Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1902-08-05
NvEsTIGATINGTHE LYNCHING.


fax county who, it is alleged, participant
ed in the lynching of Charles Craven,
the negro who is supposed to have MUIR
dered William II. Wilson, of Fairfax
county, are beginning to realize the seri-
business of the affair, and the probaDlll-
ties are that more trouble will ensue as
a result of the people taking the law in
to their own hands. The indications are
that the jury appointed by Coroner II.
o. Claggett to hold an inquest over the
remains of Craven will at any time bring
in verdict in which number of residents
of Fairfax, LOudoun and other counties
adjoining the scene of the lynching will
be named as the parties responsible for
the death ofthe negro. Since the lynch
ing last Thursday Leesburg has been in
a turmoil, and every one is apprehen-
sive of the consequences. WINE the
Iynching is generally condemned, now
that an effort is being made to bring to
Justice those responsible for it, there Is
no doubt that the sentiment of the peo-
pie is with those who were so unfortu-
nate as to be recognized in the part they
PLAYED. Following the verdict OF the
coroner's jury, warrants will be sworn
out for those named in the verdict, ana
arrests will follow as quickly as possible.
Next Monday the grand jury will meet
and it is more than likely that those held
bv the cOroner's jury will be indicted.
There are citizens, and prominent ones
100. who assert that the proceedings
have already been carried too far and
who assert that there shall be no legal
proceedings. Coroner Claggett is prob
ing into the matter and Commonwealth
Attorney f. f. Garrett is performing
the duties of his Office without fear or
favor Governor Montague is per-
sonally interested in the investigation,
and has been in communication with the
county authorities every day since the
negro was captured and lynched. lie
is anxious to put a stop to mob violence,
even though it be necessary to order the
State National Guard to enforce the
laws. There is likely to be trouble,
however, when attempt is made to ar
rest citizens charged with being mpl-
Gated in the hanging. Residents OF
that section of the country where Mr..
Wilson resided, including those of both
Fairfax and LOudoun counties, have
given it out that those who participated
in the lynching of the supposed murderer
shall not be molested. Should they be
taken into custody, it is limited, a Jail
delivery will be attempted. 1t is said
that the crowd which would force
an entrance to the Jail to give these
men their liberty would be four
times as large as that which meted
out swift punishment to Craven.
One feature of the lynching which has
heretofore escaped notice is the effect the
tragedy will have on the liquor question
in Loudoun county. Prior to three
years ago, local option prevailed within
the jurisdiction, but since that time
those favoring an open business have
been in the majority at every election.
Rev. Edward S. Kinks, rector of st.
James Church at Leesburg, who was
present when Craven was taken from the
ail and who also witnessed the lynch
ing, has again brought up the issue. In
communication printed in one of the
local papers he states that the men who
did the lynching were blind with drink,
and consequently blood-thirsty. 1t is
his idea that dozen determined men
could have prevented them from enter
ING the Jail. The statement of the Rev.
Mr.. Kinks and his criticism of the au-
thorities has cuased much comment, no
only in Leesburg but throughout the
State. His statements are contradlcted
by Mavor b. V. White and others, and
q reply to his communication is being I
prepared by those interested. They
state that prior to the lynching less than
S35 was taken in by the prOprietors Of
the three saloons in Leesburg, and as
sert that there was not drunken man
present during the lynching, nor during
the three days the posses were hunting
the fugitive. As has been stated by
witnesses on the stand, they claim that
the firing of one shot at the Jail would
have resulted in the death or serious in
Jury of scores of persons, among whom
would be many innocent spectators.
The investigation of the lynching was
resumed today, and the jury took the
case under advisement before II O'clock.
Leesburg, Aug. 5.-The coroner's
jury has not yet rendered a verdict in
the lynching case.