The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-25
NEGRO MURDERER IS
LIKELY TO RECOVER
No Credence In Report That He
Is In Danger OF Being Lynched
by Mecklenburg People Now.
PRECAUTIONS ARE TAKEN
Hospital Well Guarded and Majesty
of Law VII BE Upheld at All Costs
Gypsy Child Seriously Burned.

Petersburg, Va. March 24.--Tom
Coles. the confessed murderer and
rapist brought here by Sheriff Beaies,
of Mecklenburg County, for safekeep-
ing. Is resting comfortably at the Pc
tersburg Hospital. where he was ope-
rated on by Drs. H A. Burke and
l.. s. Early yesterday afternoon.
DR.. Burke stated to your correspon-
dent at a late hour this evening that
the Negroes condition was favorable
and that he had chance to recover.
The local authorities do not give
credence TO the report coming from
Mecklenburg County that an enor'
will be made by enraged citizens OF the
community in which Coles committed
the criminal assault on Miss Georgia
Royster to lynch him here. Extra pre-
cautions were taken by Chief OF Po-
ttcs RaEfand last night TO allay any
uneasiness on the part OF the nurses
and patients at the Petersburg Hos
pltal, where Coles is confined under
guard, the chief himself remaining on
duty all night.
Lieutenant Ernest Jones, in command
of the Petersburg Grays. received or
ders from Adjutant General Sale to
keep the Grays in readiness for any
trouble that might occur.
Should citizens of Mecklsnburg
make an effort to lynch the negro
here 1t would be hazardous risk
though there is not the slightest chance
that they will make such an effort
There Is not a citizen of Petersburg
in sympathy with the criminal, but
the law of the Commonwealth would
be upheld at any cost should such an
effort be made. III the negro lives
he will doubtless have a speedy trial
under military guard and be legally
executed
Justice Piummer Sustained.
In tho Hastings Court last evening,
Judge Mullen presiding. four cases APP
pealed from the decision of Police Jus
ttce Plummer. were heard and the de-
cision ofAhe Justices court was sus-
tanned in each instance. The cases
were those OF John Bailey, Eugene
Livesay. Mike Murphy and William Al
friend. all on probation, ordered put
TO work on the public roads--not to
punish them but as the law contem-
plates to separate them from intoxi-
eating drinks The term OF each Is
indefinite.
syp.y Child burned.
A small Gypsy child was painfully
burned at a camp just west OF the city
limits last evening when it was left
by its mother In a swing near the
FIRE. The chtid's clothing caught hre
In some manner and before the flames
could be extinguished 1t was pain
fully burned about it's lower limbs.
DR.. II. A. Burke was called and gave
the child necessary medical treatment
Its condition 10 serious.
VIII Pay omciaI visit.
National Councillor A. l.. Bradley will
pay an officiai visit TO Petersburg on
the evening of Friday, March 2d, at a
meeting to be held under the auspices
OF Virginia Dare Council. No s:
George A. Thompson. Council No. Is;
and Mt Vernon Council No. 20, Daugh-
tiers Of Liberty. The meeting will be
held in the Council Chamber Of George
A Thompson Council. and II will be
the third time that national councillor
visit TO Petersburg.
Comes After Convict.
Assistant Superintendent Lamb. OF
the state Penitentiary, came to Pc
tersburg this morning and took with
him back Tim Holt. a negro convicted
in the Hastings Court of this city at
the March term of highway robbery
and sentenced to ten years.
Synagogue Nears Completion.
The new synagogue of the Birth
Achim orthodox congregation. being
erected on North Market opposite Hin
ton Street. 10 rapidly approaching
completion
The building IL OF white brick and
when completed will add much TO the
appearance Of this section of the city.
Rev David Myers. the rabbi in charge.
Is well known and highly esteemed
in Petersburg.
Funeral of Mrs. speacer.
The body OF Mrs. Fannie Spencer.
an aunt OF Mrs. w. H. Lane, OF this
city. whose death occurred at Black
stone, reached Petersburg at l2:15
o'clock this afternoon and was taken
direct to Blandford Cemetery. where
the burial services were conducted
by Rev. s. J. Brown. OF the High
Street NJ. e. Church.
Address ON Hygiene.
Following the Lenten services OF st.
Joseph's Catholic Church this evening,
Petersburg Council. Knights of CO.
lumbus, held a largely attended and
interesting meeting. The council was
addressed by DIR. Joseph NJ. Burke on
Hygiene"
EvanEeIisttc Services.
The evangelistic services being con-
Quoted at the Second Presbyterian
Church by the pastor. Rev. J. A. Nc.
Clure. are being largely attended and
much interest Is being manifested.
Mr.. Mcclure preached to large con
gragA4tan, >tbts evening on, Our Mead
ef JssuA"