New-York tribune., 1906-08-17
GOVERNOR AT LYNCHING
PLEA TO MOB IN VAIN.
Cro7cd Cheers Hey1card, Then Rid
dies Negro zCith Bullets.

Columbia, S. c.. Aug. 16.-Within the shadow
Of the home of Miss Jennie Brooks. his victim,
who identified him, and after Governor D. c.
Hayward. who to-day went to the scene of the
trouble, had addressed the mob in vain, Bob
Davis, the negro who on Monday murderously
attacked Miss Brooks with intent to commit
assault and who afterward outraged a negro
girl, fourteen years old. lynched at Green
wood about 7:3O o'clock this evening.
Governor Hayward reached the scene shortly
after the negro had been captured. A platform
was erected in a fence corner on the premises
of the victims father, when the Governor ad-
dressed the mob in effort to prevent the
lynching. After his speech he was vociferOusly
Cheered, but the mob then removed the prisoner
from his view, and within short distance Of
the home of his victim the negro was riddled
with bullets.
Hear the Governor said some one, when
Governor Hayward appeared. and he began in a
clear voice most impassioned appeal.
Il know" he said, that nothing could take
place that could keep you from hearing the
Governor of South Carolina" The crowd ap-
plauded.
II come here alone he continued, not bring
ing any troops only two newspaper men came
with me and they. as we'll as l. are South Caro-
linians, just you with like feelings. You
are my friends. Here I am not alone as your
Governor. but as your friend.
But it is my duty to enforce the laws Of
South Carolina. Don't cheer, men: this is a
solemn occasion and am very much in earnest.
and, besides. l understand 1t excites the lady
(referring to the Negroes victim). and this is a
consideration that appeals to all South Caro-
linians. I come to appeal to your manhood.
The question is, shall the people be allowed to
be ruled by their passions and prejudices, or
shall the supremacy and the majesty of the law
be upheld? I promise you on my honor, that as
speedy a trial as the law allows shall be held.
1 would not object to pulling the rope 20 hang
that scoundrel. provided the law says So
few yards away stool the dazed prisoner
and men stood close about him with rifles and
shotguns in their hands.
Il am here alone" went on the Governor,
but represent the majesty of the law; rep
resent the State of South Carolina, your state
and NINE and 1 say you, beg You, implore
YOU in Gods name don't put another stain
upon our fair state. plead with you to let the
law take it's course You have an opportunity
here-a splendid OppOrtunity-to let it be said
that South Carolina leads in this matter. Let
us reason together, feel just as you do I have
lived i'm the country and realize the dangers to
which our women are constantly exposed, but
there is something higher than the wreaking of
vengeance on that black devil and fend of hell
You won't enjoy it tomorrow When you LOOK
back upon it all"
Here the men came up TO the stand and said:
I'VE appreciate what you say, but we are not
going to do it. We have stood this thing long
enough"
1t is impossible to estimate the crowd, as cit
izens from several counties had gathered a the
scene and for two days had been in pursuit of
the negro but il Is certain that hundreds OF
bullets were sent through the body. The militia
in that part of the state is now enca:nred at
Chckamauga and there were no nearby troops
to be called upon. The Governors guards and
the Richland Volunteers of this city had been
ordered to hold themselves in readiness, but the
mob acted so quickly that they were unable to
reach the spot.