The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-06-14
UNDER An ARMED Guard
NEGROES ON FOSTER PLANTATION
In MOMENTARY FEAR OF
DEATH
POSSES SEEKING MURDERER
Sequel to the killing in Cold Blood
of John Gray Foster, a Planter,
by Prince Edwards,
COIoTed

SHREVEPORT, La, June 1S.-This city
and vicinity have been in a state Of fe-
verish excitement and unrest since yes
terday, when John Gray Foster, a prom
nent planter, was shot and killed by
Prince Edwards, a negro employed on the
Foster plantation, five miles east Of this
city. Armed posses of white men have
been securing the country for miles
around in an attempt to capture Ed
wards. A dozen or more negroes are I'M
der arrest in Kennebrew's store, and
what fate tonight may have In store for
them is uncertain. Foster was widely
known and very popular. He was q
brother-in-law of Gov. McMillin, Of Ten
nessee and belonged to one of the Oldest
families in this state.
There had been bad feeling for some
time past between the negroes and over
seers on the Foster plantation, and Foster
was appealed to to settle the differences.
The planter started to see the negroes
and upon reaching a negro cabin he was
fired upon and killed. There were dozen
or more negroes in the cabin, and they
broke and ran in all direction.
MURDERER ESCAPES.
The overseers were quickly joined by
other men, and 1t was not long before all
the negroes were arrested, except Prince
Edwards, who did the shooting. Posses
were quickly formed and started on
hunt for the negro, but as yet have made
no further arrests.
There were many wild rumors afloat
throughout the day, the most sensational
being that the negroes in the Kenne-
brew store were in imminent peril Of
being lynched. This rumor proved to be
untrue. although many threats are heard
against the prisoners. The store where
the negroes are confined is guarded by
posse of twenty-five men, armed with
Winchesters, and, unless sentiment
changes, the disposition tonight would
indicate that the majority, If not all Of
the prisoners, will be let off with a thor
ough whipping Edwards, if caught, will
be burned or lynched. There is much
feeling against Prophet Srith and
Edward Washington, both of whom are
under arrest. Smith is believed to be at
the bottom of all the trouble, while
Washington is said to have been active
in aiding Edwards to escape.
Gov Heard wired tonight to Sheriff
Ward, of Caddo Parish, and Sheriff
Thompson, Of Bossier, instructing them
to protect the negroes at all hazards.
The governor commanded these officers
to call upon the citizens for aid If neces-
sary and promised military help If the
officers required 1t.
An attempt to move the negroes from
the Kennebrew store to Benton proved
failure. The guards and their prison
ers had proceeded about a mile when
darkness overlook them and they decided
to return their prisoners to the store.
The negroes preferred to take their
chances at Kennebrew's place rather
than face the danger of a mob on tie
way to Benton.
SISTER is FRUSTRATED.
LOUISVILLE, KY, June ia special
to the Times from Memphis says:
"Gov. and Mrs Benton McMillin ar
rived in Memphis from Nashville, this
morning, en- route to Shreveport Mrs
McMillin has been in bed since her ar
rival here, being prostrated over the
tragic deah of her only brother, John
Gray Foster, who was murdered near
Shreveport Yesterday. The. governor has