Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-10-04


day afternoon by the report that an at
tempt was being made to lynch col
ored man on 29th and p SITS. The very
idea Of lynching in this city aroused
the oolored people to frenzy and men
armed with guns and pistols were soon
in evidence ready to uphold the law at
all hazards. It seems that the white
motor-men and conductors became en-
ragged over the alleged shooting of one
of their number by Edward B. Watkins
(colored) and openly threatened to
lynch him. The colored people were
equally emphatic in declaring that it
should not be done.
OPENED FIRE FROM cAR-BARNs,
= The white men opened fire from the
3S1r-barns and the oolored Sfes returned
Soupe ssy thirty. s..,ssrzs 81 shotswere
fired. That many PERSONS were not
killed or injured was well nigh a mira
Gle. A pohce-oficer arrived on the
scene, and he was soon followed by 9TH
ers. The colored man was hurried to
the street car although kicked and
punched by the angry white mob. The
and one of the street-car officials started
it off amidst the jeers of the white men,
who vainly endeavored to get parting
kick at Watkins.
The officers however did their duty
and further trouble for the time being
was averted. Then followed ON the
most remarkable scene ever witnessed.
Colored men and youths were arrested
in discriminatory upon the charge of
inciting a riot, while the white men
who had vainly endeavored to commit
murder by lynching the prisoner were
not disturbed. Up TO this writing not
a single white man has been arrested.
VISIT TO THE JAIL.
Thinking that it would be we'll to
secure a statement from the colored
man, Editor John Mitchell, Jr. on last
Sunday afternoon at 2:30 made appi-
cation for admission to the Jail.
He was told that Watkins could not
be seen save upon written order from
the First Police Station, Editor Nit
chell repaired to the station and after
cordially geeting---Wbitlock. the
officer in Rarge after a colliquy was
told that he could see Watkins, simply
tell the Jail officials that he was re-
porter and he would be admitted.
However ne wrote on a card, "This
is all right" and when this was pre-
sented at the Jail the doors swung open
and few moments later, the Editor
found himself within the temporary jail
ON 18th, St., between Franklin and
Main, st.
The door was unlocked and the Editor
ushered and locked in with the mass OF
down-fallen humanity
hn aH
Edward b. Watkins. His left eye was
black from a bruise and his shirt was
stained with blood,
n WATKINS STATEMENT.
NJ do not know how old arm. / live
S0th and S. SITS, in the county of
prlco. l work at the Southern Manu-
cturing Co., 11th and Gary Sts., and
~ pack the Good Luck Baking Powder.
J It was about half past 8 O'Clock when
& first occurred, l had just left Dicks
$ arber shop ON 18th, St., between Grace
s nd Franklin Sts. / came out and
Eent straight to the corner and got on
he Clay Street car.
ON THB FRONT OF CAR.
I caught it on the front and was
s anding there until went square or
two further and then another colored
fellow got on the front, whose face was
familiar to me but did not know his
&name.
said to him, "Hello," what are you
! doing on here? Do you remember the
4 night you fellows were after me. was
joking with him. he said, eyes"
Then said you did right Co let me
alone, have pronounced you d. ID.
k,n ell
/ meant by that? / said ID. ID. meant
Dead, Damn, and delivered.
The motor. man ordered nae to hush
that it was profane language said you
must really excuse me / spoke that so
low that ladies couldn't hear that.
WOULD KNOCK HIM OFF.
AS we went on, we continued our