The news & observer., 1898-05-26
MURDERS AT KEY WEST
RIOTS MAY FOLLOW AS A CONSEQUENCE
Lynching Of Negro Narrowly Averted-' Best
Citizens Desire Martial LaW'-Streets
Patroed by Marines,

Key West Fla, May Z0.-hey west
is suffering from reign of terror. Two
murders were committed during the
night, and the best citizens feel that un-
less the town is promptly put under mar
tial law, a state of riot may prevail at
any moment.
The police force consists of three men,
with grievances of their own, and with
streets and grog shops infested with tur-
bulent jackies, negroes and rOughs of
many classes the danger to the respecta-
blp classes is no small one In cOnSe-
duencc Of last nights blOodshed, Com
mander FOrsythe has already asked for
a guard Of twenty-five marines to protect
the naval station and government dock,
and strong efforts are being made by the
citizens to have martial law declared
William Carne seaman on the auXll-
iary gunboat Morrill,, and Nladimer
Ichuitsky, Il sailor on another gunboat'
were attacked last night in Cuban
coffee shop by Charles Kitchen, local
negro Ichuitsky was killed and Carne
badly wounded Kitchen made his es-
cape. The cause of the trouble is said
to have been Kitchens jealousy of his
negro wife.
John j. Dorsey, reputable machinist
of Manateo, Fla. about % years of age,
was found dead early this morning III
vacant lot, near the Key West hotel.
Robbery is supposed to have led to the
murder. Charles Wallace, leader Of
gang of young Key West toughs, has
been arrested charged with the crime.
Within the past month three sO-called
"a
office, complaining that they have long
been paid in city scrip, at the rate OF
$50 per month. which is discounted at
one-half A new trio of policemen were
obtained; and these now show signs Oh
rebellion, declaring that they are suffer
ing under like disadvantages and VIII
resign.
9:45 D. m.-What threatens to develop
into an ugly affair, if not lynchlng' oc-
Cured tonight and at this writing the
situation is decidedly serious.
A report was circulated that marine
had been shot and killed by negro.
The report reached the sailors and ma
rines. the latter of whom were enjoying
their first days liberty since arriving
here and they formed into two battal1ons
and marched on the Jail with loaded re-
vOlyerS.
Sheriff Knight met them at the door
and parleyed with them assuring them
mat the negro was not i'm custody. The
invaders drew off short distance anu
selected two blue Jackets and one marine
to go through the Jail The sheriff was
powerless TO resist and made no attempt
to do so. Twelve negroes were found IN
the iail. but as the identity of the sup
ct rls1 r.
ty was foiled. Some of the more tur-
burlcnt spirits suggested lynching of
n negro on principle but upon the sheriff
promising to find and produce the assail-
ant if the story were true, the party left
and secured the town in the hope Of
coming upon their man.
The feeling among the jackies and the
marines against the negro population is
intense. aggravated by the assault Of
Chas Kitchen. negro on a seaman,
which resulted in the killing of the lat
ter. and the sailors are looking for
Kitchen as well as the other mysterious
negro.
II p. m.-On leaving the Jail. the party
met another jackie who thought he
could identify the supposed murderer.
Another march on the jail took place.
and the man looked over the colored
prisoners but failed to identify any of
them.
Some of the cooler heads then pro-
posed giving the sheriff a chance to get
Kitchen. They dispersed then without
further trouble.
1915 a. NAT a late hour tonight
squads of marines were still patroling
the streets, gathering in the marines and
the sailors A guard of more than sew
enty armed soldiers has been placed
around the jail At the time this dis
patch is filed the town is comparatively
quiet, except for small groups not yet
taken in by the patrollers. but it is cur
rcntly reported that martial law will be
declared before another nightfall.