The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-09-01
Brodie Says He Has No Fear
of Death.
HE HAS NOTHING TO SAY
RUMORS OF VARIOUS KINDS
AFLOAT.
THERE MAY Be SOME TROUBLE YET
Il Is Rumored that the Negroes Say That
Bfodie Shall Not Hang Thousands
Are Expected to Witness the
Execution.

Are Expected to Witness the
Execution.
Henderson, N c., Aug. 31.-(SpeciaD
The town tonight at twelve O'Clock is
quiet except for a few struggling crowds
who are watching for trouble.
The rumor that one Roland. negro
merchant, here who has a good following
among his race, had said Brodie shall
not hang has aroused much feeling a.
mong the negroes and they are said to
be counselling with their leader. This
story, however, is discredited by the
white people.
Another rumor gained currency to-day
to the effect that certain negroes had
openly affirmed, should Brodie hang,
Young white man Of some prominence
here. who a year or so ago, murdered
colored woman Of i'll fame, will be
strung up within twenty four hours.
This news first came to the ears OF the
white people through negro women SER
wants. who secretly say they have heard
a story Of it's kind whispered about a
mone their race for two days.
The negroes swear they will get re-
yenge. About two years ago the young
man, whose life is said to be threatened
was cleared of the charge, but the ne
groes still have bitter grudge against
him and certain undercurrent OF feei-
ing, makes the white people watcnfui.
Should any attempt be made upon tne
life Of the young man. trouble VIII ioi-
low, such as has not been seen IN TINS
place for thirty years.
A race war will inevitably follow IL
quiet and order are not preserved To-
morrow night, there may be bloodshed.
Every man in town will be armed to-
morrow. Every precaution has Deen TAX
on and it is openly avowed by the white
neople that they will not tolerate any
suspcious move of the street mobs.
About the Jail yard all is quiet. -Four
guards are walking the rounds ana eS-
ery visitor is halted some distance from
the high fence.
The only visitors allowed to speak
with the prisoner tonight were the News
and Observer representative and an edi-
tor of local weekly paper :,
Rrodie is confined in cell on the
eecond floor. 1t is back cell and the
ono most difficult to reach. 10 see MIN
ono must pass through two doors or
solid iron triply barred and locked by
combina tiOns.
Tonight he is talking religion.
He ia a member Of the Baptist church,
which he Joined three years ago.
I asked him if he realized what was 10
take place tomorrow, and his answer
came in the same impudent manner that
has characterized his every speech.
"I don't think about it; think about
nv God, and know that he will look al
ter me. am a member of the Baptist
church and have for three years been as
good as any other member"
"Will you make any statement tomor-
rowy'
II will leave that with God and do
what he says." :,
$40 yea realize the great crime that
you have committed!
sI know what did, but if you give me
a piece Of paper and l take II, nave
s;nned? There is no more SIN In What
did than in what many others nave
DONE"
There has been much talk af1oat mere
intimating that Brodie has asked aid OIL
ce,tain negroes, but he denies that he mas
done more than to say: IF there is any
one who wants to get me out, iet theih uo
what they want to-"
He saws he has no complaint to make
as TO his treatment. He has had no desire
for ANYTHING other than food. and that
has been satisfied. The sheriff has been
yorv kind TO him and he has been pleased
with his treatment.
The very tone in which he speaks tells
the tale Of his guilt. He confesses only
the guilt of the act, but not that OF force,
and so with his malicious lying he says
he is prepared to meet his God. He says
he would as soon have the trap fall TO-
night as tomorrow and that the hour does
not matter.
The voice of the man proves the hypo-
erite, and tonight, though he said he
would not sleep, he is resting peacefully
and in a short while forgot all else.
Thousands are expected to be present.
The position Of the scaffold is such that
thousands may see if other obstructions
are not erected during the morning.
The rope to be used is new one. The
famous rope used at he Orange Page
hanging is not considered safe and will
not be used.
Nntrance to the jail yard will be only
" ticket, and abtut twenty people besides
II thirty -six witnesses for ~ State win
HMrX 1AWAH.