The age-herald., 1898-02-27

intended to make a. clean sweep. but the engine of destruction did not fulfill their expectations.
 wholesale burning of negro churches then ersued. and worship by the negroes was almost wholly prohibited. More ne groes left the county, and more possessed courage to prowl abroad at night.
 Took Possession of tie Town
 The last act of lawlessness before the finale was enacted in Kennedy one week ago yesterday Several of the gang came to town and floated abnormally developed jags. One, especially, desired that the Keys of the village be given into his possession This was denied, and he was locked up and compelled to pay a fine to regain his Hb- erty. He would not pay it, but his friends produced the necessary sum and ne was liberated. When outside the corporate lim- it's he bade defiance to all and swore he would "burn up the hull d-mn town"
 Rev. w. A. Beatty, a Baptist minister, IS mayor of the village, and in the pulpit he had denounced the domination of the brigand. After the Saturday episode he received notice that a denunciation shouio not again be indulged, or there would De a vacant chair around his fireside. The staid wearer of the cloth was sorely troup- led as well as badly frightened. He had an appointment to preach in Pickens coun- ty today. To make the journey he would have started yesterday. For fear the plan to capture the brigands would miscarry he would not make the trip. As he expressed it, he knew what to expect if any of them were still at large.
 Every one of the gang bears an unsavory reputation. An illicit still was once found on the farm of Roland. He disclaimed any knowledge of its existence, although it was located directly between his residence and the spring in very propitious spot for such business. Other members have made their initial bow in the United States court. It is thought at least ten are connected with the gang, and other arrests are ex- pected to follow.
 Bodeker's Perilous Task
 Detective Bodeker went to Kennedy un- der instructions from Gov. Johnston. He has been there nearly two months, and many times has carried his life in his hand. He has impersonated the tramp, and at one time was known throughout the neigh borhood as lunatic. As an example of the fright among the negroes, he was forced to meet them miles away from Ken nedy in some secluded spot to get the re- quired information. They dared not meet him in public
 Sheriff Haley has been censured by many citizens for not taking vigorous steps to put down the lawless element. In fact, the sheriff is a brother-in-law of Will McCul- logh, one of the ring-leaders of the band. He explains the affair by saying he is not detective and no warrants were placed in his hands to serve.
 The citizens of Kennedy have been frightened out of making any protest. Even now when a majority of the outlaws are behind the bars they are shy about talking.
 They tell about the outrages, but they make no accusations. Several citizens told me that if their names would not be men tioned they would give their suspicious. By giving their names they were afraid of gaining the disfavor of the gang, and if justice should fail to be meted out they would be the first victim of some lawless deed.
 There are witnesses who will identify four of the accused as being present when the Hayden murder was committed Mem- bers of the band have all indulged in brags and boasts of their exploits. Little danger is anticipated as to their conviction if jury which cannot be intimdated is se- cured.
 The Home of Rube Burrows
 Lamar county is the birthplace of Rube Burrows. Near Vernon his children and father now reside. In Kennedy old citizens point out the spot to strangers where the officers cornered the noted outlaw and by sheer bravado he made his escape.
 Burrows had large blood connection in Lamar, but his brutal murder of Postmas- ter Graves at Jewel turned them against him, although this was almost the only deed of lawlessness he committed on his native heath He had his mail coming to Jewel directed to one MT. King. One day a package of wigs, makeup material, etc, came and the postmaster was suspicious. He would not give the parcel to Burrows brother-in-law and when the brigand him. self came and demanded it, murder sued
 'That was the rashest act of his life, and turned his own kin agin' him. said an old citizen yesterday.
 The citizens look on the band, which it is hoped has been broken up as the success sor of the notorious Burrows clique