The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-03-09
NEGRO TROOPS
CAUSE TROUBLE
Fired IndiscTimiRate|y from Their
Train
THE MILITIA ORDERED OUT
To Prevent a Riot at Griffin,
and the
lMMUNES WERE HELD IN CHECK
Many People Believed to Have Been
Injured Along the Line.
TRAINMAN FATALLY WOUNDED
AS the Section Left Griffin the Negroes
Boisterous, and a Volley Was
Fired By the Militia
and Citizens.
Many People Believed to Have Been
Injured Along the Line.
TRAINMAN FATALLY WOUNDED

Atlanta, Ca, March 8-The Tenth i'm
munes, Colonel Jones, who were mustered
out at Macon today, began to show their
Ill temper as soon as the train bearing the
negroes home began to move out of Ma
con. Producing revolvers and other arms
which they in some way managed to SNUG
gle with them, they began firing from the
windows Bullets flew in every direction
as the train sped on, and passers-by were
compelled to seek shelter. Luckily only
one person was shot in Macon, VIII Good
year, 16-year-old white boy, whose arm
was fractured by ball.
AS the train passed the various stations
on the road the rioting was renewed, shots
being fired from the train at the people
standing on the platforms to see the train
go through.
At Griffin, Ga, where the first section of
the train stopped about 2:SO this afternoon,
occurred the most serious trouble of the
day.
The regiment came over the Central of
Georgia railroad in three sections. When
the train stopped at Griffin the negroes,
who, by this time, had filled up on whisky,
began firing their pistols and yelling like
Indians. Over 200. shots were fired and the
police were powerless to resist. The city
was at the mercy of the negroes, who kept
up fusillade until the train was carried
beyond the city limits.
The Citizens Aroused
The news of their outrageous conduct
spread rapidly over Griffin, and it was de-
termined that the next section of the regi-
ment should be held in check.
Mayor Davis telephoned Governor Cand-
Ter asking him to order out the Griffin
Rifles. The governor sent him word that
he would consult the authorities and in
struct him In a few minutes. Mayor Davis
then ordered out the company on his own
responsibility, as there was time to
lose. The Rifles were given five rounds of
ammunition, and, under command of Lieu
tenant David, marched to the deport.
In addition to the militia the mayor and
Sheriff Norris deputized over 100 citizens to
assist the officers in preserving the peace
and protecting the city.
About 5:15 the second section came In
sight, and above the roar of the train could
be heard the rattle of firearms which were
being discharged indiscriminately. When
the train came to standstill the negroes
saw 200 heavily armed men, who command
ed them to keep quiet.
The negroes were awed, and with a few
exceptions were as docile as lambs. To
those who proved fractions. cracked heads
were administered When the train pulled
out from the depot and the negroes thought
they were out of reach Of the citizens they
began firing at houses. At the first shot
volley was poured into the disappearing
train by the citizens and militia.
A Trainman Shot
Unfortunately, George Agee, a trainman.
was shot In the abdomen, and one negro
was clipped ON the shoulder by a bullet.
The train reached Atlanta at s o'clock.
Agee was at once taken to st. Josephs in
frmary His wound is pronounced fatal.
The first section of the train was trans
ferred to the Seaboard Air Line at Mitch
Ell street station, and the negroes were
soon on their way north. They were not
brought into the city, as II 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 tonight the police re-
serve, heavily armed, was on hand to look
after the immunes. The negroes were evil
IDENTIFY awed and after leaving the train
for a few minutes returned 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.
Governor Gambler said tonight:
II did not give the order calling out the
company of militia at Griffin. Word was
sent to tho sheriff there to call upon the
police of the town to do their duty.
People of Grimm Responsible
"It seems to me they were able to take
care Of the negroes for the short time they
were there. Lieutenant-ColonelW Withrow
of the Tenth immunes wired me during the
afternoon to extend protection to the ne
groes while they were In the limits Of this
state He said the people at Griffin were
responsible for the trouble there"
The hauling of the Tenth was divided be- !
tween the Southern and Central of Georgia.
Trainmen on both roads say there was
some little disorder In Macon before they
started. but nothing Of a serious character,
The men were sent to their trains In Squads
and their discharge papers not given them
until they were aboard. AS soon as the
trains began moving. however, the trouble
started. The trainmen say that they be-
lieve that several negroes living in the
shanties along the line of the railroad must