The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-12-18

Independence, Kan, Dec. 1S.-With
machine guns posted at advantageous
points and patrols of Kansas National
Guardsmcn bayonets fixed, guarding
the town. Independence returned to
normal today after turbulent thirty
six hours beginning with an incipient
outbreak of race rioting two nights
ago.
Two companies of state guardsmen
from Lawrence. a machine gun COM
pany and Company y, of the Fourth
Kansas infantry. under command of
Mai. Joseph II. Dunkel, arrived early
today and relieved the four hundred
and fifty American Legion men sworn
in as special police, who protected the
town yesterday.
Accused Rushed Away.
Noble Green. negro, charged with
the murder of r. r. Wharton, a white
grocer. was taken from the city Jail
shortly after the arrival of the state
troops and rushed out of Indepen-
dence in motor car. The negro was
in custody of Deputy Sheriff Homer
Adam. another county officer,
United States marshal from Nowata,
Okla. and four members of the Amer
lean Legion.
Two motor cars made up the party
The officers in charge of the negro
were heavily armed and determined
to deliver their priEoner safely to some
jail in another part of the state. Their
destination was not announced, as Of
ficials feared an attempt might be
made to follow and lynch the negro.
Guards Furnish Escort.
Green was surrounded by two
squads of state guardsmen when he
was led to the motor car. The town
was still asleep and no opposition was
made to the removal of the prisoner.
A charge of first degree murder was
T11n q rrqi Ia gt MI hxyf
county attorney. The negro was i'm
mediately arraigned in his cell on the
top floor of the city Jail, where he had
been held under heavy guard since
his arrest He pleaded not guilty.
No date was set for a preliminary
hearing. County Attorney Armstrong
announced that he would conduct
thoro investigation of the killing of
Wharton and the subsequent rioting in
which two were killed and five others
wounded. The tense situation of yes
terday was relaxed today. The crowds
which gathered on every street COR
ner yesterday were absent. The Amer
lean Legion members who patrolled
the town returned to their work to-
day. City officials said they believed
trouble was averted last night only
by the heavy show of armed legion
members.
One Wounded Accidentally.
The condition of those wounded in
Thursday nights shooting was report
ed favorable this morning. Oma
Small, a white youth who was wound
ed accidentally yesterday by a special
guard, was still in serious condition.
The two state guard units number
ing. about $50 officers and men left
Lawrence last night shortly before
midnight. A train was provided and it
was given the right OF way. Major
Dunkel announced that he had orders
to assist the civil authorities and de
the will of the peace officers. In tile
event that further trouble developed,
he said. military rule might be ipSti-
tuted. This would depend on state f
ficials. however, he said.
Guard posts were thrown out about
the city hall and none was permitted
entrance to the building without
military pass.
Near Martial Law On.
Proclamation of near military law
and its rigid enforcement by war vet
Grams had prevented renewal of race
rioting here UP to an early hour to-
day.
The mayor ordered all places of
biss ness and amusement closed and
ordered all civilians off the streets
after dark. Incoming trains and motor
cars were carefully watched to prevent
an influx of trouble makers.
Legion Guards Disband.
After a night of quiet the people of
Independence arose today to greet ma
tional guard troops sent here follow
ing Thursday nights race disorders in
which two persons were killed and
five injured.
Fears that an attempt would be
made during the night to lynch Noble
Green, negro. held in the county Jail
in connection with the fatal shooting
of r. r. Wharton, a white grocer,
failed to be realized as far as could
be learned today. The large force Of
home guardsmen and American Le-
gioners on patrol duty did not report
one untoward incident
An emergency organization of
former serN ce men numbering 45C
who were sworn in as special police to
tContluueU on rag Two.I