A Chinaman Lynched

Newspaper:Chicago Tribune
Publication Date:   May 16, 1885
Published at:Chicago, Illinois
Page Number:3
Newspaper article thumbnail: A Chinaman Lynched from Chicago Tribune, 1885-05-16

Article Transcript

A CHINAMAN LYNCHED.

INDIGNANT CITIZENS OF FRIAR’S POINT, ARK., TRY TO DROWN A CELESTIAL AND THEN SHOOT HIM TO DEATH.

HELENA, Ark., May 15.—[Special.]—A story is told by some citizens of Friar’s Point which shows a terrible state of affairs in that village. The report is that about ten days ago an old Chinaman was beaten severely by two or three citizens and ordered to leave town, which he started to do, going on the wharf-boat to wait for a boat. The self-authorized vigilants were not satisfied at this, however, and went to the wharf, caught the Chinaman, threw him into the river, and on his failing to drown as quickly as they desired shot him to death. The perpetrators of the murder claim that the Chinaman assaulted a young white girl, the daughter of one of the lynchers; but other citizens say he meant no harm to the girl and did nothing to alarm her, only putting his hand on her face to attract her attention. The names of the parties connected with the affair cannot be ascertained, but they are prominent citizens, and the body of the Chinaman has been found and some of his slayers arrested. The town is said to be divided into two factions: one desiring to shield the criminals and the other endeavoring to have the law enforced.

Citation

“A Chinaman Lynched.” Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL), May 1885.