The Spread of an Evil Influence
The desperate convict Tracey, who escaped from the Salem Penitentiary, and killed a number of officers, has set an example which a number of persons in different parts of the country are trying to imitate. At Porterville, Cal., on July 27, a desperado killed one man, wounded four, and fled to the hills, declaring he would outdo Tracey. He has not been captured. At Philippi, W. Va., a desperate negro killed the chief of police and fled to the mountain country, terrorizing the people on the way. He is followed by a posse. At Aiken, S. C., on July 23 a desperado named Johnson killed a deputy sheriff and fled to the woods. He had already a record of two murders against him. Thus spreads the power of an evil influence.