The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-08-01
NOT CALLED BY SHERIFF
Hon. Ed. w. Pou Made a Splendid
Speech and Was Interrupted.
BUTLER WAS BURNED IN EFflGY
The Men Vino Interrupted Pou Cursed and
SWore in the Presence Of Ladies and
Small Panic Was Started. They
Tried to Break Up Meeting.
Special to News and Observer.


Smithfield, N. c., July 31.-Hon. e. w.
Pou spoke today on his native heath to
five thousand men and ladies. The speech
occurred in large warehouse. Butler
or Thompson were expected to divide
time. Neither came, but Pou was inter
rupted in the midst OF his speech with
an announcement that man by the name
of Toague was present to divide time. Pou
refused the substitute. 1t was known that
Pou was hurrying to make the train to
reach his next appointment and this was
a concerted plan to create trouble. Three
or four Republicans arose and began to
curse and use profane language, shaking
their fists greatly to CONSERVATION of the
ladies, and a panic seemed imminent.
The men were seized and hustled un-
tremendously out of the house, but Pou
spoke right on and avoided panic. The
men could be heard outside swearing they
would break up the meeting.
They broke into court house and began
TO ring the bell. Pou said, PAY no at
tention to them. Listen to me-" The au-
dience obeyed, but the Republicans put
league on a box outside of the court
house ard he began to lambaste Demo-
Gratis in the most exasperating terms 1t
slooIed then as though there might be
trouble but a few determined red shirts
walked over and took league down and
told him to cit" and he Got" as did
also the others. Pou finished his speech
without other interruption. He called
upon all in favor of the amendment to
rise, and everybody arose.
Space forbids description of the pa
rade. 1t was the most handsome and
elaborate affair ever seen at politi-
cal gathering here.
After the speaking, a comic parade was
instituted Heading the procession was
a red shirt carrying a large cage con-
tanning a white rooster. Following him
came four red shirts bearing above their
heads a coffin with FUSION in large let
ters on each side, in which they an
nounced reposed the remains of Judas
Iscariot Butler Behind them came the
band solemnly keeping step to muffied
drums. A crowd of five hundred followed
with shouts of laughter. They marched
around the square and halted in front
of the court house, while the band played
a solemn dirge. They gently lowered the
coffin, poured oil on it and touched the
match. The band then struck up Dixie.
Red shirts Joined hands around the fun
eral pile and as the flames sprang heaven
ward danced around, keeping time to
music.
This grotesque orgie ended the exer-
cises of the day. One or two thoughtless
cried out, Lets go and tear the type
out of the Courier office" Sheriff Elling
ton, who sat in the hotel piazza looking
benignly on, walked over to the crowd
and said, "Come, come boys, we can't have
anything like that. ou have'done enough
now. This thing must stop right here"
The crowd disavowed any intention of al
lowing such a thing to be done. But
word reached ]. D. Parker, the editor
and he affected terrible fright, especially
when one H. NJ. Barnes a Republican
revenue doodle, walked into his office
an6 laid two pistols on his table, swearing
he had come TO die with him in the pro-
lection of his property and that he would
kill the Democrats. lie swore he would
get even with them for today's work or
the night after election if not before.
Sheriff Ellington hearing that Parker
was greatly agitated went to Parker's of
fee and told him that he should have
the full protection of his office if it cost
tho last drop Of his blood, and that no.
body was going to harm his property, and
had no serious intention of doing so.
Every one supposed that the matter had
ended there and the crowd dispersed to
their homes, leaving almost no one in
town not living here, but Parker wishing
to make political capital, true to his Re-
publican nature, sent a telegram TO Gov
ernor Russell to send troops to suppress
a riot. Later it was learned that a train
was being prepared and troops coming
from Raleigh Everybody hooted the idea.
Then came phone message from Selma
that the Coast Line crew and engine were
in readiness.
Sheriff Ellington then sent the follow
ing message: Hon. d. L. Russell, have
been informed that ]. ID. Parker, editor
Of the Smithfield Courier, has applied to
you for troops to protect mis- property.
There Is no cause for any such request.
There is no disturbance in town and but
few men in town who do not live here.
(Signed) 81. T. ELLINGTON,
Sheriff Johnston County,"
Everything is quiet in town.
H. A. CHAPPELL.