New Orleans Republican

The Baffled Lynchers.

Having heard rumors and reports upon the streets in regard to an attempt to break into the parish jail and take out the colored man, Primus Johnson (charged with an attempt to kill Mr. Lee, living near the Twelve Mile Crossing) last Saturday evening, we have taken pains to obtain full particulars and give the facts as follows:

On Saturday last the Hon. R. J. Looney, district judge for this judicial district, instructed Sheriff Flournoy to summon a posse to guard against any attempt to break into or out of the parish jail. In accordance with these instructions the sheriff summoned about fifteen of our most responsible citizens to act as guards.

On Saturday night shortly before midnight a rumor was current that a party of men from the country, variously estimated from five to fifty in number, were coming into town for the purpose of breaking into the jail and taking out and lynching Primus Johnson. After some consultation it was decided to send out one of the posse who was well acquainted with parties residing in the country and represent to them the folly and imprudence of such headstrong measures; consequently a gentleman was instructed to obtain a horse and ride out until he came up with the would-be liberators. After riding some two miles a body of mounted men was encountered, and one of their number riding to the front at once proceeded to enter into conversation with the envoy, who quickly convinced him that men were guarding the jail, who would resist to the utmost any attempt at violence or attack on the lawful authorities.

After a short deliberation it was decided that the prisoner was in the hands of those who would see that he was not only protected, but securely kept to answer the charges brought against him, and they concluded to abandon their object and quietly return home. We think this is a complete refutation of the charges of lawlessness so often brought against this community, and should convince every one that no people in the State of Louisiana have a greater respect for law and order than the citizens of Shreveport.

The men on guard at the jail on Saturday night were taken from our best and most respectable citizens, and they were ready and prepared at all risk and at any hazard to sustain the authorities in the performances of their duties.-Shreveport Southwestern.