The Mena weekly star., 1919-10-09

was to pick bale of cotton by that date, take the cotton to certain prom inent landowners, plantation mana gers and demand settlement"
 To Shoot All Whites.
 sThe confessions, as announced, made it appear to the investigators that without further ado following this demand the blacks were to shoot down all whites in sight. A list of 21 names, admitted to represent the men to whom the demand would be pre- scented, :s in the hands of the investi- gating committee.
 Killing of these 21, the prisoners said, was to be the signal for all mem bers of the organization to attack the white population. An extensive couri- er system was explained in the evil dence, providing for messengers known as Paul Reveres." These cou- riers had been duly appointed to ride into all parts of the territory, accord ing to the testimony, and summon members to arms. The organization concerned was declared to be the local lodge of the Progressive Farmers and Household Union of American, confiscated literature of which desig- mates Washington, D. C., as national headquarters, with state offices at Winchester, Ark
 Blacks Were Summoned.
 .sWe've just begun was the pass word of the uprising, the negroes told the investigators. This password and the Paul Revere" couriers were con fessed to have been employed Tues day night and Wednesday morning m summoning blacks to Hoop Spur, IS miles south of Helena, after w. A. Adkins, special agent of the Missouri Pacific railroad, had been killed and Charles Pratt, deputy sheriff, had been wounded.
 The confessions were taken to ex- plain the rapidity with which armed blacks were assembled at Hoop Spur and the neighboring town of Elaine following the incident. The state ments added that at the time Adkins was killed there were 100 armed ne groes in the church at the scene of the shooting. Some of these were women, 1t was said, carrying automat- ic revolvers in their stockings.
 Questioned about their supply of shotguns, rifles and ammunition, ne groes declared they often had been advised by speakers always to keep their racks full" and If your rack ain't full fill it now.
 Negroes We're Deceived.
 Members of the Investigating com mittee declared there is every evidence that mercenary individuals have been melting the negroes in the name of the federal government. Among oth- CT things, 1t was stated, they were led to believe a part of the government at Washington upheld them in arm ing and organizing against the whites, that large temple and ar mories were to be erected at Wash ington for the converting of their "congress" and for federal training of 5000 soldiers to protect them in their uprising.
 Much of the investigation is known to be directed in an effort tc estab- fish conclusiyely connection of white men with the agitation and there is said to be strong indications of such a relation. Only two whites were in custody here today following last weeks disorders. A man named Full Ter was brought in from Postelle last night and placed in the county jail. o. s. Bratton of Little Rock law firm has been in custody several days pending investigation.
 Another Drive Planned.
 Pending investigation 13 alleged leaders of the negro organization have been brought to the local jail from Elaine since Saturday. A drive thru the Lake View territory, south of the city was to be made last night and early today in an effort to round up other prime movers. The authorities have announced that they still are seeking Robert l.. Hill of Winchester, represented on the union literature variously as government agent, em- ployed in the United States service ? and Limited States and foreign detec- tive Another alleged leader said to be at large was Ed Ware, whom ne groes declared to have been their "sec- retary." V. E. Powell, councillor Of the union, was brought to Helena last night from Arkansas City and jailed,
 Examine Suspects.
 Examining trials of the negroes are scheduled to begin Monday before Judge J. c. Burk and the first session of the grand jury is set for next Mon day.