The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1901-08-10
IGOV. LONGINO'S TRIP.
Gives Out a Statement Concern.
ing His Trip to Carrollton to
Prevent the Lynchins.
SHERIFF SEVERELY CENSURED.
Departure From Jackson and the Prelimi.
nary Messases-Probable Action
to Follow in the Courts.
Jackson Clarion-Ledger, Aug. 81

Jackson Clarion-Ledger. Aug. 81
A reporter of the Clarion-Lcdger
called on the Governor. on his return
from CarrolltOn, and asked him if he
had any statement to give out about
the lynching and his visit to the scene
of the trouble.
He said that a few minutes prior to
his arrival that the mob had hung
three negroes, whose names he under
stood to he Betsy McCray and son
and daughter, BelfOrd and Ida, charged
| with completely in the assassination
of Mr.. and Mrs. Taliaferro. He
learned that there were from four to
five hundred men in CarrolltUn the
day of the lynching, but that not over
fifty participated. and that IA vast
majority of the citizens with whom
he talked expressed their regret at
the action of the mob.
In discussing the subject, as he did
| with much warmth and earneStnesS
the Governor brought out some facts
| not heretofore given to the public,
which will prove of great interest.
He makes it very plain that the sheriff
made no effort to prevent the lynchlng
and that the circuit judge and dis
trict attorney, both being present,
should see that the grand jury indicts
the lyncherS. He said:
"On my arrival | was kindly treated
by all, and cordially received by those
who were opposed to the lynching.
7 u-nc ,trrol -, ,,nI.o ~ n,hli, ad1racs
in the court house. which ! did to Il
large crowd. after which | received
assurances. which | believed to be true
that no further violence would occur.
My information today is that every
thing is o quiet here.
THE first information | received
was conveyed by letter from w. F.
trict, stating that a large crowd Of
citizens were in CarrolltOn, very much
excited, and that the lynching of the
negroes was S trongly anticipated. |
at once called up the judge over the
lOug-distance telephone. and urged
him to cooperate with the sheriff and
have that official protect his prisoners
by all means, and if they were unable
to do 50 by civil authorities to notify
me by telephone OF wire, and | would
furnish Il military company for service
under orders of the sheriff.
promptly wired the sheriff alsoap.
prising him that | had offered rewards
for the arrest and conviction OF the
party or parties guilty of the murder
Of the Taliaferros. | further stated ir
the telegram protect prisoners at al
hazard. and II O are not able to hole
them [ will send the militia if you re-
quest me. Wire situation
"Coipcidental with the sending o
that message. | had Adjutant Genera
Henry wire Captain keesler. at Green.
wood to hold his company in readiness,
for immediate action, and | wired the
Southern railroad authorities at
Greenwood for an engine and coact
for immediate use. to transport the
soldiers from Greenwood to Carrolltor
on short notice. if necessary.
=. IT received a reply from Captain
Kees,er saving Am ready to move al
moments notice and a reply ais,
from the railroad agent saving, W.
are now in readiness to transpor,
military to Carrollton on a moments
!. notice. But | never received any re
Div to nv telegram sent to the sheriff
, Of Carroll county.
''Eailing to hear from the sheriff
r again communicated with .. Judg,
, Stevens over the telephone and he in
formed me that the situation wa!
, hourly growing more serious. but tina
the sheriff declined to call for troop
because he feared that when the mol
, became apprised OF such request /
would hocoro moro hasty and pre