The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-09-28
MOBILE SOLDIERS PUT
 DOWN TROUBLE AT PLATEAU
Negroes Who Had Weapons Are Arrested and Committee of Citizens Brings About Under
 standing Between the Races.

| best thing to do was for everybody to come to an understanding.
 Captain Maddox made a talk straight from the shoulder to the people of both races. He told the negroes that they ought to know the weaker side was bound to get the worst of 1t, and that they should save themselves for sol- diers in the war to come between Japan and the United States. He was going to be lenient with them this time on account of the good citizens of the place who had talked with him, but if he were called out again. the result would not be good for them, as he would sbring him men prepared to do business.
 MT. OConnell was asked to make a speech. and he suggested that com mittee of good citizens be appointed on both sides as the best way of get ting together. For the negroes Depu- ty Sheriff George Mills. was selected and Dr. Cawthon chose Cants Manning, MT. King, Mir. McDowell, MT. Campbell, MT. Boylin and Rev. MT. Williamson to represent the white citizens on the committed
 Searched Negro Hall.
 The two committees, pr. Cawthon and Captain Maddox called the atten- ton of the committees to the reports that the people of both races had heard about the hall of the negroes being stocked with firearms. Mir, oConnell suggested that the commit tees be made permanent, and 1t was decided that both committees go to the hall immediately and make a search of it.
 The committees. accompanied by Captain Maddox and the newspaper men, went to the hall, and made a thorough search of it, finding no fre- a at aH with hatchet. There were two lock- CTS inside the hall. and nothing was found save an inadequate supply of paraphernalia for the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias
 After the search, the committees were called to order by Captain Mad dox. who moved that each committee 1 elect chairman. Mir. Mcdowell was | elected chairman of the committee Rev. l.. D. Finley for the negroes. Captain Maddox explained that he had three negro prisoners, and told why they had been made orisote:s. Tak- ing a suggestion from the captain, the two chairmen got together inside the hall and decided what should be ecne with the prisoners. They were tcld by Captain Maddox that one of the negroes could be prosecuted fer car- rying a concealed weapon, but they would do what the two chairmen thought best. The chairmen thought best to turn the three prisoners loose, after they had been given a lecture. The recess having come to an under standing, it was thought best to leave the place in as much peace as possi- ble, and 1t might have caused feeling to take the three negroes to Mobile.
 Prisoners are Freed.
 The committees and the officers re- turned to temporary headquarters snd the committee chairmen and The mili- tary officers gave the three hrgl oes under arrest a warning, and freed them, and they had promised not to carry guns again.
 Sheriff Cazalas and Deputy Patch ar rived at Plateau in a buggy tDoat this time and the sheriff talked to the ne- gro who was liable for carrying con- cealed weapons, and told nim nor to attempt any trouble or carry any atms again, for If he did he would know him. and would make 1t hard Jor him.
 The prisoners having been freed, Captain Maddox made a final talk to the people and explained to them all that had been done. pleading with them in behalf of law and order, and for the sake of themselves ahd their homes, to go to work and behave themselves.
 The soldiers returned to the city and were mustered out at the armory by Captain Maddox at 10:15 o'clock. He made a speech, thanking them for their prompt and good service.
 Whistler Was Ready.
 News came from Whistler this moJ n- ing that some one went to that town in an automobile early last night ard reported that the negroes were armiLg to attack the white people and de- stroy their property The white peo- pie were alarmed, and nearly every man able to carry a gun or shoot a pistol got out of bed and remained up all night. It Is said that not negro was seen in the place.
 One of the reports scattered in Whistler and in Plateau was lat for several nights the negroes have been holding bonfire meetings In the woods and swamp.
 All the negroes questioned by the citizen soldiery at Plateau this morn- ing denied any knowledge Of such meetings.
 The Chattanooga Southern and the AAIoa4ga Coaat TJpe Railroads va4far