Law in Savannah

The same old story, with a variation, took place in Savannah, Ga. A white woman was attacked. Walter Lee, black, was arrested and the woman identified him positively as her assailant. He was imprisoned in the Chatham County jail in Savannah.

Word sped around town that the guilty Negro was under arrest. A crowd began to gather before the jail. By midnight it numbered nearly 2,000 and became threatening. Solicitor General Hartridge, from the steps of the jail, ordered the crowd to disperse, declaring that the authorities were determined to protect the prisoner. The crowd grumbled and remained. The police were powerless to disperse it. The crowd appeared ready to rush the jail. Sheriff Dixon, revolver in hand, commanded firemen to turn their hoses into the mob. Half a dozen streams of water shot out. The crowd returned fire with bricks. A stone knocked the pistol from the sheriff's hand.

By this time militia were present. They fired over the heads of the mob. Armed men in the mob fired back. A man standing close to Mayor Seabrooks was killed. Others were wounded. The militia called for machine guns, and a detachment hurried to the scene. With this reinforcement, the soldiers began to disperse the crowd--not without disturbance. The Chief of Police was struck by a brick; another missile hit a National Guard officer in the face and laid him out. Not until five hours after the disturbance had begun was truce restored.

Meanwhile the Mayor of Savannah had established communication with Governor Hardwick. The Governor declared the city in a state of insurrection and proclaimed martial law. Troops marched in, every approach to the jail was blocked, and no pedestrian or vehicle was allowed to draw near. Incidentally:

P: Fifty rioters were arrested, charged with inciting a riot and carrying concealed weapons.

P: No prisoner has ever been taken from Chatham County jail by a mob.

P: The victim of the assault (in serious condition) declared: "If they do get him away from the police, I hope they give me the first lick at him."

P: According to Georgia law: 1) It is illegal to publish the name of the woman; 2) the Negro, if found guilty, is liable to the death penalty.