|
Grand Jury May Complete ' Probe Of Lynching Today
Seven Witnesses Heard in Investigation of Killing
of Matthew Williams—Summons Issued
for 21 More Witnesses
Salisbury, Md., March 16 (£>)— Moving swiftly, the Wicomico county grand jury today heard 70 more witnesses in its inquiry into the lynching last December 4, ot Matthew Williams, negro, after he had killed his employer, Daniel J. Elliott, lumberman. The fast moving line which went in and out of the grand jury room brought to 82 the number of persons so far heard, and State's Attorney Bailey said he hoped to have the inquiry completed late tomorrow.
He said the remainder of his witnesses would probably give their testimony before afternoon, and that he hoped to have the result of the body's deliberations by evening. He said however, that any one who had information not only in the lynching but on activities of "outside organizations" which preceded it, would be heard.
In this connection summons were issued today for 21 additional persons, to be added to the orginal list
of 102 called for the probe. Their presence, the State's Attorney said, was prompted by testimony given by the other witnesses.
The jury is investigating not only the lj'nching but the murder of Elliott, and reports of Communistic activity on the Eastern Shore in which it was alleged negroes were incited to "revolt." Judge Joseph L.. Bailey, in his charge to the jury, instructed it to inquire into these reports.
Attorney General W. Preston Lane, Jr., and his assistant, G. C. A. Anderson were in the grand jury room with State's Attorney Bailey in conducting the examination of witnesses. The Attorney General was assigned by Governor Ritchie to investigate the lynching.
Williams was lynched a few hours after he had shot and killed Elliott. his employer, and wounded himself. The murder of the lumberman was the third act of violence by negroes against whites on the Eastern Shore within a short period,
|
