By R.E. Williams
Aberdeen, July 25—Following his order of yesterday that all protection needed me furnished E.G. Smith, the lone carman who is out on strike at this point, Governor Cameron Morrison today stopped on his way to Rockingham and personally admonished the detachment of troops on duty here to deal with absolute impartiality toward both sides of the controversy. Full military honors were given Governor Morrison, who stated he was merely passing through.
Lieut. C.N. Alston, in command of the detachment of 25 men that has lived a life of ease here for the past five days, stated that he will not mount guards over Smith’s residence unless he receives specific orders to do so. In the judgment of the officer, there is no necessity for such a measure in Smith’s case any more than for the two men now inspecting cars here who have not received such attention. This opinion is universally shared by the townspeople, who feel that Smith’s fears are unfounded, although it is generally conceded that he is genuinely frightened.
Smith, whose wife gave birth to a son this morning, announced today that he will go to Hamlet as soon as he can leave home to consult a lawyer.
Following the abduction of one of Smith’s successors last Tuesday the striker was warned by Mayor Henry A. Page that he would be held responsible for the repetition of such conduct. Smith asserts that at the same time he was threatened by J.R. Page, the mayor’s brother and this version was made the basis of the request for protection by the union at Hamlet.
People here feel that the only concern of the fruit growers is to have their crop move smoothly, which has been done so far as if the strike did not exist and no violence is anticipated from any quarter unless the crop movement is halted.
From the Raleigh News & Observer, July 26, 1922
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