The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-08-17
TAt NEGRO BOB DAVIS
is FULLY IDENTIFIED
Makes Murderous Attack on Miss Jen-
ME Brooks and Afterwards Out
RACES a Negro Girl IA
Years of Age.

Columbia, S. c., August 1.-within the
shadow of the home of his victim, Miss
Jennie Brooks, after having been identi-
fed by her. and after Governor D. C.
Hayward, who, today went to the scene
of the trouble had addressed the mob in
vain, Bob Davis. the mega who, on Mon
day murderously attacked Miss Brooks
with intent to commit assault and who
afterward outraged negro girl Il years
of age. was lynehed tonight.
Governor Hayward reached the scene
shortly after the negro had been captured.
A platform was erected in fence corner
on the premises of the victims father
from which Governor Hayward addressed
the mob in an effort to prevent the lynch
Ing.
The governor beseeched the mob not to
lynch Davis, but in vain
At the conclusion of his speech, the gov
ernor was vociferously cheered The mob
then removed the proisoner from the view
of the governor, and within a short dis
tance of the home of his victim, the negro
was riddled with bullets.
The militia in that section of the state
Is now encamped at Chickamauga, and
there were no nearby troops to be called
upon.
The Governors Guards and the Rich
mond Volunteers of this city had been or
dered to hold themselves In readiness in
the event that their services were needed.
The negro was captured In swamp,
tied hand and foot and brought to the
home of his victim for identification.
When they arrived at the gate of the
Brooks home a great crowd gathered
there.
Let's wash his face. boys, before we
take him to the house? said some one,
but the crowd was too impatient.
Four men were delegated to escort him
TO the house. The young lady, lying on
her bed with deep cash in her throat,
turned her eyes toward the negro as he
stood there between his captors, his hands
tightly bound with rope.
That's the scoundrel,' she said 81
know him by his eyes"
The negro was removed outside the
house.
Hear the governor" said some one, and
he began in his clear voice, most inn
phSeiOIleu appeal.
'I know" he said that nothing could
take place that could keep you from
hearing the governor of South Carolina"
The crowd applauded.
'I come here alone" he continued, mot
bringing any troops, only two newspaper
men with me. and they as well as l, ere
South Carolnians, just as you are vita
like feelings You are my friends. Here
am not alone as your governor, but here
as your friends.
Governors Duty.
But it is my duty to enforce the laws
of South Carolina. Don't cheer. men; this
is solemn occasion, and am very nuch
in earnest and besides, 1 understand it
excites the ladies' and this is a considera-
tion that appeals to all South Carolln-
ians. tThe residence was only forty feet
away. come to appeal to your man
hood
'The question is. shall people be al
lowed to be ruled by their passions and
prejudices, shall the supremacy
and the majesty of the law be
upheld. l promise you, on my honor
that as speedy trial as the law allows
shall be held I would not object to cut
ting the rope to hang that scoundre1, pro-
viding the law says So
A few yards away stood the dazed pris-
oner and men stood close about him with
rifles and shotguns in their hands.
IT am here alone" went on the gov
ernor, ''but 1 represent the majesty of
the law; l represent the state of South
Carolina, your state and mine, and 1 say
to you, beg you implore you In God S
name. don. put another stain upon our
fair state. / plead with you to let the
law take it's course You have an op-
portunity-a splendid opportunity to let
It be said that South Carolina leads in
this matter Let us reason together: L
feel just as you do; l have lived in the
country and realize the dangers to which
our women are constantly exposed. but
there Is something higher than the wreak-
ing of vengeance on that black devil and
f1end of hell. You won't enjoy 1t tomor-
row when you look back upon 1t all
Here the men came up to the stand and
said:
I'VE appreciate what you say but were
not going to do II. We have stood this
thing long enough"
Many shouted for the governor to go
on and he concluded his fruitless appeal
to prevent the lynching