Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 August 1908 — ISSUE AT SPRINGFIELD [ARTICLE]

ISSUE AT SPRINGFIELD

Having Strangled the Riot the Question Is, Shall the Guilty Rioters Escape? many rioters are in prison Much Loot Has Also Been Found in Their Possession. NEW REIGN OF TERROR BEGINS Witnesses of the Diabolism Are Threatened—Real Cause of the Outbreak Another Death, Sc#tt. Bpringfield, 111., Aug. 18. —One more victim has been added to the death list of the Springfield mob. J. W. Scott has succumbed to a gunshot In the lungs received Friday night Scott's death brings the total to six. and is the fourth chargeable to the mob which Invaded the “black belt” near Twelfth and Madison streets. It was here that the hunted negroes made their stand, firing upon the heads of the mob from ■windows and roofs. Another death is expected momentarily. W. H. Bowe, chief clerk in the county treasurer’s office, and one of the most popular citizens of Springfield, is slowly sinking from the effects of the bullet wounds and the beating which he received from a crowd of negroes Friday night. Threat of More Trouble. Bowe's friends have warned the authorities that “Billy” will be “avengod,” and the event of his death will cause a redoubling of vigilance by the troop commanders.^"Walt until the troops go.” is the word that has been passed around town, and recognising the strength of the undercurrent, the state, city and county officials are taxing every effort to turn public opinion toward law and order. To that end Governor Deneen has been in conference with officials of various civic bodies, including the Chamber<>f Commerce, the Springfield Bar association and the Evangelical Ministers' association. Real Reign of Terror Begins. Evidence is not lacking that many citizens who were known to have important testimony regarding the mob and its leaders have been deterred from offering this to the state’s attorney, because of threats of violence made against them anonymously. The riot could scarcely have been avoided, and is not in itself a disgrace to the city. The real disgrace will come if the guilty are allowed to escape,” is the slogan of the authorities now. So the civic bodies are asked to urge all good citizens to reveal freely whatever of testlmonv they may possess. Only sheer weight of evidence Is likely to break through the local prejudice here and assure convictions, according to the police and other officials.