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

injury in the negro's body. An opportunity
Presented itself to Thomas bringing CLEAN
| of hope. Somebody yelled that he was the
wrong man. Quietly the negro walked past
some Of those who had but just had him
| in custody. Hesitation for a few minutes
barred any action on the part of the mob
and Thomas took refuge in house on St
Asaph street. His respite, however, was
but brief Those wko got a full view of
MIN now swore that he was the man, and
with renewed yells the mob surged arounGs
the doorway of Mrs. Sincox's residence in
| the vestibule of which Thomas crouched
A dozen Stalwart hands now fastened
their grip upon him. A heavy rope circed
| his neck, and, wounded and bleeding the
unfortunate wretch was dragged forth to
his horrible DOOM The outspreading limbs
OF a convenient tree presented themselves
and halt was called, but it was soon de-
cided to seek another place Vainly
Thomas strove to free himself. He fought
with the ferocity of a demon. But the rope
had caught over his head as to make
strangling. In the struggle every particle
OF clothing was torn from his body, that
his feet alone were protected. His cries
and means were hearth ending. but the
mob was relentless. Down to King street
the crowd proceeded, shouting and firing
pistols in the air.
The Closing Scene.
At the corner of King street the bowling
mob turned eastward. Fairfax street, sew
eral blocks down, was reached, and here
the final halt was made Here again. he
role conduct on the part of policemen was
displayed. officers Wilkinson and Knight,
who on Monday had arrested Thomas,
seemed impressed with a sense of their
responsibility in the matter of protecting
the negro 1t was but a vain and hope
less effort they made, but it won for them
the respect of the mob, even as had the
heroic conduct of their chiefs, Mayor
Simpson and the aged Capt. Webster.
Without much parleying or delay the hor
rid chapter of this revolving drama was
brought to close lamppost on Lead
beater's corner, under the glare of an cleo
trio light, soon held the form of Thomas
in his last agonies.
The crowd. now silent and sullen, drew
off for space and watched. Then some
one gave the order to fire, and the negro's
nude body riddled with bullets. After
lingering for a few minutes the crowd Cls-
persed.
At 1 o'clock all was quiet on the streets.
While the body was dangling and scarcely
before firing had ceased Officer Wilkinson
dashed forward and cut Thomas down.
The man was still breathing, but soon
PRED Several of the spectators, exhibiting
an unnatural fury, then rushed to the spot,
eagerly striving for relics of the death in
the shape of bits of rope.
Thomas body was conveyed to Demaine's
undertaking establishment on King street,
where it rested until this morning. Coro-
ner Purvis held a post-mortem examina-
ton at 10 o'clock today, which was follow
ed by an inquest.
Mayor Expresses Regret.
Mayor Simpson, when seen this morning
by Star reporter showed but slightly the
i'll effects of his rough handling. His left
eye was badly bruised, but beyond that
there nothing unusual in his appear
ance.
In regard to the affair the mayor express
ed deep regret and humiliation. With equip
ments here, he thought the presence of a
military company would have preserved
order. Nothing would have been gained,
he thought, by sending Thomas to any of
the adjoining counties, for lynching could
as easily have been effected. AS to sending
him out of the state, Mayor Simpson
thought it would have been a disgrace to
the commonwealth.
The mayor thought that legal proceedings
could be instituted against those who took
part in the lynching. He said when he
reached the Jail he recognized several
prominent citizens as leaders of the mob.
Later on, however, these very men were
the most prominent in advocating the rule
of law and order, and others assumed lead
ership.
On the streets this morning crowds Of
leading citizens were gathered, discussing
the all-absorbing theme. Everybody seemed
to think the lynching was due almost sole
ly to the demonstration made by the
groes Monday night. The affair was much
deplored by the more conservative citizens.
Praises fer the heroic conduct OF Mayor
Simpson were to be heard from the lips of
both friends and political adversaries.
Everybody seems to think that he acted
nobly. though in a hopeless cause. The
conduct of Captain Webster who was
slightly lurt. and his officers, is also the
subject of praise.
Asks sor Arms.
Captain James E. King Of the Alexandria
Light Infantry, has telegraphed to Rich
mond. asking for equipments to be sent his
command immedia tely.
In response to his application, Capt. King
received a telegram this afternoon from
Adjt. Gen. Male, in Richmond, stating
that sixty rifles with abundant ammunition
have been hurried forward and will reach
here about 3 o'clock today. AS the Alex
ar,dria Light Infantry numbers about sixty
men this will thoroughly equip The COM
pany. Up to a late hour this afternoon the
town was quiet. The negroes were main
tanning close silence which the author
tiles regard as significant
The exciting scenes following the lynch
ing of Mccoy two years ago. when a mob
of negroes from the county threatened to
invade Alexandria at midnight, are still
fresh in the peoples minds IL is thought
however, by the authorities that the col
Cred people are too cowed and frightened
to attempt any aggressive demonstration.
But should such take place every citizen
will be prompt in meeting it,
A message was received at the police sta
ton this morning to the effect that there