Evening journal., 1914-08-20
CITY QUIET UNDER
Police CONTROL
After Conference, Decide to
Hold the Militia Awhile
Longer
ACT THIS AFTERNOON
IN SHARPLESS CASE

Whether the four companies OF the Or
ganizcd Militia of Delaware, now sta
toned at the Armory, Twelfth and
Orange streets, as a precaution during
the racial troubles of Sunday and Mon
day nights, win be dispersed or held un-
der arms depends in a large measure ON
the outcome Of the hearing of Patrol
man Sharpless, now being held without
bail for shooting George Hunter, Jr., col
ored, on Sunday night officer Sharpless
will be given a hearing IN City Court
this afternoon.
DIR. Underhin, of the Delaware Hospi-
tai. informed THE EVENING JOUR
NAL at noon today that the condition
of George Hunter, Jr., colored, who was
shot on Sunday night by Officer Sharp
less, was unchanged.
The condition Of John Hughes, who
was shot on Tuesday night by negro,
the physician said, was critical Hughes
was operated on Tuesday and several
perforations OF the intestines were
sewed up. The physicians removed the
bullet, which was from .3S calibre re-
volver.
Harry Stevens, the other white man
who was shot by a negro on Tuesday
night, was said TO be improving.
Stevens has not been operated on and
the physicians claim this will not be
necessary. He was shot in the head.
Although it had been reported, and
the impression prevailed that Frederick
Wickstrome, Of No. 22O0 West street,
had been shot in the ear, IL was learned
last night that he had been struck in
the head with a brick. His condition
also was said TO be much improved at
noon.
That officer Sharpless's case was
not disposed OF this morning by Judge
Churchman is said to have delayed
the dispensing Of the four local COM
panies OF militia. From what could
be learned this morning II was the
intention that the troops would be
dispersed a. noon today, but deferring
OF the Sharpless case caused change
Of plans.
Following the announcement OF a
continuance OF officer Sharpless case,
Acting Mayor William p. White, Col.
W. p. Stover, chairman of the finance
committee Of Council, aud Police Com
missioners Bowers and Wiskersham
held a conference in the mayors
Office. The session lasted half an
hour and az the conclusion those in
terviewed refused TO discuss what
they had done.
Those in attendance at the confer
ence said when interviewed 1.-THE
only thing we can say is that the mil
itia will be held for awhile"
IL was admitted that the Police De
partment has the situation well IN
hand During the past two nights
little disorder has occurred This was
especially true last night. While the
saloons were allowed 70 remain open
thc entire police force was on duty
half the night.
II was learned today that at least
one city official told the Police Com
missioners that it was up to them to
ascertain who was at fault on Monday
night in not suppressing the riots or
reporting the troubles as they existed
TO Chief of Police Black. One official
said he felt sure that II the police
had been massed as they were on
Tuesday night all troubles would
have been at an end
The four companies of soldiers this
morning, following breakfast, were
taken beyond Washington street
bridge, and for several hours baseball
games we're enjoyed. Lieutenant
Colonel Simon p. Doherty remained al
the Armory, with a detail of men
In case Of an outbreak.
Some citizens this morning express.
ed an opinion that II Officer Sharpless
Is sent to the Workhouse on tn,
charge OF attempted murder of tn,
negro Hunter, whom he shot while es
Gaping, the lawless elements OF white.
viii renew rioting tonight. If th,
city Is quiet tonight, the troops will
be dispersed tomorrow.
Although crowds of people conprepate,
IN Market street last niught. there wa.
no signs Of the rioting which had pre-
vailed on Sunday and Monday evening
and IL is the opinion Of all. especiail'
the authorities, that the citv has re
sumed its usual quietness. Chief of Pc
lice Black had all the men under hi
command on duty until l30 o'clock am
they kept the crowds moving The fou
companies OF militia were at the Stat
Armory.
The situation appears to be under cor
troll Of the police department and las
night Chief Black and Sergeant Wardl
made tours Of the city in an automc
bile. Captain Evans had charge Of IN
men on the streets, while Captain Kan
remained in command at the police sta
siea.
The only semblance Of disorder wa
g Ninth and Walnut streets early /
ne evening when a crowd OF colore
men gathered. The police warne
them and when ordered TO move the
appeared 10 be sullen. The police !
once asserted themselves IN a manne
which showed they meant busines
The colored men left in a hurry.
u0W Tur UuITrn