The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-11-14
The Wlessenger.
ONE YEAR AGO.

On November 10th. 1898, the racel
trouble in Wilmington that had BEEN
growing steadily more strained and
dangerous, came ito a head. The mostl
memorable revolution known in thcl
history Of this country occurred. 1T
was secured after a brief confict withI
arms attended with some loss of life,
ard 1t was complete. A semblance of
city government mere shadow with
out substance or vigor-was got rid of
and a better one substituted. The
lawlessness Of a year or two years at
once disa ppeared. law was enforced,
the homes protected, confidence vas
restored and peace reigned between the
whites and blacks. At once the whole
aspect was changed. The people be-
came more hopeful, more self-reliant,
more resolute for good order and the
reign of law. Business began to re-
vite, hope sang it's merry song in the
hearts of thousands, the erection Of
buildings Of various kinds was accel-
Grated, and in the last twelve months
there was never before seen the con-
struction of so many residences that
add much to the general appearance
Of the little city.
We 90 not go into the history Of
events preceding the day Of the revo-
luton. The people showed vast, mar
vellous forbearance and unexampied
long-suffering. There had been a doz-
en- causes TO have precipitated a con-
fict, and would have done so in al
probability in any other community
in the south. The causes that brought
on the revolt of the Colonies against
Great Britain were absolutely insight
fcant in comparison with those that lee
up ito the final struggle and the quick
victory. We do not believe there was
a good citizen of either race-White OF
black-who desired a conflict. But bat
negroes forced the issue and made i
positively compulsory upon the white
men to prepare for conflict and at las
to arm and fire. For three nights th'
whole city was under guard, and fo1
three days patrols every where protect
ed both races. Fully $500 white mer
were the guardians of the City, wei
armed and on the alert protecting al
alike, interfering with non in hi
rights beyond cauttioning negroes tt
stay ait their own homes. Hundreds o.
negroes all around the city were pro,
teGted and escorted to their homes o.
to their places where they worked
Many who were armed, men and wo,
men, were relieved of their weapons o
various sorts. But good order, and {
perfect Sabbath-day stiffness pervad.
ed every where after the shooting wa;
ended in Brooklyn.
How changed all this now. People
Of both races ait work. Thousands o
negroes find ready employment. There
is an appreciabIe increase of white
labor, and it is busy with contracts anC
buildings and employment of variou.
kinds. Wages are rather better. ant
there is as little crime and outrage a
can be expected in a mixed population
of the size of Wilmington. May it con
tinue! May all kinds of outrages b.
quickly suppressed by the faithful
strong hand Of law! Let every mar
and woman feel perfectly safe il
walking our streets by day or night
Let authority be enforced against al
offenders and may those in power b.
vigilant and resolute SO that peace ma!
continue undisturbed, and all may pl.
their avocation with industry and sat
isfaction and hope.