Evening star., 1899-07-15
LYNCHlNG BEE PREVENTED
Determined Stand of Jailer Nourse Of
Alexandra County.
With Armed Assistants He Saves Will
liam Dodson From an Angry
Mob.

Quiet reigned today around the Alex
andria county jail at Fort Myer Heights,
after an eventful night. Jailor Nourse. who,
with several deputies. had spent the hours
of darkness under arms in the performance
of duty, appeared worn out when Star
reporter reached the Jail this morning. but
briefly reviewed the experiences of the long
night
Nearly three hundred shots We're fired
to save Dodson's life," said Jailor Noprse.
and at one time several hundred persons
surrounded the jail demanding admittance.
Naturally, we refused and later were COM
PEELED to fire upon crowd which collected
in front of the building. 1 think at least
one shot took effect, as groans followed
volIey from our side. However, if the at
tack is resumed tonight, some one Will pay
dearly for breaking the law"
The sudden outbreak across the river
last night, resulting in a determined at
tempt of d crowd of citizens to enter the
county jail and secure William Dodson. an
aged negro, with the evident purpose of
lynchng him before assistance could ar
rive was the single topic of conversation
today in Alexandria county. Dodson, who
is charged with criminal assault upon
Viola Elliott, the ten-year-old daughter OF
Officer Jack Elliott of Washington district.
Alexandria county, was arrested yesterday
afternoon and Immediately taken before
Justice Traught for a preliminary hearing.
owing to the serious nature or the charBe
against the prisoner, the magistrate held
Dodson for the action of the grand jury,
directing that he be confined in the county
jail
Shooting Was Lively.
Shortly before midnight a crowd began to
gather around the court house, and several
bold spirits. headed by an Alexandrian.
advanced to the door of the Jail and de-
manded admitance. This being refused by
Jailor Nourse, the party was about to force
an entrance, it is stated. when the door
was closed by force from within and fire
opened upon the venturesome men. who
beat hasty retreat.
From this time until almost daylight
shots were exchanged at intervals Of a few
minutes between the Jail occupants and the
assailants. most of whom had retired after
the first volley to the woods near the court
house. Finally the crowd became dis
hearteEed at the unexpected resistance of
Jailor Nourse and his deputies, for at day
light but very few persons could be seen
lurking on the edge of the woods.
When Sheriff Palmer arrived at the jail
this morning he told the reporter that hs
had just learned OF the events of the night
half an hour before. He stated that addi-
tional precautions would be taken tonight
to insure the safety of the prisoner. al
though a second attack upon the jail was
hardly to be expected at this time. Mr.
Palmer refused to state what action, II
any, would result from the attempt on the
jail last night.
William Dodson, the prisoner, is seventy
eight years old and is married. He OWES
small farm near the Chain bridge, where
he has lived since obtaining his freedom
from Commodore Jones of Fairfax Court
House. Va.
DOdson's Denial.
Dodson was seen this morning by Star
reporter when he made a brief statement
as follows:
There are some people who never tire of
prosecuting a black man, but / know The
Evening Star will give me fair show, as
| have often read il. | was surprised rather
than scared when they arrested me. as
had committed crime at all. The little
Elliott girl was playing with my tools and
caught her dress. tearing ii badly, when her
sister came in and it. Really, l knew
nothing about any charge until they ar
rested me yesterday.
No, | was not frightened last night, for
1 had done nothing at all wrong"
Early Trial Probable.
Assistant Commemorative Attorney c. C.
Caria stated this morning to a Star repor-
ter that he would write Immediately to
Judge Love and make arrangements for
summoning a special grand jury to hear
Dodson's 'asa by the 9th of this month.
Attorney Samuel G. Brent of this city is
expected to conduct Dodson's defense