The Washington herald., 1907-10-07
TO PROBE LYNCHING
Grand Jury Is Expected to
Return Indictments.
CORONER LACKS WITNESSES
However, Judge Boyd, of Judicial
Circuit, "a Spectator OF the MOb's
Work, Probably VIII Tell Facts.
Other Prisoners Almost SufOcated
When Jail Gas Pipes Are Broken.


Special 10 The Washington Herald
Cumberland. Nd, Oct 6.-The charge of
Chief Judge a. Hunter Boyd. of this ju-
dicial circuit. to the grand jury Of the
October term. which assemblies to-mor-
row. VIII be Of special interest. in that
Judge Boyd was an eyewitness TO the re-
suit Of the work of the lynchers Of Will
fam Burns. the colored murderer Of Pa
trolman August Baker. executed in the
rear Of the courthouse, early this morn
ing. The grand jury would have taken
mp the case of Burns tomorrow, and it
was expected that justice would have
been swift in the case. No one suspected
that Burns would not be legally exc
cuted, as a verdict of murder in the first
degree was expected.
The lynchins. was the first in the his
tory of Cumberland. and the second in
the history of AIlegany County. The
first lynching occurred at Westernport.
some years ago, when a man named
Johnson was hung from the Potomac
River bridge for the murder of a man
named White. Michael Malone was con-
victed Of manslaughter in connection
with the lynching. this being the only
conviction for Iynching ever had in the
State % Maryland.
The members Of last nights mob did
not make any special effort 10 conceal
their identity. Toward the last the pre-
tense at a mask a pocket handkerchief
tied over the nose, was removed. and the
work of the mob was carried ON m an
open manner.
Tear Out Telephone.
That Deputy Sheriff Hendley might not
epprise the police of what was in prog
ress. the mob tore the telephones from
the walls and cut the wires.
The prisoner was taken from a cell in
the northwest corner. There We're twenty
six other prisoners in the Jail, and. fear
ing the mob, which was blind with fury.
might make a mistake in identity they.
IN one chorus, told the lynchers the loca-
tion of the cell occupied by Burns
While the pole was being played against
the cell door. after ten minutes had been
consumed in Intellectually trying to force
st without the us. of the ram. the gas
pipes were broken and escaping gas filed
the jail The prisoners We're rapidly be-
Ing asphyXiated when their peril was dis
covered by Deputy Sheriff Hendley Some
Of the prisoners were painting loudly for
breath.
Undertaken Louis Stern has been or
dered by the court 70 hold the body of
Burns until Tuesday morning. No in
quest has yet been held. Coroner George
Martz stated tonight that hc had not yet
peen able 70 secure tho name of single
witness who could identify any of the
lynchers. Until that is done it is useless
70 hold an inquest
Morbid Curiosity Displayed.
This evening the undertaken closed the
morgue TO the curious throng and they
almost broke down the door. He was
obliged to open the door and admit the
crowd. It is estimated that at least 10 0.O6s
people viewed the half-nude body to-day.
including Sunday school children.
The funeral Of August Baker. Burns
victim, will occur tomorrow afternoon at
2 o'clock. The services viii be conducted
by Rev. c. +. Floto. pastor Of st. Steph-
ems Lutheran Church. 10 which the fam
fly of Mr Baker adheres. Members OF
the police force will act as palIbearers.
and burial will be in CreenmOunt Gene
terry.
William Cleveland Hicks. rector Of
Emmanuel Episcopal Church who early
this morning stood over the PROSTATE
form of the dying man in the middle of
the street and offered a prayer OF mercy.
delivered a sermon this morning on the
Iynching.