The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-05-27
MURDERS AT KEY WEST
RIOTS MAY FOLLOW AS A CONSEQUENCE,
Lynching of Negro Narrowly Averted- Best
Citizens Desire Martial Law Streets
PatroIIed by Marines.
PatroIIed by Marines,

Key West, Fla, May 25.-Key West
is suffering from a reign Of terror. Two
murders we're committed during the
night. and the best citizens feel that I'M
less the town is promptly put under mar
tial law. 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 tackles, negroes and roughs of
many classes, the danger to the respecta-
bic classes is no small one. In conse-
duence of last nights bl0odshed, Com
mander Forsythe has already asked for
n 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, Il seaman on the auXil-
iary gunboat Morrill,, and Vladimer
Tchuits5y. a sailor on another gunbOat
were attacked last night i'm a Cuban
coffee shop by Charles Kitchen, local
negro. Ichuitsky was killed and Carne
badly wounded. Kitchen made his cs-
cane. The cause of the trouble is said
To have been Kitchens jealousy of his
negro wife.
John J. Dorsey, n reputable machlnlst
of Manateo. Fla, about 80 years Of age
was found dead early this morning III a
vacant lot, near the Key West holei'
Robbery is supposed to have led to the
murder. Charles Wallace, leader Oh
gang of young Key West toughs' mas
been arrested charged with the CRIME
Within the past month three so-called
''peace guardians" have resigned thef
office. complaining that they have long
been paid in city scrip, at the rate OIL
$40 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-
inc under like disadvantages ana VIII
resign.
9:45 D. m-What threatens to develop
into nm ugly affair if not lynchihg' o.
cnrred tonight and ut this writing the
situation is decidedly serious.
4 report was circulated that Il marine
had been shot and killed by a negro.
frhn rnnort reached the sailors and ma
rincs. the latter of whom were enjoying
tboir first days liberty since arriving
here and they formed into two battallonS
ami marched on the jail with loaded re-
volvers.
sheriff Knight met them at the door
ana parleyed with them. assuring them
thot the negro was not in custody. The
invaders drew off a short distance ana
enlected two blue jackets and one marine
~ ,,o through the jail The sheriff was
noTcrless to resist and made no attempt
- 10 50. Twelve negroes were found in
tbo iail. but as the identity Of the sup
noend murderer was a mystery, the par
~ was foied. Some of the more tur-
hurlcnt spirits suggested Il lynching of
= negro on principle, but upon the sheriff
promising to find and produce the assal-
ami if the story were true. the party left
and secured the town in the hope of
coming upon their man.
g,ho feeling among the iackies and the
marines against the negro population IS
intense. aggravated by the assault of
Chas. Kitchen, a negro on seaman,
which resulted in the killing of the lat
| IN and the sailors are looking for
Kitchen as well as the other mysterious
negro.
II u. m.-On leaving the Jail, the party
met another jackie who thought he
conld identify the supposed murderer.
Another march on the jail took place.
| ana the man looked over the colored
prisoners but failed to identify any of
| them.
some of the cooler heads then pro-
noeod giving the sheriff chance to got
Kitchen, They dispersed then without
further trouble.
/ 1915 a. m.-At a late hour tonight