Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 March 1891 — TWO OF THE AVENGERS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

TWO OF THE AVENGERS.

Active Part Taken in New Orleans Politics by the Leader of the Anti-Mafia Mob. W. S. Parkerson, who led the mob that lynched the eleven Sicilians in New Or-

leans, is about thir-ty-eight years of ago and a lawyer. He is a son of Judge Parkerson, of Lafayette, La. ~ Mr. Parkerson first came into prominence two years ago, when he organ ized and led what was known as the Young Men’s Democratic Association, an independent organization which

revolted from the regular Democratic party, placed an independent ticket in the field and swept New Orleans by the largest majority ever known. The organization was more or less secret, and a committee of seventeen, at whose head was Mr. Parkerson, made all nominations. It was believed that the regular Dem-

ocracy, or “The Ring,” as it was called, would count in the defeated candidates. The Young Men’s Democratic Association was organized on a military basis, and during the three or four days while the ballots were being counted a company armed with Winchester rifles stood on duty at every

polling place, in the city apd watched the count. The success of the campaign exceeded all expectations, the Y. M. D. A. carrying everything, electing thib Mayor and all the city officials, the Council, Sheriff and all the members of the Legislature except three. For this success most of the credit is given to Mr. Parkerson, who showed unusual leadership. He declined office and devoted himself to private practice. Another potent factor in the lucent affair was John C. Wickliffe, Whose speech at the Clay statue set the mob in motion. He is a business man of excellent standing, is cool-headed and determined. Mr. Wickliffe is one of the progressive young men of the Crescent City.

W. S. PARKERSON.

JOHN c. WICKLIFFE.