New-York tribune., 1919-08-28
Federal Probe Into
Texans Attack OH
Shillady Is Sought
Victim Of Episode Asserts
Inquiry Will Be Pushed
and Governor Smith VIII
BE Asked to Take a Hand

John Il. Shillady. secretary of tho
National Association for the Advance
ment Of Coiorcd People, who recently
suffered a beating at tho hnnds of resi-
dents of Austin, Tex. said ycstcr rday
at the organizations headquarters. 70
Fifth Avenue. THAI seven Republican
Senators would press for an inquiry
into the incident The association has
formally demanded such an inquiry.
Governor Smith Mr. Shillady further
announced, would be asked by the or
ganization to demand protection for
citizens Of New York visiting Texas.
A legal committee of the association
has been appointed to institute pro-
ceedings against Mr.. Shillady's attack
ers. who, according to statement by
Governor Hobby OF Texas, were just
iied in their action.
"Cnless Texas repudiates the state
ment OF her Governor in expressing
satisfaction with q brutal and unpro-
Nokea attack upon an unotfending
United States citizen she will have con-
lossed herself a laWess state said
q statement issued by Mr.. Shillady.
Visit to Texas Explained
~ went to The capital Of Texas
(Austin).' he continued, latter having
tclegraphed the Attorney General and
a Justice Of the Peace, offering any in
formation concerning the National AS
sociation for the Advancement ri Col
ored People which they desired. My
first call after meeting with d commit
tee OF the local branch OF our organi
cation was at the office OF the Gov
crnor. That being closed. proce eded
80 the Attorney Generals Office and
conferred with the acting Attorney
General. ". a. Keeling.
The object OF my journey to Austin
was TO ascertain why the books and
papers and other property Of the local
suhpmnaed by a local justice OF the
peace and examined by state officials
and TO offer to these officials much
fuller record.
"rhe assault upon me by group Of
men, including a county Judge and 4
constable. occurred after l. had been
hailed before a secret session of Il so
called court OF inquily.' in which
was asked questions by the County AT"
torney such as:
of you're a nigger lover why don't
you go and stay in Il niger hotel" ="
and personal references as to how I'd
like to have my wife in close personal
association with 'niggers.'
Judge Present at Hearing
"Thc county Judge, who took part
in the assault in broad daylight, on one
of the main streets Of the capital Of
Texas, was present at that secret ses-
sion of the court. Had there been the
slightest question as to the legality Of
my acts it is certain would have been
arrested.
"After the hearing The presiding
Judge invited me to come TO his Office
10 confer with him. This Invitation
declined. although at that time I did
not think, az | do now. that il would
have meant an assault, il not q killing,
in The secusion Of an unkcmpt second
story Office.
"Whic directly opposite the Hotel
nrisAill | Was approached from behind
hl q group of ,ncn III an automobile.
One Of them, the constable who had
summoned me TO the secret session tho
day before, took hold Of my arm whilc
the rest gathered around. Anticipat-
ing another subpoena, J waited expect
nntly. Instead OF q anhpGna was
showered with blows from al sides. No
assistance was offered me on the street
or when ! went into the hotei