The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-06-21
WHY THEY WERE LYNCHED
"PROPHET- SMITH AND INLAND
WERE ALLEGED PLoTTERs.
Former Was "fxing' of an Anti-Whfte
Organization md the Latter One
the Princes of His Court.

BENTON La, June 20-There is little ex-
citement here over the lynching OF the two
negroes. Prophet Smith and McLand
last night. 1t is claimed that the two men
were leaders of the secret order and had
entered into many conspiracies against the
whites. The mob gave Smith FIVE minutes
in which to pray. The two men were
swung up TO a tree, their bodies hanging
until noon to-day. McLand met his fate
stoically. Prince Edwards. the negro who
killed John Gray Foster, is still at large,
although every effort is being made to ap-
prehend him. Unless Edwards is captured
II is believed there will be no further vio-
lence offered the dozen or more negro pris-
oners who are now confined in Jail charged
with completely in the murder of Foster. Evi-
dence discovered clearly establish
ing the guilt of Prophet Smith and Nc
Land as enemies of the whites and danger
Gus elements TO be left at large among the
negroes that the people OF Bossier regarded
their execution as essential 10 the preserva-
tion of order in the parish.
The evidence obtained by the police
showed the following facts: The organi
Zation OF which Prophet Smith was the
head had its origin i'm Houston, Tex, and
was known as the Church of the Living
God. The three members of the supreme
council as indicated by regular printed let
ter heads were Smith and McIand. who
were lynched, and Prince Edwards. the
murderer of John Gray Foster. Smith,
when he came to Louisiana. established
himself at Shreveport. but was ordered
away by the chief of police dangerous
character. After the shooting of Foster a
search of his premises was instituted and
the Ark of the Covenant, rudely con-
structed box with hoodoo designs on and
within IL. was found When ii was touched
by the searchers the negroes were greatly
terrified and declared that but one had ad-
vanced far enough to lay hands on the
sacred box. The members of the church
known as Princes held regular meetings
at which Smith presided with the designa-
tion of king"
Following is exact copy of the min
utes of a meeting held on the Foster plan
tation. showing how business was carried
on and the epmity that existed between
Smith and his followers and the chief of
police of Shreveport and Foster, the muir
dered man:
THE Royal Archive of the Kingdom of
God met In supreme council. Sang Dark
thirty-second chapter of Isaiah. After f
X. Smith, the king. announced the meet
ing he stated that he was advised of God
decide what should be done with the chief
of police and his force for interfering with
the king of the Church of God in Shreve-
port. Prince Webb being the first TO arise
said he was in favor of demanding six
months affitction upon the chief. Prince
Hicks said he in favor of the same
Also Prince McLand; Also Prince Johnson.
Also Prince Edwards. All concurred, de-
mandng six months affliction on Chief
Lake OF Shreveport. Next case was the
rockers OF the building. The case was de-
cided: All that rock the building must be
punished with death within four days A
complaint was taken against j. NJ. Foster
that he should be tormented until he give
consent that all saints leave the place"
Before he was lynched last night Smith
confessed that he had loaded the gun with
which Foster was killed. Many letters of
incendiary character written by Smith
and his gang have been found. The discov-
cry of these evidences OF conspiracy led to
last nights lynching. Sheriff Thompson. of
Bossier. made no attempt To interfere in
view OF the superior numbers Of the mob