The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-09-22
PANIC VICTIMS BURIED
FUNERALS OF NEGROES WHO WE'RE
KILLED IN SHILOH CHURCH.
Statement from j. H.. Balleau, Who Is
I'm Jail Charged with Causing the
Deadly Stampede.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala, Sept. 21.-This was
a day of funerals in Birmingham, the re-
mains Of thirty-eight victims of the panic
in Shiloh Church being inferred in the
various cemeteries for negroes around the
city. All Of the negro churches were
crowded and the naturally excitable nature
of the Southern negro was wrought TO q
high pitch by the eulogistic sermons over
the dead bodies at the various churches.
TIL death list is now known to number
los and 100 Of these have been identified.
The police assert that in addition at least
five bodies were taken to private houses.
This would swell the number to ITO. All
Of the dead negroes identified last night
and to-day are residents of Birmingham,
except George Wright, who is said to be
from Savannah, Ga. In nearly all of the
churches for whites sums were raised to-
day to assist the negroes who are unable
to give their dead proper burial, and with
amounts contributed by wealthy citizens a
burial fund aggregating $500 has been ac-
Among the victims OF the disaster was
Kassougo. an African boy. brought from
the Sonso Free State two years ago by
the Rev. 8. Phillips Werner, OF Tuscaloosa.
Mr.. Werner was a missionary to the Congo
country and fell into a game pit while
there, being severely wounded by the point
Oh q poisoned stake. kdSsoug0 drew the
saving Mr.. Verner's life. The latter
brought the boy here to educate him.
J. H. Balleau; who is in jail charged with
not feel responsible for the accident. His
statement follows: 81 was seated in the
front row of the rear platform of the ros-
trum In company with Major r.. r. Wright,
president Of the Industrial School OF Geor-
gia. The president of the convention was
arranging seats for the prominent dele
gates. but evidently was having some
trouble. In the same row with us were
other delegates whom the president had
requested to give up their seats. He said
of course. being in company with Major
Wright, thought that as he was TO retain
his seat 1 would also. Hicks came to us
used abusive language. We paid no atten-
ton to him. All Of this was before the
arrival OF Mr.. Washington.
The whole trouble was reported as be-
ing caused by Hicks and myself. but such
Is not the case. There were at least half
Of the people present who came only 10
hear Washington, and, immediately after
he closed his address. they left their seats
and started for the door, not only from fhe
first floor, but from the gallery as well,
About this time Hicks again approached
Major Wright and myself and ordered US
TO move. and L, as spokesman. refused. He
then: catching me by the lapel of the coat.
scuffing the stampede occurred. Every
one I'm the church was uneasy, owing 10
the fact that the chairman had given in
~structions that no one else be admitted.
feel responsible for the stampede. nor do /
think Hicks is responsible. because this
stampede occurred at the door during our
ARRAY. 4 am no stranger In Birmingham
n fear no harm. / could give bond. but
my friends advise me TO stay in prison for
my own safety"