The Van Buren press., 1903-08-01

MOB SPIRIT AT DANVILLE.
Ii Dies Out slowly Under the Influence of
Bsyonet RuIc-Msny Negroes
Are Leaving.

Danville, ILL.,, July 2s.-Reliable adj
vices from several sources corrober-
ate the rumor heard here late Mon
day night that hundreds Of men are
organizing and arming themselves for
the purpose of securing the person OF
the negro, Wilson, who is alleged to
have assaulted Mrs. Burgess, and TO
drive all negro residents from the
county.
The danger of this situation has
been realized by the coIored popula-
ton of "Shadyyille," a negro settle
ment, and it is reported that 1000
have emigratcd from the county,
while others are preparing to leave.
The militia is held in readiness to
repel an attack on this village by the
enraged whites, and it is feared that
a sauguinary conflict may occur at
any hour, particularly during the
darkness of the night.
The Jail is thoroughly guarded. and
it is believed by the authorities that
the soldiers there are able to defeat
the possible assaults by any attacking
party which may be organized.
Peace Before the storm.
Just at this time there is compara-
tive quiet in Danyille, but it is the
peace enforced by almost martial
law, and not the natural dying Of cN-
citenent in the breasts of the clt-
Zens.
The sullcn, muttering, antagonistlc
attitude Of the people toward the
troops is more noticeable now than
at anv time, and the slightest incident
would infame the feeling to an un-
cmtrollable degree and dire results
would follow.
One instance occurred yesterday
when a miner named Ed Tigett struck
Capt. p. j. Ratigan, of the militia, IN
the face. The prompt action of tie
guards prevented a riot, and Iigett
was arrested, tried. fined 500 and
confined in Jail pending payment OF
that sum.
The troops are targets for the
scathing criticism of the populace,
the ieers of the mob and the scape-
goat upon which the anger and hate
Of the citizens is spent in the shape
of CALLING and disorder-inciting re-
marks.
There are about two hundred men
in all One company surrounds the
damaged Jail, another holds itself
ready to protect Shadyyille, and the
other two patrol the streets,
There was no violent demonstration
upon their arrival, but the actions Of
the citizens showed the intensity Of
their feeling. The troops marched
between rows Of lowering faces, sub
iected to the bitter taunts and gibcs
Of the mob.
Evidences of Rioting.
The Jail and the center Of the city
present the same appearance of con-
fusion they did Immediately after the
riot.
The windows Of the county bastile
are shattered, the bars are bent, the
walls riddled, and the battering ram
is still fixed in the grating Of the
door.
Thousands Of persons pace behind
the lines Of sentrics, and while the
officers of the militia are firm in the
belief that there will be no outbreak,
others who are in a position to know
the public mind, fear that the people
may lose their self-control and hurl
themselves against the troops.
soldiers Refused Food.
The feeling is so intense that the
commissary department is having n
difficult time feeding the troops. a
number Of restaurant proprietors re-
fused to serve the soldiers.
Circuit Judge NJ. W. Thompson has
under consideration the adyisability
of cmpanciug a special grand jury,
but is inclined to believe Justice may
be served il the mob leaders are held
to the October grand jury