The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1907-08-16
WOMEN WANT
TROOPS 70 stay
AFRAID TO REMAIN IN oNANcoct
uNPRoTEcTEp-LYNcHlNe
SPIRIT ACTIVE.

80 =
oNANcocK. Va, Aug. 16.-In view
of the uncertainty which prevails
here. 4 has been decided best for the
troops to remain at onancock for al
Ileast one week and possibly two.
There has been no dlmlnution in
the desire to lynch the negro tugitiyes
when caught, and 1t was stated last
might by several citizens that If they
are caught there will be an attempt to
lynch them, despite the promise made
Ito Governor Swanson. The infuen
tial citizens are doing all within their
power TO prevent such a drastic step,
and Il ftrouble ensues 1t will be caus,
ed BY outsiders.
/ The race feeling has become intense
in Accomac and Northampton coun'
ties, and the situation at onancocii
has done much to inAame It. The peo.
pie feel that a lesson should be taught
the negroes. and lynching, they be-
Llieye, will have good moral effect.
The people Of onancock, on the other
hand say that nothing will be gained
ibyi taking the law in their own hands,
and are counseling cooler action.
When the militia first came 1t was
the popular belief that they had come
to protect the citizens against the no.
groes. Colonel Nottingham, however,
let it be known today that the troops
are here to preserve order and that
outbreaks WIN be auelled, whether
started BY whites or blacks. Last
night Mayor Poughefty and Colonel
nottingham held 8 confer eneei at
i Rhtch lgYas dssig nsI,ser tbe
|sotdlssss here Tor least week long;
|sar togdafd against any sstbte dan.
ger. I, 4 i
viii LEI, the Fair Co on.
On Sunday at a citizens meeting It
was decided to ask the Judge Of the
Circuit Court to issue an injunction
against the Negro Fair Association,
which Is to hold a fair next week. It
was thought at the time that If this
fair Is held the race feeling would
break out again and precipitate con.
;ltct. Last night there was talk Of an
other citizens meeting, the purpose
Of which shall be to rescind the &C;
ton Of Sunday and permit the fair to
be held according to schedule, the ar
gument being that II 1t is suppressed
1t will arrousesthe anger Of those who
have not as yet participated in the
riots.
1t was decided last night taat the
protection of the militia will be con-
fined to only that territory within the
limits Of onancock. The sheriff Of
Accomac county, Lee B. Kellam, con.
ferred yesterday with Colonel Not.
tingham and said he would do his best
to prevent any disorder outside Of the
military zone.
The Women Are Uneasy.
The women Of onaneock are in a
constant state Of fear. Conversation
with anumber Of them yesterday dis.
closed the fact that they desire the
protection Of the soldiers for at least
a week longer, and possibly two. They
are afraid that If the troops go all
restraint win be removed, and there
will be a repetitlono Of the scenes which
have already occurred. The influence
of the women was one Of the things
which Induced Colonel Nottingham to
keep the troops in town.
Last night was prayer-meeting
night, but there are few women going
to, the churches. They are afraid to
venture beyond their doors. One re.
suit Of the rloHng Is that nearly ev-
cry family here Is Without servants.
The negroes are afraid to venture
about and are lying low, while many
Others have already left the town.
: v. a. . j.