Friday, December 19, 2014

December 19, 1909: George Bailey

Today our article comes from The Indianapolis Star (Indianapolis, Indiana) dated December 21, 1909:

RACE WAR IS FEARED.

Arkansas White Citizens Kill Negro in Cell—His Friends Threaten.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Dec. 20.—Following the shooting to death in his cell at Devalls Bluff, Ark., last night of George Bailey, a negro, by a mob and the gathering in protest today of a number of negroes a clash between the races at that point is not improbable, according to a dispatch tonight.

Bailey shot and probably fatally wounded Matt Todd, a well-known planter, late yesterday and was placed in jail at once. Late last night the mob stormed the jail and gained access to the cell corridor. Steel bars and a stout cell lock, however, withstood attack. Then as the terrified man crouched in a corner of the cell, fifteen bullets of a fusillade discharged at him entered his body.

Today negroes from the countryside gathered at Devalls Bluff to voice their protest and, in anticipation of a retaliatory outbreak, white citizens under arms tonight patrol the streets while others sleep on their weapons.


Than you for joining me and as always, I hope I leave you with something to ponder.

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