Norfolk Landmark, August 15, 1907
Untitled
Moral -- Other violent crimeTransportation -- Railroad - ConstructionTransportation -- Railroad - LitigationTourists and sportsmen -- Other recreation - FairsAfrican-Americans -- Racial violence
Eastville, Va., August 14. -- Alonso Heath, of Hog Island was brought here yesterday and lodged in jail charged with unlawfully shooting Calvin E. Brown and Miss Eva Simpson, both of whom are seriously wounded, but not fatally.
Heath had a preliminary hearing before Justice B. B. Fitchett, of Franktown, and was sent on to the grand jury. There is great feeling against him on the Island.
The commissioners, appointed by the Circuit Court to assess damages in the railroad condemnation proceedings for the line of road from Bayview to the Cape, met here yesterday to complete their report. In the report of the previous commissioners there was a contest over seven of the awards. Today the new commission completed their work and turned it in. For the seven contestants they found as follows: L. J. Whitehead, for land and damages, $1745; W. A. Ames, land and damages, $3485; George Charnock, land and damages, $1056; Mrs. Mary E. Goffigon, land and damages, $2000; Frank Parsons, Sr., $1286; J. H. Lattimer and G. E White, $1134; W. F. Elliott, $1285. This is an aggregate on the seven of somewhat over $5000 less than the previous commissioners allowed and will be accepted by the railroad. The commissioners were Messrs. G. W. Richards, J. W. Chandler, W. T. Dunton and W. H. Wescoat.
The Tasley fair is going on today and has attracted a large number of the people of this county. Yesterday there was a large crowd, estimated at 5000 people, but the races were broken up by the thunderstorm which came up during the afternoon.
The excitement over the Onancock riot of Saturday and Sunday has subsided so far as the other parts of the Eastern Shore are concerned.
GOVERNOR SWANSON'S PROMPT AND PROPER ACTION.
African-Americans -- Racial violenceInfrastructure -- Public - Government : Military
Virginia's Governors always stand with determination and coolness, and nearly always with success, for the maintenance of law. They are always ready to go to the seat of disturbance in person and try to calm the excited, but if words will not restore order, Virginia Executives may be depended upon to use every other power the law gives them. Governor Swanson's action in going to Onancock himself as soon as he could get there, and in furnishing the military protection which the Shore ought to furnish for itself by establishing a military company, is in line with the traditions of his high office. He is to be commended for his firm and tactful handling of the situation.
GOV. SWANSON AND THE LAW.
reprinted from Washington Evening Star.African-Americans -- Race relations
In going at once to Onancock and taking charge of the situation in person Governor Swanson pursued the right course. The situation was grave, and called for the exercise of authority. His authority being the highest was certain to be respected, and he presented himself to do his duty. His appearance in town had an immediate effect. His words were well received, and the spirit of order again controls the community.
All observations on this subject are trite, but it is a very serious condition of things which makes them so. The era is inflammable. Men are moved to madness by a mere gesture, or a spoken word. The cry of "Lynch him!" raised in an excited crowd will often transform it in a moment into a mob. The source of the cry may be of the lowest. A light-headed lad, or a redshirted loafer, may by such means throw a good town into the wildest disorder, setting the law aside, rendering its representatives powerless, and destroying property and taking human life with impunity.
A LESSON FROM ONANCOCK.
reprinted from Richmond Times-Dispatch.African-Americans -- Racial violenceInfrastructure -- Public - Government : Military
Both The Norfolk Landmark and the Virginian-Pilot advise the people of the Eastern Shore of Virginia to organize a military company. It is good advice. Moreover, the outbreak at Onancock emphasizes the importance of maintaining military companies in all parts of Virginia. They are conservators of the peace. Their presence in any community has a restraining influence on the lawless element. But when, in spite of them, the mob goes on the rampage, the soldiers are an unspeakable comfort. The experience of the people of Onancock should be a wholesome lesson to the whole State, and should have the effect to strengthen all military organizations within her borders.