Colored Man in Charge - The Right Kind of Man - Jailed
14 OCT 1885. Austin Daily Statesman.
LOCAL SHORT STOPS.
A colored man was in charge of the chain gang yesterday, and the gang were all white men. Is this right?
Austin people complained during the summer on account of a lack of amusements, and now they have them they fail to patronize them.
The cool and bracing weather causes many to indulge in buggy riding. Yesterday afternoon the drives were filled with stylish turnouts.
Editor Daily Statesman:
As the north-bound train was leaving Austin last night, the negro policeman, Morris, came near getting himself into trouble, by attending to the affairs of the railroad, instead of the city. A gentleman, in attempting to board the train, was asked by Morris to show his ticket, but he did not feel inclined to do so, whereupon, Morris told him he was an officer, but the gentleman said he did “not give a d__n if he was,” and from one word to another they went on, the gentleman giving Morris a little cursing. He at last showed his ticket to the conductor, and went in the car.
Now, I do not believe that a policeman has any right, whatever, to ask anyone to show his ticket. This is the conductor’s business, and no one else’s. If the marshal, or whoever has charge of the police, would put the right kind of man on duty, at the departure and arrival of the trains, no trouble would occur.
“Citizen”
County Jail Notes.
George Crozier and Will Mabry are unfortunately, the only two who repose behind the bars charged with burglary. There are many others who, if they had their just dues, would be keeping these two black and tans company.
Robert Rubrith is in for murder and has been there for some time. Bob seems to be some kind of boss around the prison pen; kind of a captain. His business is strictly in the interest of the kangaroo court. When spoken to about the charge against him he appears cheerful and has great hopes of getting free.
Glen Drummer is there by a large majority. The charge against him is assault and attempt to kill. If the grand jury do as some seem to think they will Glen will have to fight a charge of murder.
Oliver Townsend, the great American chicken lifter, and Doc Woods are caged together on the charge of murder. Dock and Oliver claim they are innocent, but Lucinda Boddy, when confronted by Dock, swore positively that he was the man and that Drummer is not. This appears bad for Dock.
Valdez is charged with murdering a fellow Mexican at the mouth of Waller creek some few months ago. Valdez’s attorney claims he will prove his client clear when the proper time comes.
Johnson Trigg is the brave youth who put up that big yarn and then acknowledged afterwards that he lied. He is charged with perjury and will probably sling has around Huntsville.
Dave Woods and Ike Plummer are there yet, and the charge of murder still stands to their credit.
Andrew Williams is charged with outraging a female. Andrew appears serene.
