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Story
July 23, 1851
Alexandria Gazette
Alexandria, Alexandria County, District Of Columbia
What is this article about?
In San Francisco, California, rising crimes like incendiaries and robberies led to vigilance committees enforcing Lynch law, including the public hanging of accused thief Jenkins, sparking excitement and concerns over bypassing civil authorities. Hopes expressed for preserving law and order in the new state.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
The incendiary attempts, robberies, and other crimes in California, have induced the people there, especially in San Francisco, to appoint committees of vigilance, who, in several instances, lately, have inflicted Lynch law upon persons arrested and charged with serious offenses. The hanging of a man by the name of Jenkins, in San Francisco, who was accused of stealing a chest containing a considerable sum of money, has caused considerable excitement.
There was no doubt of his guilt, and the "committee" had him executed in the public streets, a few hours after he was taken. Many of the citizens recoil at the idea of this kind of punishment, by which the regular civil power is superseded, and all the forms of law violated.
It is to be hoped that "law" as well as "order" may be preserved in the new State.
There was no doubt of his guilt, and the "committee" had him executed in the public streets, a few hours after he was taken. Many of the citizens recoil at the idea of this kind of punishment, by which the regular civil power is superseded, and all the forms of law violated.
It is to be hoped that "law" as well as "order" may be preserved in the new State.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Vigilance Committee
Lynch Law
Hanging
Jenkins Theft
San Francisco Crime
California Vigilantes
What entities or persons were involved?
Jenkins
Where did it happen?
San Francisco, California
Story Details
Key Persons
Jenkins
Location
San Francisco, California
Event Date
Lately
Story Details
Vigilance committees in San Francisco hang accused thief Jenkins publicly after quick arrest, bypassing civil law, causing public debate on vigilante justice amid rising crimes in California.