Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-26
RIOT AT KEY WEST.
RACE WAR IMMINENT AS RESULT
OF THREATENED LYNCHING.
FEDERAL TROOPS ASKED FOR.
One White Man Already Killed, and
n Number of Others Reported In
jured-GovernOr Appeals to Presi-
dent for Aid.

KEY WEST. FLA, June 2j-For forty
eight hours this city has been OH the
verge of a race war. Mrs. Maggie At
we'll (white) was assaulted on Wednesday
afternoon by Sylvanus Johnston (coloredD,
who was promptly identified and jailed.
Two unsuccessful attempts were made
by white men yesterday to lynch him,
and these efforts greatly enrased the
blacks. AS measure Of precautton
against an outbreak on either side. the
Island City Guards. the local militia
company, slept at their armory last night.
Late i'm the evening, the negroes openly
threatened TO burn the city and kill the
white inhabitants, surrounded the county
Jail and the Armory, and began to dis
charge firearms promiscuously. William
Gardner, a highly-respected white citi-
zen, was killed by bullet. James saw
yer. a white man, was beaten senseless
by the blacks. No further outbreaks
have occurred to-day. The militia took
their guns from the Armory this morning,
and tonight are at the City Hall, while
200 citizens. sworn in as deputy sheriffs,
and the soldiers at the United States
barracks, are ready to assist the militia.
no PRESIDENTIAL ACTION YET.
WASHINGTON. June 25.-This after
noon the Governor of Florida telegraphed
President Mckinley that a riot is threat
ened at Key West. and asked him that
I'm view of the distance of Key West from
the mainland. and the difficulty i'm get
ting State troops to the scene of trouble
in time TO be of any avail, TO instruct the
commander of the United States troops
to act. The President replied to the
Governor, citing the law in the case, ana
asking for particulars. Secretary Alger
has telegraDhed TO the commandant OF
the post at Key West. asking for tele-
graphic advices giving the exact situation.
The action to be taken will depend upon
the response 10 these inquiries.
The request of the Governor for the
assistance OF the Federal troops was dis
cussed at conference at the White
House tonight There were present, be-
sides the President, Secretary Alger. At
torney General Mckenna. and General
Brook, of the army. The conference
lasted until after IL o'clock. Secretary
Alger stated that there had been nothing
further received from Key West bearing
on the situation, and in the absence or
any information, no action has yet been
taken on the Governors request. There
are now two companies OF artillery and
one or more OF infantry stationed at tndt
point.
REQUEST FOR FEDERAL TROOPS.
TALLAHASSEE, FLA, June 25.-Upon
receipt Of a telegram from Key West,
about noon to-day, Adjutant-General
Houston wired to the Key West militia
company to report at once to Sheriff
Knight tor duty, and Governor Bloxham
telegraphed to President Mckinley as
follows: The Sheriff at Key West wires
me as follows: A negro prisoner is in
Jail. charged with felonious assault on
white woman An attempt was made TO
lynch him. The negroes are greatly en-
ragged. and threaten TO burn the city, and
Kill the whites. \ large number OF
negroes last night surrounded the
about II o'clock the negroes began firing
rifles and pistols, killing one white man,
and several others are reported wounded.
Great excitement prevails. and serious
trouble is impending tonight. l request
you TO order the Key West military COM
that one company will be powerless be-
fore mob Of infuriated blacks. and |
ask that you request the President OF the
United States to order the commanding
officer of the United States troops station
ed here TO come 10 the assistance of the
civil authorities, if needed TO save life
and property. No State troops can reach
Key West sooner than Sunday night
similar requests were wired by the
County Judge. City Clerk. immigration
Inspector and two justices of the peace.
Owing to the distance Of Key West from
the mainland. / can furnish only the one
company i'm Key West, and make applica-
ton for the assistance of the United
States troops. if necessary, at the urgent
request OF the officials and citizens or
Key West.
(Signed) "W. ID. BLOXHAM
"GOVernOr of Florida !"