The Pensacola journal., 1906-06-05
|. Bush Was Also Beaten by the
Blacks.
THE CAUSE OF THE TROUBLE
WAS THE ARREST OF A NEGRO
CHARGED WITH UNLAWFULLY
RIDING TRAINS - PRISONERS
CHARGED WITH ASSAULT TO
MURDER.

According to reports and the sVS
dence in possession Of oflceTs, a
desperate attempt was made upon the
lives of Benjamin E. WhiddOn and L
Bush yesterday by crowd of eight or
ten negroes. Mr.. WhfddOn is the well
known supervisor Of the Louisville g
Nashville Railroad Company and Mr..
Bush is another employee of the sans
company.
MI WhiddOn was struck in the face
and in the head with a fence picket
and knocked unconscious, and remain
ed in that condition for nearly two
hours Mr.. Bush was knocked down
and struck, but was not as serious
ly or painfully beaten as Mr. Wild
don.
From what can be learned concern
ing the affair it appears that a ne
gro had been arrested, either by Mr.
WhiddOn or Mr.. Buch, for riding on
the switch engine; which is contrary
to law, unless the party be an EN-
plOyee Of the railroad company. The
arrest occurred at GOulding. The pris
oner was placed on the switch engine
for the purpose Of being brought 10
the city and placed in Jail, on failure
to make bond. Arriving at the gas
house the prisoner in the custody OF
Messrs WhiddOn and Bush was taken
from the engine. It appeared as il
he was going to made a break to gat
away, but did not. The walk dOw1
the track south toward the depot was
commenced.
Gave a Signal.
The prisoner accompanied those
who had him in custody peacefully
until the DeSOtO street crossing was
reached. He saw a crowd Of mem
members of his own race. standing
near a saloon and gave them some
kind Of signal, so it is stated. 4
crowd of negroes rushed toward the
prisoner and MessTS. WhiddOn and
Bush and undertook to release tbs
former A fight ensued in which Mr.
WniddOn knocked down one black
but in the general iX-up and melee
he was struck in the face with pick.
ct and knocked down. While down. his
assailant dealt him a blow on the side
of the head, which rendered the sup
ervisor unconscious.
Officers Notified.
Mr.. WhiddOn was picked up AMI
carried Immediately 10 the Office q
the company surgeon, DR.. Renshaw
where he was given medical treatment
and finally restored to consciousness
As soon as DOss bic officers were nOd
fed of the assault, and Chief of POlici
Schad and Deputy Sheriff Sander
were soon on the scene.
Arrests Made.
The two officers made a hurried, but
thorough investigation of the affat
and soon placed under arrest Lazarm
williams and August PinkstOu. ne
groes, charged with the assault UpOI
Mr.. WhiddOn and Mr.. Bush A chargS
Of assault with intent to murdeI
was preferred against them. ChieR
Schad and Deputy Sanders are work
ing on the case, and expect 10 have
other members Of the crowd, making
the assault behind the bars within a
short period.
A Close Call.
Mr. Whiddon had a close call and
that he escaped with his life or with.
out serious injury is considered lucky
by those who understand the nature OF
his wounds.
Convened Home.
AS soon as his wound was dressed
Mr.. WhiddOn was conveyed 70 the sta
ton and from there carried TO his
home in Cottage Hill on a special
train.
The Louisville and Nashville has a
reputation for remaining ~ its EN-.
ployees in matters Of the character OF
yesterday, and the company will un.
doubtedly assist in the prosecution OF
those charged with the crime.
Coal Miners Resume Work.
Springfield. H.. June About 30.