The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1903-07-16
SOLD INTO SLAVERY
Peonage Case in Alabama
Has Sensational Features.
COP WAS A STAR WITNESS
Negroes Were Arrested, Tied With
Ropes ard Carried Into the Coun-
try and Sold to Farmer.
Transaction Told in Detail.

The case of he United States against
Fletcher Turner, charged with holding
Glennie Helms, a negro, In a condi-
ton of peonage, was continued at
Montgomery, Ala, Wednesday, and
some very sensational testimony was
brought out at. the afternoon session.
telling how Helms vas sold into slav-
cry.
At the morning session L. e. White,
retired merchant, Of Columbus, Ca.
testified that he was employed by
Helms father to purchase Helms re-
lease, which he did for $4S, which Tur'
ner accepted.
Dave Johnson, one Of the negroes
held by Turner, testified practically
the same as Helms did on Tuesday.
He stated he saw Helms whipped with
q stick as large as a broom handle sew
eral times.
Dave M. White, mayor OF Goodwa-
ter, Ala. and chairman Of the Coosa
county democratic, executive commit
tee, brought in records Of his court,
showing fines of Helms paid with no
commitment papers issued. . ......
The sensation of the day was the
testimony Of J. F. Dunbar, formerly
night marshal of Goodwater, but now
a policeman of Columbus, Ga. He tes-
titled that he arrested the negroes at
ter the trial and carried them to Dade-
Vile tied with ropes, stating that he
thought he could sell them at better
profit there. He met ]. W. Pace, but
Pace said he didn't want them, but
Turner did. =. .......- ..
II then saw Turner and Turner said.
What. are they WORTH -. ..
II said $50. -. - -. ..
"I don't want them; too much said
Turner. ..f '>- ..-.
Then said SAC. Ee again said,
No; too much" but said be would
give $40. I accepted. He gave me a
check (Check produced In court.)
He talked to the negroes, came back
and told me to make contracts with
them. I told him would not sign nor
make contract 1 had no commitment
papers. l returned to Goodwater, paid
the fines and costs
On cross-examination he was asked
what right had he to charge $40 for
these negroes. He said he made So
clear above expenses. which he ac'
knowledgcd he kept.
He carried a man named Durfog
with him. Paid his fare and charged
1t against expenses. He is Indicted
for the same ofense, the case having
never been set.
District Attorney Reese brought out
accidentally the fact that he had made
a sworn, written and signed statement
before him about the case. g..
The attorneys for the defense insist
ed that the paper was best evidence.
. The Judge made the district attorney
give up the statement The district at
torney acknowledged that he had slip.
ped up, but did not want 10 give up the
paper. ss:... .-.s.........'. t....a . -:
The statement which was read to
the jury contradicted nearly every
witness the government has on the
stand and contradicts Dunbar In sew.
eral instances. The attorneys for the
defense offered the statement as evi-
dence: A letter was attached to the
statement to the district attorney prac-
tically offering his (Dunbar's) services
to the government The attorneys for
the defense are jubilant over securing
this statement. Court adjourned to
meet Thursday.