The Opelousas courier., 1907-11-09
SOME A G

Not many years ago-less than twenty
and not more than ten-things which are
of frequent occurrence now would not
have been tolerated then. If what hap
pened not long since and which is known
to many citizens had occurred ten years
ago, the four negroes concerned and the
white man who expressed himself rather
freely in extenuation would have suf-
fered the punishment they deserved.
The negroes would have received a good
1ogging and the white man would not
have escaped an experience he would
have carried with him to the end of his
days.
This is a reminder of what happened in
Shreveport less than twenty years ago.
At that time a young man of pleasing
address, accompanied by a handsome,
dashing young woman he alleged to be
his wife, secured board and lodging in
a reputable boarding house. In those
days the young people INDUCED in dane
ing in Bogel's Hall, which is the property
owned by DR.. Scott, at the corner of
Texas and Market streets. This dance
was attended by the dashing couple.
During the dance a certain mar of the
world appeared on the scene. He was
surprised. He inquired and then there
was an unfolding which led to the young
woman being called from the dancing
room while her so-called husband was in
the hands of young men"
The young woman was escorted with
out sensation to her room at her board
ing house and left the following morning.
The gay and festive young a was
induced to 60 to the spot where stands
the Texas & Pacific freight depot, near
the bayou. The last seen OF him was as
he was going down the track carrying
his clothes or N arm. He had been
tarred and feathered.
Strange to say, that a few weeks later
a case almost a parallel was adjusted at
about the same spot, but instead of being
painted black and feathered, this gay
and festive was painted red with a coating
of shellac obtained from a printery and
bindery then in existence in this city.
The last seen of this Red Bird was as
he was walking down the track of the
Texas & Pacific carrying his habili-
ments on his arm.
Get Out of Town
The citizens of Shreveport will recall
The heinous murder OF a negro youth on
he levee near Texas street by a man
named Hudson. The negro was muir
Tered deliberately. He had given no
.ause for provocation to his murderer,
Who in time vast tried by jury and ac-
The people were greatly in
'ensed, and lynching was threatened, but
few citizens met>and determined on his
town. One of the party, less
han sixteen, was delegated to deliver the
Message to get out of town. This man
lad a negress for concuhine. They left
within the hours indicated, but returned
everal weeks afterwards in defiance of
heir pledge to stay away. The same
aen met and the same mar delivered the
asst and final message. The man and
is negress left and have never returned.
At that time public sentiment was
for law and order. 1t was not
S now when little attention is given to
he most wanton and cowardly murder.
t that time murders such as that of
Irs. Matthews, of old man Fuchs, and
gorge Hanson would have reused the
ublic to indignation and to action
'hich would have rid the community of
criminals, if not adjudged to be pos
guilty, but having sufficient cir
evidence to point to their
ailt beyond all reasonable doubt.
What is decided today in Shreveport is
sentiment which shall ~terrorize the
vil-doers, particularly the cold-blooded
CELEBRATE assassin who is instigated to
lurder by malice, or revenge or jealousy.
Shreveport Caucasian.