The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-08-20
Jury at Springfield
Fails to Fix Blame
For Murder and Riot in Illinois
Capital.
EVERYBODY NERVOUS.
Negroes Still Fear a Renewal of
the Attack on Them.
M1ifttamen Shoot 1T Trees and
Piles Of Refuse.

springfield, ILL.,, Aug 20.-The local
authorities began today the task Of
overcoming the handicap on their ef-
Iorts TO NIX responsibility for the recent 4.
riot, imposed by the failure of the
coroenr's inquest to hold any one re-
spons1ble for the death of Scott Bur-
ton. the engro lynched in the .black
'oeh last Friday night The open var
o1ct OF the coroners jury was a blow
10 the hopes Of the states attorney ana
otner omcials who saw the conf1rmation
OF the suspicion that witnesses to the
rotins would fail to recognise leaders
OF the mob when called upon to testify
an public proceedings. OF the four Wit
hoS hosses upon whom Coroner woodrufe
nau uepenoed for the success of his
nrst riot inquest, only one appeared
on the stand. That witness disniaved
an unusually poor memory when con-
Ironted with questions and the alb
oner's task futile.
rms condition existed despite the
plea or the commercial Organisation
ana Governor Deneen that law-lovinrr
cltizens volunteer their testimony re-
garding the riot and it's leaders. There
was generous response to these an
peals SO rar as the secret grand Jury
proceedings are concerned. but few
persons seem willing to risk the enmitv
UL the iawless element of the commun-
lty py appearing in the open as de-
tenders Of the strict letter of the law.
Inc grand jury is proceeding with its
investigation but there is Considerably
less enthusiasm regarding it work
than was displayed two days ago. The
departure Of all except two regiments
OF the state militia caused a renewal
OF the threats that there would Re
something doing after the soldiers
leave, and this feeling was reflected
in the anxiety which was manifest in
all circles of the city.
More Rioting Expected.
In fact a renewal of the riotinp In
expected momentarily and the negroes
especially fear that once the mob Is
started again no power of the state
can prevent the most serious disor-
Only the Seventh regiment of infau-
try and eight troops OF the cavalry
regiment were on active duty today.
Ihe Second. Fifth and Third regimen
tai organization broke camp this morn
ing. reducing the military force to
about 1000 men. Not more than a
third of these were on active duty and
the decrease in military display and
regulation was noticeable. The force
may be reduced still further tomor-
row according to common report. but
none OF the officials in charge would
confirm or deny this. 1t is certain.
however. that the immediate return
of normal conditions, is the goal
sought in all quarters. This can be
accomplished only by the withdrawal
Of the troops from the streets and the
abrogation OF the orders, which in
many instances require the presenta-
ton OF special orders before citizens
can pass sentries stationed at certain
street corners. The regulations of the
city officials regarding the early
closing of all business houses and the
prohibition of the sale Of liquor within
the city limits are still in force.
This morning was almost devote Of
alarms. Some firing was heard in the
outlying eastern sections of the city.
but nervous militiamen were respon-
sible for it. One sentry challenged the
shadow Of a tree stirred by the wind
and shot when it refused to halt and
another fired four times at q pile or
refuse which failed to keep moving
There were probably half dozen
calls for troops at the various head
quarters. but in none of the cases
was their presence necessary.
Work was resumed today at the
Tuxhorn mine, which had been shut
down because of the refusal of the
whites and negroes to work together.
The orders OF the officials of the min
ers union were responsible for this
and the other mines affected by SINH
lar conditions are expected to resume
tomorrow. Negro refugees continue
to leave town in increasing numbers.
Neighboring villages and hamlets.
however, are in many instances refus-
ing the negroes haven and most OF
the colored people who departed to-
day were bound for communities at a
distance from this city. Many OF the
negroes selected Missouri as their des-
tination but most Of the emigrants
started for Chicago, Peoria and other
Illinois cities.
Military Control to End.
Springfield, ILL.,, Aug. 20.-Final re-
linquishment of the military control
of this city will take place tomorrow
as the result of a conference between
Governor Deneen and General Young
today. The First regiment will be
sent to Chicago and the remaining
regiment, the Seventh Infantry. will
be held here in reserve in case the
sheriff's force and police are unable
to preserve the peace which the
troops have established. 1f
Following his conference with the
governor, General Young issued
statement praising the troops for their
conduct and bearing, calling attention
to the fact that for three days and
nights no serious disorders have oc-
CURED and placing the responsibility
Of maintaining this condition upon the
civil authorities.
With the departure of all except
two regiments the division and brig
d00 neaQQudrteTS were dOdIluoHcd.
Generals Wells and Foster were re-
lieved Of duty and General Young re-
manned only in advisory capacity to
the governor.
H T. Loper, whose restaurant was
wrecked last Friday returned to the
city today prepared to testify before
the grand jury. He hinted that his
testimony to the grand jury will re-
suit In the indictment of several per-
sons whom he recognized as leaders
of the mob which destroyed his res
taurant.