Evening star., 1898-11-07
Room for adj.

necessary" I have told how the white res
idents of Newbern were of the same mind,
and at Laurinburg, in the south, and at
Halifax, in the north, the feeling Is the
same. These four cities form the corner
posts of a square area OF country taxing IN
a large portion of the eastern section of
the state. Whatever is necessary to be
done to secure white supremacy in TINS
black belt will be attempted. In the town
of Wilson on a line between Halifax and
Laurinburg, l asked the democratic man
ayers if they would attempt to keep the
negroes from the polls on election day. 1t
is not necessary they replied. we can
win without it, but we are frank to say that
we would do so if necessary The belief
was expressed that the negroes would not
attempt in considerable numbers to vote
If the legislature is carried by the demo-
Gratis one of the first measures will be the
amending of the unique city charters OF
Wilmington and Newbern, IN which cities
the law provides that the governor shall
appoint city councilman for each one
elected by the residents. Five are thus
chosen. five appointed by the governor, and
they elect the mayor. The details of the
proposed changes have not been decided,
but a law will be passed which will abso-
lutely fix the supremacy of the whites IN
Newbern and Wilmington. In round num-
bers the population is estimated at 13,On0
negroes and 5000 whites
MIR. Cowan Accidentally Shot.
ripple of excitement was, caused about
noon today by the circulation of the report
that James Cowan, a well-known white
citizen, had been shot. The report spread
rapidly and men hurried into the streets to
ascertain if he had been shot by a negro.
1t was soon learned that the shooting was
accidental. Mr.. Cowan was in Magistrate
McGowans office and a pistol was acci-
dentally discharged. The bullet entered
No. 8,
wound Mr.. MCGOWAN was nearly frantic
with distress over the accident to his
friend. AS soon as it{was. found that the
shooting was accidental the excitement
subsided. Mr.. Cowan had just purchased
the revolver and handed it to Mr.. MCGOWAN
to examine, when the weapon was dis
charged. The wound is not considered dan
gerous
Every one looks forward to the arrival Of
the morrow with intense interest. 1t Is felt
that the day is big with the possibilities of
serious events in the state of North Caro-
lima at large and in the eastern sections
particularly. AS the conviction of the dan
gers of the situation dawns upon the people
of Wilmington. a spirit of conservatism is
manifest. Gatherings on the street corners
are avoided. One hears no loud talking on
the streets, and there IS a gravity of de-
meanor among the citizens. All saloons
were closed at 1:3O o'clock Saturday night,
to remain closed until Wednesday morning.
irresponsible white men are watched care
fully by the leading citizens to prevent
them from engaging in brawls and bringing
on fight. Predominant in every word and
act of the citizens however, is the deter
mination to carry Wilmington for the white
ticket, peaceably If possibly, forcibly if
necessary.
Circular Issued Today.
A messenger arrived from Raleigh today
bringing a bundle of the following cir
culars. which were distributed among the
negroes. to bring the vote out tomorrow:
ITO the voters of New Hanover county:
Rev. Dr. Priton H Hoge "a leading Presby-
terian minister). in letter to the governor
oil Saturday, November 3, uses the follow
ing language:
Il have seen several prominent members
OF campaign committee and have the posi-
tive assurances from them that not only is
no intimidation contemplated, but that it
will be discountenanced by every means in
their power. If the negroes do as Hender-
son advised them-eo to the polls and east
their ballots quietly and go home-I have
no idea that there will be any disturbance.
Il think all the members of COM
mittee feel that their honor is involved In
seeing that the agreement is carried out in
good faith, and We will certainly use all
efforts to secure that result. and we have
the same promise from prominent members
of the campaign committee.
DR.. Hoge was one of the committee who
conferred with tie governor and agreed
upon the compromise, which cordially
and almost unanimously approved and rau-
fled by the merchants and business men
of the city and by the democratic cam
paign committee.
The governor has other assurances of
similar import from all of the committee
that conferred with him. AS men of honor
they could not do otherwise.
(SisneO "a e. HOLTON,
chairman Republican State Executive
"CYRIrS THOMPSON
Chairman Peoples I'arty State Executive
Committee