The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-03-23

handled. - pocket affairs. u big blue
business like forty-fours and thirty
Fights. n kept them handy.
The next time the Ashley l q came
In to whoop 'em M. there was a ur-
prise party OF the most effective kind
Staid business men. who had been
won On previous occasions 20 close
their stores and seek safety I'm the dim
clustered atmosphere OF the cellars,
stood In their doors and systemaficaf-
" sent solid siugs singing down the
street periodically reloading and fir
ing coolly n carefully.
n Ashleys retired bag and bag
gage, carrying their wounded with
them. Il Vas 3 rout complete and ig-
nominious.
But one dose did not suffice. When
the lesson had been half forgotten
they tried IL again. with n same re-
u u No lives were lost but IL was n
miracle.
For instance. John McGahan one
or the worst, with two notches in his
gun. came in one day alone. He was
full OF liquor. had two pistols and q
box OF cartridges n vas in his usiiest
mood. he held UP an unfortunate
negro and compelled him 20 get into
his buggy and drive for him.
Then he tore down Main street ak
ing pot shots right and left az peace
- &AAs
tee fo~rty-fours appeared again. No
fewer than fifty shots We're fred ar
McGahan.
One sent his broad brimmed black
hat spinning. another ripped a LONG
rent in his coa and another furrowed
MS cheek. While three perforated the
back Of the buggy. None grazed the
negro n McGahan seemed 10 bear a
charmed life. for he did not receive
a serious wound
The lesson was not finished. II was
almost enough. however. and Honea
Path breathed again a long sigh OF
relief when John Marion Ashley came
to an early death Thursday afternoon.
The town deplored the tragedy. and no
one regretted 1t more than Chief OF
Police White, who fired the fatal shot.
but everybody Is thankful for the rid
dance OF Ashley.
IL is the opinion here backed up by
the afndavits OF five reputable BUSH
ness men, against the testimony of two
Ashley clansmen. that Mr.. White did
not fire until his club had been shot
from his hand and two big men. one
with h smoking pistol raised In both
hands were advancing upon him.
Honea Path Is determined that its
orderly and industrious citizenship
shall not again be disturbed BY rowdies
Of the Ashley or any other clan. For
some time every fragrant breach OF
the peace had been punished by fines
ranging from $40 to 500 and the
Ashley clansman have been made to
realize that their heyday is past.
Twenty years ago no man dared ar
rest n OF them. for fear OF the VEN
geance that would be meted out. Now
Honea Path has a police force. and a
good one. backed up by an intendant
who has decreed that Ashelys or any
other people who violate his ordinances
shall be arrested and punished. If it
axe a military company and blood
shed to do it.
Mayor J. B. Humbert is an ideal
man for the place. Behind him are
such men as the Monroe brothers. c.
4. Harper. P. w. Sullivan. J. r. Cal
lahan and NJ. 1. Brock.
Mr.. J. c. Milford. now of GreenviiIe.
was formerly one OF the nerviest OF
the cigilants. and he still holds him
self ready to help in the good work.
He was summoned by telegraph after
the tragedy Thursday and went on the
first train.
AS he stepped from the car. tall.
stalwart, confident and commanding,
there was a whisper and a sudden
movement in the crowd. Nearly all Of
them were Ashley men. and their be-
havior showed that he was a man
marked for their enmity. But they
opened their mi and stood aside.
while he strobe carelessly through
them.
He and all the others mentioned
nave been notified that their tenure OF
life would be short. Chief OF Police
White and Officer s. A. Haynes were
also blacklisted. but no man fears the
Ashleys any more.
Their claws have been clipped. it
is believed. Certainly they will never
shoot up Honea Path again. The town
has outgrown that sort Of thing. Ind
the lesson enforced by repeated re-
Bluffs at point Of pistol. vas fully i'm
pressed when their chieftain was slain
Thursday by the very official who had
been marked for slaughter himself
Florence Times.