28th "Rolphing"

The 26th and 27th lynchings of 1933,* in San Jose, Calif., and St. Joseph, Mo., started a furor of indignation in which President Roosevelt publicly shared fortnight ago. Last week near Columbia, Tenn. the 28th was so peaceful that even the Sheriff did not know it had occurred. Cord Cheek, 20, accused of raping an 11-year-old white girl, had been exonerated by a Grand Jury, had gone to visit relatives in Nashville. Twenty minutes after he arrived a mob seized him, carried him to Columbia, strung him up on a cedar limb after riddling his body with bullets. Before dispersing they telephoned the Sheriff to come and get him. Said the Sheriff after investigating: "The lynching was handled in a very quiet manner. We have no clues whatever." Governor Hill McAlister promptly posted a $1,000 reward for apprehension of the lynchers.

*In 1932, there were 10 lynchings; in 1931, 14. Biggest year: 1892 with 226.

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