The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-10-04
DED TO
TAKE OVER LAND
RingIeaderS OF Race Riot in
Arkansas Confess This
Their Purpose.

Helena, Ark, Oct 4, - Confronted
with evidence pointing to the exist
ence of an organization adaptable as
an instrument of insurrection, Hell
cnas committee of seven" today re-
newed its efforts to determine beyond
doubt the source OF agitation in the
negro uprising which broke out
eighteen miles south of this city last
Tuesday night and has emitted inter-
mittent rumblings throughout the
week.
Declaring the disturbances to be
pronouncedly on the wane, except for
the rounding up of scattered bands of
blacks still said to be roaming the
neighboring canebrakes and under
brush, military headquarters at
Elaine. center of the unrest, today an
nounced an unconfirmed report that
four or FIVE negroes were killed last
night at Lanbrook, seven miles dis
tant. The announcement added that
a machine gun squad and a squad of
infantry were known to be operating
in that locality.
Two Negroes Arrested.
Two negroes were brought to
Elaine last night by the sheriff of
Desha county and turned over to mill
tary custody. Ten others, including
one wounded earlier in the week were
taken in Elaine and vicinity. Follow
ing a report that a number of negroes
had been seen near Oldtown headed
towards the Mississippi river, four
squads of soldiers have been securing
that section since last night.
The white casualties remained to-
day at five dead and five wounded, all
the latter being reported as recover
ing. Fourteen negroes are known to
be dead as a result of the clashes with
troops and civilians and the official
reports account for eight wounded,
although prisoners taken yesterday
declared that more than twenty five
had been killed and many wounded.
RingIeaders Confessed.
Confessions made yesterday and
literature confiscated indicate that
several of the ringleaders have been
apprehended in the persons of Ed
Baker, Ed Hicks, Frank Hicks and
Frank Moore. Two others alleged by
former companions now in custody,
said to have been prime movers in
the agitation, are being sought today
in and about Winchester Ark. Papers
taken in the past two days included n
printed copy of the constitution and
bylaws of the Protective Farmers and
Household Union of America. Ex-
tracts from this capy is the statement
I'VE champion the moral, material,
political and intellectual interests Of
our race"
Ed Hicks, according to his own
statement and the confessions of
other men taken. was the president of
the union, and Ed Baker secretary.
The testimony added that Robert l..
Hill, of Winchester. was organizer,
and Will Hicks a leader, One of the
negroes killed yesterday was believed
to be Dave Dixon, another of thole
said to have headed the movement.
Purpose of Uprising.
Prisoners questioned by army Of
ficers as to the purpose Of being sup
piled with arms and ammunition said
it was the intention to take over this
section and work the land" referring
to southern Phillips county, where
Elaine is situated. One of the men
when asked how this was to be ac-
complished replied, "Well. not legi-
timatelY."
In Helena itself conditions have
been orderly and quiet throughout the
period of unrest. Shooting on the
streets early today resulted in the
falling of one white man who declared
he was simply trying out his gun"
Red Cross relief and canteen work for
both blacks and whites of Elaine is
being directed from this city, which
also is providing the staff personnel
and supplies.
Reports Unconfirmed
Last night was the first time since
Tuesday negroes were seen on Helena
streets after dark. They had pre-
viously remained at home on their
own initiative. The COMMITTEE of
seven" a group of prominent business
men authorized to deal with activities
and investigation in connection with
the uprising. has held meetings both
in the county courthouse here and in
Elaine.
Reports last night OF disturbance
at Modos, near Elaine, and at Wynne.
in Cross county, about fifty miles due
north, were believed by members Of
the body to be without substantial
basis.
GIRL RELEASED BY POLICE
Bertha Miller, picked up Friday
afternoon by Patrolman Green,