Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1900-08-24
MOB LEAVES DEATH
AND DESTRUCTION IN
ITS WAKE IN OHIO
Attempt to Lynch a Negro
Ravisher Has Disastrous
Results In Akron.
TWO KILLED; IS WOUNDED

the Mob Dynamites the City Hall
and Jail and Applies the Torch-Mi.
Htia Called Out-Citizens Armed and
Threaten the Soldiers.
AKRON, O., Aug. 23.-As result Of
last nights riot two are dead, two Will
die, 16 others are more or less injured
and fully 100000 in property has
gone up in smoke. The city hall is to-
tally destroyed, the Columbian building
which adjoins the city hall is heap OF
ashes and several smaller frame build
ings in the vicinity are in ruins.
The destruction was wrought by the
wild mob which held possession Of the
city from dark last night until almost
dawn this morning. 1t is estimated
that the mob was composed of not less
than 1900 men.
Throughout yesterday afternoon there
were omtnous mutterings Of the gather
ing mob which was more and more pro-
nounced as the night approached.
The authorities did everything in their
power to quiet public opinion, but de-
gathered around the jail where Thomas
Peck, the alleged negro rapist, was con-
fined and soon the cry lynch the mig
ger" was on every tongue.
Meantime the authorities had quietly
removed Peck and another negro pris-
oner from the Jail and sent them to
Cleveland in the custody of two deputy
sheriffs.
Tho Y,nob bovuoxroy, xxrOY7Id NOT ha1iauo
the man they sought had been taken
away. AS the night wore on the fury
of the rioters grew apace, finally culmi-
mating in an assault shortly after mid.
night on the courthouse and later on the
city hall. Immense charges of dyna-
mite were placed under the city and
county buildings and then to complete
it's work the mob applied the torch.
At 10 o'clock this morning it was re-
ported that portion of the mob had
marched to East Akron, broken into a
hardware store and stolen a quantity of
ammunition and dynamite, together
with all the guns in the place and that
it was their intention to charge on the
troops at the first demonstration.
Officers commanding the troops say
that any attempt to start a riot will be
mob, which has had possession since
early last night, is still parading the
streets, although there is no organiza
ton.
The arrival of the militia has had
much to do with quieting the people
There are now 625 soldiers here. This
is believed to be enough to quell any
further trouble that may arise. Threats
are being made on every hand against
the police. The militia has been or
dered to maintain order at any cost.
The Fourth regiment arrived at 9:1l
O'Clock and was marched at once to the
city building, where it will be stationed
until further orders.
Mob Applies the Torch.
Early this morning the mayor issued
a proclamation declaring that the city
was in a state of instruction and com.
handing the closing Of every saloon.
At 3 o'clock this morning the moi
fired Columbia hall and the city build.
ing. A pile Of papers was ignfted and
soon the Columbia vas In flames. Mean
while the mob had secured dynamite.
This was placed under the front Of the
city building and exploded. It did little
damage and another charge was tried.
This blew in the entire front and set fire
to the structure. The fire department
was called to save the building, but
when the firemen arrived the mob re-
fused to let them turn the hose on the
building. Three of the fremen were
injured.
The militia from Canton reached here
at 6:25 o'clock this morning and were
marched directly to the city building.
No attempt was made to prevent their
progress. AT o'clock the street in the
vicinity was crowded with people, but
there was no attempt made to break
through the line of soldiers.
It has been reported that mob forced
an entrance into pottery and secured
large quantity Of dynamite and that
this will be thrown among the troops
tonight. Feeling is still running high
and leader would probably cause fur
Their depradations.
The report that Chief of Police Harri-
son was driven insane by the terrible
experience of last night is confirmed.