Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-09

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was dragged over the rough cobble stones
until the corner of King and Fairfax
streets was reached. A few moments later
his body was suspended from the lamp post
there, his slayers meanwhile Kidding him
with bullets.
Thomas Crime.
The crime which this violent death ex-
plated, as fully reported in The Star yes
terday. was attempted criminal assault
on Lillian Clarke the little eight-year- old
daughter of Mr. Edward and Mrs. Julia
Clarke. In the police court yesterday little
Lillian quietly and intelligently told Mayor
Simpson that she was passing by Thomas
house, when the latter dragged her indoors
and attempted to commit a rape-in which,
she added, he was not entirely successful
she succeeded in escaping to her mother.
This is the first case of the sort that has
come to public notice in Alexandria since a
negro named Mccoy was lynched in April,
1897.
1t was not until yesterday morning that
the crime with which Thomas was charged
became generally known. The Information
created widespread Indignation and excite
ment was greatly increased by the evidence
given in police courtfto the effect that mobs
of several hundred armed negroes had
paraded the streets in the dead hours of the
previous night. The testimony, also, of
several officers, who declared that threats
were made against the then pacific whites,
had marked effect. Toward the afternoon
it was easy to see that trouble was brew
ing. Prominent citizens gathered in groups
and quietly decided that a lynchng was
just the thing to meet the case.
AS evening advanced. the rough element
proceeded to get full of whisky. These in
dications were not lost on the authorities.
Early in the evening. Chief of Police Web
ster, with a force of four regular officers
and twenty sworn citizens, was detailed
to guard the prisoner Meanwhile, as time
advanced the situation became easy to
read. Every sunshop and hardware store
in town was visited and in short while it
was impossible to find spare weapon any
where. Citizens walked the streets with
protruding pockets, and many went so far
as to shoulder rifles and shotguns.
Rumors of OpposItion.
The belief. which seemed to be wide
spread, that the negroes We're arming for
combat, fired the whites with stern deter
nination. About IL o'clock. as If by pre-
meditated and concerted plan, hundreds OF
men turned in the direction of the city jail
The negroes had evidently kept informed
as to what was transpiring. Hardly one
could be found on the street The fire of
their courage had burned out in the trou-
bles of the previous night
The Jail, which is low stone structure
situated on North st. Asaph street was
soon surrounded. Leaders were not want
ing. Young and old lapt to the van and
urged on the turbulent mob.
Mayor George l.. Simpson, who had been
apprised of the trend events had taken
now appeared on the scene, accompanied
by Mr.. Samuel Brent. Mayor Simpson
mounted the Jail steps and made an elo-
quent appeal for the unfolding of the law
For moment the hubbub was lulled. and
the mayors clear voice was heard
The Mayors Appeal.
Fellow citizens" he said 'if Won will
dispense and go away quietly I will prom
Use you that a court will be convened TO-
day ami true bill found by the grand
jury. If this is not done. I will give Won
my word. as a man Of honor, that 1 will
personally lead mob tomorrow night to
lynch Thomas"
His words hadl but transient effect and
the mob again advanced with loud cries
jostled, but refused to abandon his most
Again he claimed attention, repeating what
he had said before But the delay and inter
ruptton angeredslthe mob. The mayors
The mob noW sspt III before tu~ Ga1tan
Webster, the venerabts chief of police, in
vain endeavored TO stem the swelling tide
On the mob carhe with a battering ram
yielded. 10 j
The corridors were now swarming with
men. Past the fail of1iee the crowd surged.
ever, for more than few moments Axes.
bars, rams and every available weapon was
brought to bear Theiiwalls of a fortress,
it seemed, could ,acarcefhaVe withstood such
a terrific onslaught. Soon the door gave
way. and the mob r16yed on to the cell
where Thomas was supposed. to be con-
fined. He was not found hefe, however
and the search was continued Down into
the cellar poured the mass of excited hui
mainly.
Here he is" yelled a leader. Cowed and
down in a sheltering corner, lay Thomas
Rough hands were laid upon him and
shivering, shaking, almost insensible with
terror, the negro was carried to the OPEN
Greeted With Yell.
When Thomas was identified piercing
yell told of the exultaticn which the mob
felt. Several officers CALAMITY stroye to
protect the helpless eulprit, but in vain
Oaths and ma.edictions rent the air Re-
sistanee maddened the crowd. Officer VIII
kinson, with drawn pistols. commanded the
crowd TO keep of. Some one fired a pistol
shot which took effect, but without serious