The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-10-28
FEDERAL TROOPS
Asked for by Republicans for Intimidating
Democratic Votes.
THE NEGRO RIOT AT ASHPOLE.

After a Conference Between Prtchard and Russell the Former Asks the
President to Send Troops to this State for the Election-The
Question Before the Cahinet--Boyd Comes to Spy on
His State--The Attack of Lawless Negroes on the
Town of Ashpole--T The Mob Urged to
Deeds of Murder by Their Leaders.
Especial to The Messenger)
Senator Pritchard as suggested bringing United States troops into
North Carolina, ostensibly to preserve the peace, but as the democrats here
oeheve TO influence tn coming congressional and legislative election in tn
state. He has written W letters here, n to the president, and to
Chairman Babcock, of the republican congressional committee Both are
of similar tenor.
In the letter to the president. which formed the subject of a special cabi-
net meeting today and which vas written last Friday and received this morn
ing, Priehard says the democrats have raised the race issue in this cam
paign; that the most intense feeling exists; that the democrats have insti-
tued a system of intimidation of negroes that threatens the peace of the
state: tina tn whites are armipg hiatt tn negroes are uvinp weapops
wherever purchaseable, although the merchants, a majority Of whom are
is I ,oo,as e w. ~ ~" "n sa | W -, ~ 'e NEGROES u' most serious u0uOe
the democrats are buying weapons in these counties to inimidate the color
ed voters and to keep them away from the polls.
A general discussion of Senator Prtchards letter followed its reading
by the president who handed it to Attorney General Griggs. The gravity
Of the situation as admitted by members of the cabinet after the meeting
adjourned. During the session of the cabinet Chairman Babcock called but
when Informed that the president had laid Pritchards letter before the cab
inc did % sed his letter in feeling as lie sad' lat thu matter would
receive the consideration it demanded. He said he was fearful the presi
dent might overlook it in the accumulation of matters.
noon He He produced S@sAi Pr da5an S letter. Sn W o a ty pew pages b pei ning:
This is a private political letter" said Mr.: eriggs, in response 70 a re-
public He said it sT referred to the the North Carolina Situation VI Which. 1 hs said id
wa "W Hny yopa se md a deputy United States marshal to preserve peacee" he
,r iMars md n havs n authority twn to n appotnt. add n5ea n% deputies u Ss rd if the necessity
a''T Mr. a e!ngs Ss said I mo- United aSea States troops WOULD Would Ts's sent Hf into s' the state I'M
less called for by Governor Russell, unless United States mails were inter
ferred with. In that case he said troops will b eset whether the governor
calls for them O not.
Rejecting a moment, Griggs sal. the people of North Carolina, South
other time that where lot I'M violence is threatened and h governor ask
peace if they have to ovenun the entire estate Order must and will be main
tanned.
Attorney General Griggs, has the entire matter in charge and if Gov
troops, he will communicate with MI. Griggs, upon whose advice the presi-
dent will act
The object of Governor Russelrs recent mysterious visit to Senator
Pritchard, in the light of Pritchards letter to thu president is o made
clear. AS there are no state troops in service should armed force be neces-
sary,n national troops will have to be sent.
Inquiry at the a department develops tn fact that the Second ret-
ment will be mustered ut by October 10Th. There is no probability that
even in a emergency this regiment will be retained for possible service, as
it is believed to be in sympathy with the white movement
Adjuant General COrbin said thise evening he had n 10 official knowledge
Of contemplated trouble in North Carolina and had not beer asked for
troops.
Boyd left Washington today fr North Carolina, to remain untla fe the
election. He will k@p Griggs posted.