The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-01-13
THE TEI:Eo1,s or MOB LAW.

columns of the Roanoke Times:
From Newport News now comes the
report that the lynching Of young Watts
in that city for an. alleged criminal as
sault, q few days ago. was all q horrible
mistake. From the statements now made
it looks as if Waits We're the victim OF q
woman's desire TO hide her shame Inc
whole affair is most revolving, yet it is an
instance OF the miserable effects OF MOB
violence. Too often have communities al
lowed themselves to be wrought up ana
led into the commission Of deeds that they
could not but regret upon calm reflection.
In the case Of Watts, if the above state
unents are true. all Of the facts would nave
come out in the course Of a fair trial and
the lynching OF an innocent man avoided
OF course there are times when men are
so much worked upon by the horror OF the
crime committed that they can hardly be
expected not to lose their heads, yet there
are no cases in which the exercise OF me
law would not be a better course ms
Watts instance is a striking example OF
the result Of over jealous law ana order
committees.
We make this the occasion for relating
most remarkable incident which has re-
Gently come to our knowledge hon w
w. Baker. member of the House OF Dele
gates from Chesterfield county. gives us
the story and in the interest Of law and
order authorizes us to use it. In the same
spirit and for the same purpose we publish
It.
Some time ago a citizen Of Chesterfield,
unon the complaint of n married woman.
was arrested on charge OF criminal as
10 m
and the man was seen to run from the
house. There was no question as to his
identity, because he was well known in
the community. The woman declared that
he had assaulted her and even went so far
as to show finger prints upon her throat.
There was great indignation in the COM
munity and Il party was organized to
lynch the man. But fortunately for him,
a special grand jury was summoned and
Immediate steps taken to have the case
regularly tried in court. Mr.. Baker was
foreman Of the grand jury, and although
the evidence against the man seemed TO
be conclusive he determined to do every
thing in his power to get at the facts Ih'e
woman told a straight forward story. and,
as we have already said, exhibited finger
marks on her throat which, she declared,
were inflicted by the prisoner. After her
testimony was given. Mr.. Baker impressed
uron her the fact that this mans life was
in her hands: that if he was guilty of the
terrible crime of which she had charged
him. he deserved to be hung, but that if he
was not guilty she would be guilty of muir
der in swearing away his life. The woman
finally broke down and confessed that she
had told her story in order to conceal her
own shame and that the bruises on her
throat were made By her indignant nus
bald because of her infidelity. Or course
the grand jury did not return true plii
and the incident was closed.
This shows how dangerous mob law is.
15,man liberty and human life are
precious anu the organic law OF the iahc
provides that whenever man has been
accused of. q crime he shall have lair
trial before a jury of his peers and shal!
have the privilege Of introducing testi-
,rony, in his own behalf. 1t is the business
of our courts TO thoroughly investigate
all such cases and ascertain the exact
truth. But the mob does not pursue such
a course. The mob acts upon impulse alio
.ofien upon ex par,e evidence and never
ci,cs the accused the opportunity OF intro
,,uc,ng testimony to prove his Innocence.
When the mob rules no mans life Is safe
for tho mob hangs men upon mere sus-
,,;c;o,,