The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1908-04-15

said that his wife and his neighbours
wife were living in constant fear and
not knowing at what time
their homes would be visited, and for
their sake he was ready to make a
sacrifice of his life If necessary.
Saturday evening after the examln-
ing trials four men voluntarily gave
information that was more important
than any heard at the trial. while
Sunday morning at 2 o'clock Macon
Champion. accompanied by AL Perry,
who was whipped by party, told his
story, which removes all doubt that
the county officials efforts would be
crowned with success. In the opln-
ion of all fair thinking men none of
those men would have told their stor-
les had not the court been In a posi-
|tion TO furnish them fearless guards.
Another thing that has come out
since the arrival of The soldiers. is
that Murray narrowly escaped attack
two weeks before their arrival. A
man whose reputation for truth is
|unquestioned told the reporter that
fifteen men gathered In the woodland
near DR.. Graves residence in West
Murray one night, ana dismounting
hltched their horses and held a meet
Ing. They awaited some time evil
IDENTIFY expecting another party who
did not come, and after an hour left
going back towards Kirksey. The
gentlemen, who gave the information
said that he and Sheriff Edwards were
so close to the group when they dis
banded that they heard the leader
say as he dismounted his horse. eve
Will meet again.
Joe Bell, who Is charged with be-
ing the leader of the east side night
riders, was educated for the Baptist
ministry but never engaged In that
work. He has taught school and or
ganized for secret societies.
One county officer dropped the re-
mark today that in his opinion tne
next work would be to gather some
geraniums near Wadesboro." which
|corroborates the belief extant that 4
third organization has existed in that
community. but was probably work
|irg In conjunction with the KIrkscy
band. Wadesboro is the site Of the
oldest town in western Kentucky. u
was formerly n county seat before
Marshall county was created, The
land Office for the entire Purchase was
located there. and the complete rec
oyds are now in the county clerk s
Office at Murray Since the Nash
vile, Chattanooga & ST. Louis rail-
road was built, the town has beer de-
serted and a solitary blacksmthshop
is all that remains on the hill where
the historic village stood.
BELL Makes Statement.
Joe Bell today made his first au-
thorIzed statement for a newspaper.
He said:
You probably want me to discuss
the subject Of night riders. will
say now that. no matter what people
may swear to. and no matter what
may be in store for me In the way OF
IMPRISONMENT as a result OF the tesii-
mony which may be offered, I have
not talked or said anything In favor
of the night riders. II there b. such
an organization. and It is evident that
there is. do say, however. that am
for the cause of The common people
and will shed my LIES blood In their
behalf when necessary. II there il
twenty years Imprisonment awaiting
me. | will go to Il cheorfully If
have to in the cause OF the common
people and for the purpose OF doina
that which Is for the interest OF little
children.
For Organized Farmers.
81 have always been for an organ
lzation OF the farmers because
think such an Organization would
| u-nrl, D., thciv oood While my liner