Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-11-05
NORTH STATE CRISIS,
Conflicting Opinions as to the
Prospect Of Race War;
THE RED SHIRTS INFUR|ATEO
The Situation as Viewed by Several
Democratic Editors.
SIMMONS ANSWERS PRITCHARD.
A Fusionist Boomerang-No Troops
Ordered 10 WiImington-Attem
To Burn n Democratic Registrars
Housc-Campaign Notes.
SIMMONS ANSWERS PRITCHARD.

WILMINGTON. n. c., November r.
(Spccial) THE situation here tonight is
possibly more perplexing 20 conservative
campaign managers than at any time since
the attitude of the races toward each other
assumed serious aspect. Many of The
most lovel-headed leaders fear that a
race riot Of more or less seriousness Will
occur The principal cause of this change
~ opinion Is that to-day a circular was
sent out among the negroes urging them
to go to the polls and vote for the
fusion ticket for judges and Solicitor,
for congressman and for State senator.
"By doing this" says the circular, you
save your political liberties for the future.
Let every Republican and POpulist and
every Independent, who is opposed to the
Democratic machine. turn out and vote"
This address is signed by Governor Rus
sell. Senator Pritchard, Senator Butler,
a. +. Holton, chairman OF the state Exc
cEtive Committee of the Republican party;
Cyrus Thompson, chairman of the
State Executive Committee Of the Popu-
list party. and O. II. Dockery Republi-
can Cdloludle LOT Congress
The circular, which is addressed to he
negroes Of Wilmington aud New Hanover
county, also urges them to abide by Gov
ernor Russelrs agreement with the busl-
ness-men of this city, in the matter of
not voting a county or House
ticket. The signers tell the negroes that
they are constrained TO address this let
ter 10 them because OF the unusual con-
ditions here.
HE Is EVASIVE.
They also urge the negroes to vote for
B. r. Keith for the state Senate, despite
what anybody may tell them about his
not being candidate. This is in the face
Of a card from Mr.. Keith, published in
the Morning Star recently declaring that
he is not a candidate. He will also pub
lsh another card i'm the star tomorrow,
which, while rather evasive, is to the
same effect Democrats believe that he
is "a candidate.
The businessmen had agreed that
large number Of Democrats should be
appointed as special policemen on the
day of election and a representative
committee waited upon the Mayor of
the city to-day and told him if this circu-
lar was not Withdrawn they would not
have their men sworn i'm as police. The
fact is they have determined not to have
anything TO do with the matter of special
police. The Democrats now fully expect
a Fusion county ticket to be put out,
which. while not known 20 be Republic
cau will receive the secret support of
the Republican organization
RED SHIRTS TNFTRTATFD
Tonight there is much excitement and
apprehension about the streets on ac-
count of the infuriated condition of a
company Of Red Shirts of the Fifth
Ward. They have chased many negroes
in that part Of the town, and seem TO
Doe very hard TO control. They are me-
chanics and laboring men. and are excel
lent campaign workers when desired by
the campaign managers Under the con-
diu0ns tonight the police are very ap-
prohensive. and hardly dare say word
in opposition 10 the conduct Of the men.
He 10 said TO the credit Of the Red
Shirts that not more than twelve or
fifteen of them are taking part in the
demonstration.
There Is some excitement in regard 10
The possibility of Federal troops being in
evidence at the election As a matter
of fact. Battery /. Of Fort Caswell. has
been ordered TO Porto Rico. but il cam
not be ascertained here that they are to
be sent On Monday and spend election
day loo this city Many of those who dis
trust Russell and Senator Pritchard
most however say it is one Of their SLY
political tricks" TO have the War De-
partment issue such an order and then
have nearby troops on the scene Tues
day. Nothing positive is known.
Tomorrow win be a big Democratic
rally-day at Whiteville.
Late tonight Democrats adopted a
resolution declaring that Mr.. b. +. Keith
had by his course IN allowing Republi-
cans and FusiOnists TO use his name as
a candidate for the Senate placed him
self on record as a public enemy Of
peace and order, and by his conduct as
sumed a great responsibility for any
oloodshed and loss of life that may re-
suit from the settled intention Of our
people TO establish white rule at any
cost"
IL was reported here to-day that bis
riot was on at New Berne. but inyesti-
cation showed the report to be false