The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-03-09

ions When the train stopped at Griffin,
the negroes, who by this time had filed
up on whisky, began firing their pistols
and yelling like Indians.
over 2O0 shots were fired. and the police
We're poweriess 10 resist. The city was at
the mercy of the negroes who kept up a
luslliade of shots until the train carried
them beyond the city limits.
Taking Steps for Protection.
The news of the outrageous conduct
spread rapidly over Griffin and il was de-
termined that the next section of the reg
iment should be held in check.
Mayor Davis telephoned Gov Gambler
asking him to order out the Griffin Rifles
The Governor sent him word that he
would consult the authorities and instruct
him in a few minutes Mayor Davis then
ordered out the company on his own re-
sponslblhty, as there was no time to lose
The Rifles were given five rounds of am
munltlon, and under command of Lieut.
Daniel marched to the depot
In addition to the militia the Mayor and
Sheriff Morris deputized near 100 citizens
to assist the officers in preserving the
peace and protecting the city.
No Monkey Business in Town.
About SIS o'clock the second section
came into sight, and above the roar of
the train could be heard the rattle of fire.
arms, which were being discharged indls-
crimlnately. When the train came to a
standstill the negroes saw 200 heavily arm
ed men. who commanded them to keep
quiet. The negroes were awed, and with
few exception, were as docile as lambs.
To those who proved fractious cracked
heads were administered.
When the train pulled out from the de-
pot and the negroes thought they were out
OF reach of the citizens, they began fir
ing at houses. At the first shot a volIey
was poured into the disappearing train by
the citizens and militia Unfortunately
George Agee, trainman, was shot in
the abdomen. and one negro was clipped
on the shoulder by bullet
The Rioters at Atlanta.
The train reached Atlanta at O'Clock.
Agee was at once taken TO st. Joseph's
Infirmary. His wound is pronounced
fatal.
The first section of the train was trans
ferred to the seaboard Air Line at the
Mitchell street station, and the negroes
were soon on their way North. They were
not brought into the city, as it was feared
they would create trouble at the Union
depot.
The police prepared for the second sec
ton. however and when it came into the
Union depot at 1890 o'clock tonight, the
police reserve, heavily armed, was on hand
to look after the immuues. The negroes
were evidently awed, and after leaving
the train for a few minutes exercise, re-
turned to their seats or changed cars.
The third section came in at midnight
The men were transferred TO other roads
at Mitchell street to avoid trouble.
A Statement by the Governor.
Gov. Gambler said tonight: Il did no
give-the order calling out the company o.
militia at Griffin. Word was sent to ths
sheriff there to call upon the police of the
town to do their duty. 1t seems to me they
were able to take care of the negroes fol
the short time they We're there. Lieut.
Col. Withrow of the Tenth Inmunes wireC
me during the afternoon to extend pro
lection to the negroes while they were r
the limits of this state. lie said the people
at Griffin were responsible for the trouble
there"
The hauling of the Tenth was divided
between the Southern and the Central OF
Georgia Train men on both roads say
there was some little disorder in Macon
before they started but nothing of a Sc
rious character. The men were sent to theiI
trains in squads, and their discharge pa
pers not given them untf they were
aboard.
Shooting Along the Line.
AS soon as The trains began moving
however, the trouble started. The train
men say that they believe several negroes
living in the shanties along the line OF
the railroads must have been hit, as bull
lets flew in every direction.
The Tenth was recruited from all parts