The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-11-08

The Whites Determined TO Throw or
Negro ~Rule-Strong Speeches and De.
termined ResoluIions-Unezsy Situa.
ton In Wilmington
Dispatch.)

(Richmond Dispatch-)
Wilmington, n. c., November A.
(Special.)-The situation here tonight
is possibly more p~erplexing to conser-
vative campaign managers than at any
time since h attitude Of the races to-
ward each other assumed a serious as
pect. Many of the most level-headed
leaders fear that a race riot Of more
or less seriousness will occur. The
principal cause of this change of opin-
ion is that today a circular was sent
out among the egroe urging them to
go to the polls and vote for the fusion
ticket for judges and solicitor. for con-
gresham and for state senator" BY
doing this" says the circular, you
save your political liberties for the fu-
ture. Let every republican and popu-
list and every independent, who is OPP
posed to the democratic machine, turn
out and vote"
This address is signed by Governor
Russell, Senator Pritchard. Senator
Butler, A. Z. Holton, chairman of the
state e~xecutiv committee of the re-
publican party; Cyrus Thompson,
chairman of the state executive COM
mittee of the pOpulist party, n 0. h.
Cookery, republican candidate for con
greSS.
The circular, which is addressed to
the negroes of Wilmington and New
Hanover county, also urges them to
abide by Governor Russelrs agreement
with the business men of his city, in
the matter of not voting a county or a
house ticket. The signers tell the ne
groes that they are constrained to ad-
dress this letter to them becaus of the
unusual conditions here.
HE IS EVASIVE.
They also urge the negroes to vote
for y. T. Keith for the state senate,
despite what anybody may tell them
about his not being a candidate. This
is in the face Of a card from Mr.. Keith,
published in The Morning Star re-
Gently, declaring that he is not a can
didate. He will also publish another
card in The Star tomorrow, which,
While rather evasive, is to the same
effect. Democrats believe that he is
a candidate.
The businessmen had agreed that a
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 today and told him if this cir
cular was not withdrawn they would
not have their men sworn in as police.
The fact is, they have determined not
to have anything to do with the mat
ter Of special. police. The democrats
now expect fully a fusion county tick
ct to be put out, which, while not
known to be republican, will receive
the secret support of the republican or
ganiZation.
RED SHIRTS INFURIATED.
Tonight there is much excitement
and apprehension about the streets
on account of the Infatuated 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 be very hard to control. They
are mechanics and laboring men, and
are excellent campaign workers when
desired by the campaign managers.
Under the conditions tonight the po-
lice are very apprehensive, and hardly
dare Sal a word in opposition to the
conduct of the men. Be it said to the
credit of the Red Shirts hat not
more than twelve or fifteen of them
are taking part in the demonstratiin.