HORRIBLE MELODRAMA.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXX, Issue 4729, 14 June 1911, Page 2

HORRIBLE MELODRAMA.

Kentucky. U.SA, established a new record in Inyching recently, when a mob at Livermore took a negro, who had killed a white man from the local gaol, hanged him on tiie stage of the theatre, and charged a small sum for admission for persons to enter and shoot at the body. The money taken at Hie door went to the family of the white man the negro killed. Those who bought orchestra sea*a had the privilege of emptying their six-shooters at the swaying form above them, but, the gallery occupants were limited to one shot. The whole town was for a time in the possession of the mob, and the body was riddled with bullets. So also was the woodland scenery of tho local theatre, which a few hours before was set up for the presentation of a much milder melodrama. Frank Mitchell, the young man shot by the negro, was very popular, and his friends determined that his revenge should be prompt, and lurid, so that other negroes, who might have grudges against white people might learn a salutary lesson. Having been dragged to the stage the victim was bound, and. will) a rope under his arms, was elevated a few feet above the footlights. His captors then took their places in the orchestra and pit, and at a given signal the auditorium echoed with the rattle of firearms. A few minutes later the lights were turned down and the curtain lowered, and then the mob quit 11y dispersed.