The daily herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1892-1897, 1897-06-02
THREATENED CRISIS.
DIPLOMACY AveRTs INTERNATIONAL
COMPLICATIONS.

How Negro Justice of the Peace Held q
British Vessel with Writ of sNe Exeas
Republicun.-The writ Was Dissolved
In Liquor and . Laugh Went Around.
During the reign Of the carpetbag-
gers in Georgia very black but brai, Y
old negro named Tunis G. Campbell
came down from the north and became
one of the leaders of his race.
In the course of time Campbell was
made justice Of the peace at the port
of Darien Then the trouble began in
earnest
Justice Campbell had no use for the
whites because he knew that they cor
daily hated him.
But he did not confne his animosity
to Georgians or to Democrats. He en-
ployed a number Of negro constables,
authorized them to carry weapons, and
In short time made his court terror
to the community.
So much by way OF introduction. One
summer a British sailing vessel came to
Darien and took on cargo Of naval
stores. Before getting ready to sail the
captain settled everything due from him
and his crew-that is, everything in the
way of a just account. He secured his
papers, when several negro traders Of
the lowest class Unexpectedly put in
claims for goods that had never been
purchased.
These cormorants alleged that the
captain and his sailors were indebted to
them for meals, merchandise, lodging
and other things
1t was evident that these claims were
fraudulent. and the captain continued
his preparations for his departure.
The afternoon he was to weigh anchor
Justice Campbell held consultation
with a shyster lawyer.
ST want to hold that - foreigner
here said Campbell, until he settles
these billsP'
"In England, replied the lawyer,
"when you SAINT to prevent people from
leaving the country, you issue writ of
ne exeat regnum.
Justice Campbell came near falling to
the floor. h
"Just say that again." he said ex-
citedly.
"a writ of ne exeat regnum.
al see-I see," said Campbell "Well,
I want you TO draw up one and keep
that fellow here. ="
The shyster's resources were limited,
and lie explained 70 his friend that reg
nun meant kingdom, and as this coun-
try was a republic there would have to
be change III the Yerbiage-
Change it" commanded the black
justice
The lawyer then admitted that he
knew very little Latin, and for that rea-
son was somewhat embarrassed
"This is a republic, - he said
"Al right, was the prompt reply OF
Campbell. DRAW up writ of ne exeat
republican,. -
81 am afraid it is bad Latin, " object
ed the lawyer.
"I'll make it stick" answered the
justice. IL sign the paper and swear
in six special constables to enforce it. .
This was enough, and the lawyer pro-
ceeied to draw up the most remarkable
document ever seen III America
The writ covered 90 pages Of foolscap
! and ordered the Engllshman, under the
severest pains and penalties. TO remain
/ with his ship at Darien until he settled
! all claims
/ twas a sultry August afternoon, and
the vessel was about ready to depart,
when it was boarded by Justice Camp
| bell and six negro constables armed with
guns.
The Justice read the writ to the cap
tain, and after informing him that tho
! constables would remain until the mat
I ter was adjusted the judicial tyrant
went ashore again
The captain retired to the cabin with
the mate and talked it over.
Finally a plan of action was agreed
! upon, and when the ships officers reap
peared they were apparently in good
humor. They told the constables that
! they were welcome as the representa-
tives Of the law and requested them to
enjoy the freedom Of the vessel
The constables were overwhelmed
with tobacco and cigars and an occa-
sional dram until their suspicious van
| ished.
Then the captain and his crew dis
plaa ted still more hospitality, and the
bottle was freely passed around.
At midnight SIX negro constables were
in a drunken slumber, the effect Of their
drugged liquor, and the captain and his
men were &Eide awake and perfectly
sober.
The black5were carefully deposited in
boat and set adrift in the harbor, ard
then the Bsltish slocp quietly weighed
anchor snf left the port at an hour
when Jusxce Campbell was dreaming OF
his new-And wonderful writ of ne exeat
republican,.
The constables were picked up next
day and sent to Jail for neglect OF duty,
but the vessel was then beyond reach
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