The colored American., 1902-08-09

niger" They set out, led by the
father, and the party was subsequently,
reinforced by George (who had rested
sufficiently, armed with a Winchester
and breathing words of vengeance
against the niger"
The colored people of the town (be
1t said to their credit) hearing and
learning the purpose OF this uprising.
came to the defense of the half-witted
black boy, and threatened to do things
II the whites attempted to lynch him
This show of strength and loyalty
intimidated the small band of the "su-
periOr race" and muttering a few i'm
precautions and threats, they gave up
the hunt until the next day. In the
meantime, the colOred people had pass
ed the word along, and every male of
fighting age reported for duty the fol-
lowing morning, on the main street of
the town, ''jes to see jestice dom
Presently George was seen among his
people, having eluded his old father,
who had tried to conceal him in his
cabin until the excitemtnt had blown
over, but George wanted some "baccy."
He walked over to where the white
men stood talking and gesticulating,
the farmer, extended his hand and
said "baccy." Quick as a flash, the
farmer raised his Winchester and fired.
breaking Georges arm below the
elbow This act aroused the blacks
and they made a rush for the whites,
with guns, and axes and antiquated
muskets. but did no other damage than
to MAIN and wound osme of the white
men.
The shooting brought the sheriff and
a posse to the spot, who quickly dis
banded the mob and on the complaint
of the farmer and his boy, George, ar
rested the wounded young Negro and
hauled him to the county Jail.
Thither the Negroes of the town re
paired in great numbers vowing that
he should never be lynched, that they
wanted justice. and meant to have it,
or they would lay the town in ashes
that night This threat had a good
effect. The whites went their way, but
the negroes stood guard all night at the
Jail. to make assurance doubly sure.
The following day the only surgeon
in the town was sent for by the sheriff
and some of the negroes to come to
the Jail, and set the arm of this boy
who was to have a speedy trial because
Of the guilt of his offence. He refused
point blank to leave his office. saying
'the black brute ought to bleed to
death"
The people of his race then staunch-
ed the flow of blood.and in rude fashion
set the arm as best they could and thus
in some slight measure retarded the
pain of the helT less victim of a wicked
and misguided mob.
No time was lost to set the wheels of
Justice CD in motion, the mob wanted
to hang this "nigger" by law CD since
it was not permitted to hang him with
out it and it clamored for his blood.
The evidence of his guilt was mani
fest, the injured girl had recognized
him at the moment the assault upon
her had been made. Nothing was
clearer than that, the "nigger" was
guilty and every white man in court
was morally certain that he didn't
have a leg to stand upon, legally.
The judge himself was not devoid of
bias against the prisoner. His look
seemed to say, 81 know you niggers too
well. this Niger is guilty: convict
him quickly; I'm anxious to pass SEN
tence"
Although there we're but three wit
nesses to this particular crime. God,
the real criminal. and his victim.
There were at least a dozen to testify
as TO the viciouS character of the black