others apparently
prevailed, which was to carry the
wounded p.4sooer to Sumter. This was
not done, but 90 the way be was again
shot, thea swung to a tree. and when
life was extinct, the body was rlddled
with bullets until the rope by which
it was suspended had been cus in two
bv other shots which missed the man-
gled body Of their victim.
Gao anything be. more repuislve
There was lacking every element of
genuine courage 10 the capture and
kiilicg of the monster. and we would
be derelict to every sentiment of honor
and true valor not to put on record
our detes.a,ien of such conduct 1t
was shameful enough that one huu-
dred men stood off and parle5ed with a
single villain. that the sheriff and
coroner acted 80 as 10 suit the convent.
enee of the mob, that under preteoce
of sn arrest be was fearfully wounded
aud then hung to tree, bu: the climax
vas reached when the infuriated aud
ipsatiable mob fred into the dead
body of the bleeding wretch. 1t is
only another stain upon the name Of
our State, already deeply dyed in the
crimson gore of such victims, but even
more revolving 10 its nature than any
OF the long catalogue Of disgraceful