NINE NEGROES LYNCHED.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 189, 8 August 1908, Page 15

NINE NEGROES LYNCHED.

Two white men murdered, nine negroes lynched, the State militia called out, and racial hatred throughout the whole of the east of Texas at fever heat—such In brief. Is the terrible chronicle telegraphed from Houston on June 23 to the New Xork newspapers. The outbreak Is described as the worst In the history of the State. It began with the murder of Mr. Hugh Dean, a prosperous young farmer, who, in defiance of the prohibition laws, purchased a bottle of whisky at a secret "saloon" at the bnck of a negro church. As he walked down the aisle Mr. Dean was shot dead in sicht of the entire congregation, and the body was afterwards thrown into the street. Six blacks were arrested for the murder. On Saturday, June 20. Mr. Aaron XI. Johnson, a farmer, was killed by a bullet firei; through the windows as he was playing with his children. Early next morning a mob of infuriated whites stormed the gaol and took out the six accused negroes. One of them attempted to escape. He was allowed to run 200 yards, and then fell pierced by more tnan a score of shots. His five companions were then hanged in a row on the nearest tree. The mob dispersed in search of other vie Urns, and shot three negroes in the streets.