The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-01-06

Lumberton, n. c., Jan. 5.-(Special.) -
There Will be no lynching at Lumberton.
There would have been none even if
troops had not been called out.
For this the citizens of this town have
given their word in mass meeting assem-
bled, and with these sturdy Scotchmen
their word is their bond. The people
here think they have been badly treated
in this matter, and they do not hesitate
10 say so. They are of the opinion that
they have been made the victims of a
political Scheme-a scheme to help Dock
cry in his contest for Bellamy's seat in
Congress.
Hence they are in bad hunlor with
Governor Russell and with these who
influenced him to send troops here, thus
branding the people as law-breakerS and
giving the county bad name. These
Were the sentiments freely expressed on
the streets today and I'M the mass meet
ing held in the court house at 4 o'clock
this afternoon. This meeting was at
tended by about two hundred citizens.
among them some of the most prominent
people in the town.
The meeting was announced simply
by the ringing of the court house bell
without previous notice, and within 4
few minutes the court room was we'll
filled. Mr.. John H. Morrison, the father
of one of the young lawyers who pro-
cured Reuben Ross reprieve was called
TO the chair. Mr.. Frank Golf, one of the
leading business men here was asked to
act as secretary In calling the meeting
to order Mr.. Morrison counselled prll-
dence and extreme moderation.
'.All we want is justice for ourselves
and others, and that Justice must be
administered according tOlaw. We have
a law in this land and a Governor, who
is sworn to administer it. Let MS hope
he will do So"
WHO ASKED FOR TROOPS:
Prof. John Duckett spoke next, and
after reviewing the situation ne too en-
Joined moderation and good order upon
his hearers. He pointed out how unex
pected and unnecessary was the visit of
the troops and said: Now the ques-
tion is who sent the Governor that tele-
gram-the one that he says caused him
to send troops here. ] don't suppose we
will ever know"
81 am in favor of the law being allow
ed to take itS course. When man has
heen tried. convicted and sentenced the
law should be carried out. (Appause.)
There has never been a lynching IN this
county. nor any danger Of one. Tap
plause) When court was an session here
a negro attempted to assault n young
girl as she was returning from church.
Did we lynch him? We arrested, tired
and convicted him. and in less than forty
eight hours after the crime was commit
ted. he was on his way to the pemten-
tiary."
After reviewing the circumstances OF
Ross crime Prof Duckett continued:
''Hc had fair trial. He was convict
cd. We believe he is guilty and 1T IS the
spirit of our people that he pay the pen
atty. applause and cries of approvalJ
,.:Who asked the Goyemor to send
troops here? Did You do 1T, Sheriit NC
I.eod?"
Sheriff McIeod-''I did not
Pr.f. Duckett-''NOr did the mayor
We have nothing against the troops per
sonally. but we protest against their
,rescnce as without warrant of law ana
unnecessary.
SCHEME TO HELP DOCfERl.
sWhy are these troops brought here!
I'll tell YOU why 1t is to influence Con-
rressional action in the Dockery -Bellamy
contest. There can be no other reason.
This negro was brought here when ne
committed the crime. We could nave
lvnched him then. He has been here
ever since, and perfectly safe. once be-
fore he was reprieved. We offered no
objection. We knew it was to give lnin
time to meet his God. a voice We'll.
he's not done it, No, he curses those
who go about him. He's a man of the
very blackest record. Once before there
was a warrant against him in Harnett
county for this crime. He's been IN the
penitentiary three years for another
crime He's a desperate fellow. Now he
has blighted the life of a woman than
whom no one can prove better charac-
fer. Such careers must be put an END
roo. but it must be done according TO
law. (Applause) / verify believe if this
man were turned loose today it would
moi be many months before some other
1,,,re woman would suffer disgrace at his
hands.
"Such men must be executed, but 1t
must be done according to law. and III
favor of so expressing ourselves TO the
Governor and the people of the State.
Onr safety demands it," (Applause)