By Sue Schuurman

NOVEMBER 16, 1998: 

The local paper was filled with election returns this week in 1898, with editors congratulating themselves for successfully predicting a resounding Republican victory. With little fanfare, however, the front page on Nov. 10 included the following stories about violent reprisals over election results. (Subsequent articles indicated that the black-run newspaper, the Record, had supported Democrats.)

"Mob in North Carolina Burn a Negro Printing Office.

"Wilmington, N.C.--At 7:30 this morning, the negroes not having responded to the demand for the removal of the press of the Record, the negro newspaper, Ex-Representative Weddell, chairman of the white committee of twenty five men, repaired to the Light Infantry Armory, where he was to meet the citizens by appointment. ... The assemblage included most of the solid citizens of the town. At 3:30 the procession ... moved in the direction of the Record printing shop. All along the line of march the procession was joined by armed citizens. When the negro quarter was reached the negroes could be seen running into their houses. In front of the Record office, a two story frame building, the picket lines were thrown out and squads of men sent to the squares in the neighborhood. Leader Weddell, with a rifle on his shoulder, knocked at the door. There being no response the door was burst open, and the citizens surged into the place. The furniture was smashed and thrown into the street, and the building fired and destroyed. A fusillade of guns, pistols and shouts filled the air. ... The publishing house was destroyed but the neighboring property was saved. The colored editor, Manley, and his brother and associates could not be found. The leaders of the crowd said subsequently that it was not the intention to burn the Record building, but it was the work of some rash persons, or an accident. Last night was an anxious one for the citizens of the residence portion of the town. ... "

"Creek Indians Executed Over a Vote on a Treaty.

Checotah, I.T.--Creek returns show that the treaty has carried. Twelve hundred full bloods started away from the polls. The chief threatens to kill the people who voted for the treaty. Chief Ishpearcher threatens to burn the towns of the Creek nation, and the Indians are restless. The full-bloods attacked the treaty leaders at Okmulgee, the capital of the Creek nation. At least one man was killed and eight wounded. ... The white people feel able to take care of themselves. The only fear is for the half breeds who voted for the treaty."

--compiled by Susan Schuurman

Source: The Albuquerque Daily Citizen;

Nov. 10, 1898

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