Viewing page 59 of 337

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

5.
But attention is respectfully called for further instances to affidavits accompanying m'k'd C. D. E. F. G. 

The riot lasted until and including the 4th of May but during all this time the disturbances were not continual as there were different times of greater or less length in each day, in which the city was perfectly quiet, attacks occurring generally after sunset each day. 

The rioters ceased their violence either of their own accord or from want of material to work on, the negros having hid themselves, many fleeing into the country. 

Conduct of the Civil Authorities
The Hon. John Park Mayor of Memphis seemed to have lost entire control of his subordinates and either through lack of inclination and sympathy with the riot, or an utter want of capacity, completely failed to suppress the riot and preserve the peace of the city. His friends offer in extenuation of his conduct, that he was in a state of intoxication during a part or most of the time and was therefore unable to perform the high and responsible functions of his office. Since the riot no official notice has been taken of the occurrence either by the Mayor or the board of Aldermen, neither have the City Courts taken cognizance of the numerous crimes committed. 

Although many of the perpetrators are known, no arrests have been made, nor is there now any indication