CHAPTER III.
PROGRESS AND GROWTH OF THE ORDER We have briefly outlined in the preceding chapters the origin of White-capping in Sevier county together with its plans and purposes, as well as the character of the men who gave it their sanction and influence in its incipiency. We have seen how the idea of reforming a certain class of people of unlawful methods, grew and spread from the crude notions of a very few men in a single locality, until it had gained a stronghold in the minds of many good citizens, and culminated in an organization whose baneful influence threatened not only the whole of Sevier County but adjoining counties. Now that the practice of White-capping in Sevier County is a thing of the past and that the organization has gone to pieces, the good people of that county wonder how it was possible that such a condition of affairs should have ever existed, yet covering the years from 1892 to 1896, it grew and prospered till it almost dominated public sentiment. Courts became powerless to execute the law, the province of juries was invaded and justice throttled; popular elections were controlled by White-caps being installed in high places. At one time it was really popular in Sevier County to belong to this well known organization. Candidates for high office courted it for its influence in approaching elections and it is claimed that many became actual members when assured that such a step would bring to their support the solid vote and influence of the order. Indeed this sentiment had grown and had become so popular that it could not be confined by county lines, and adjacent parts of Jefferson and Blount Counties became infected with the virus that was poisoning and destroying the very life and good name of one of the best counties in East Tennessee. Its membership was extended into districts north of the French Broad river and thence into Jefferson county where many depredations were committed by roving bands of these night prowlers migrating from one county into the other. The organization reached its zenith of popularity and strength in 1894; the whipping of men and women were of frequent and almost nightly occurrence, and yet the perpetrators of these cruel deeds daily walked the public high-ways and even the streets of their towns unapprehended and unpunished. But White-capism was destined to have opposition. It could not be otherwise. It was founded on a wrong principle; its deeds like the hours of their execution were dark and so cruel they could not be defended. Many who at first gave it their sanction and silent if not active support now saw their mistake and withdrew their influence. It began to lose in public favor. Irresponsible men had worked themselves to the front and took charge of affairs. Men not only of bad habits generally, but men whose lives were polluted with lewdness and adulterous living had assumed the role of reformers and were heading midnight mobs which cruelly beat and in some instances killed persons because it was suspected that they were not living virtuous lives. Persons thus punished were no worse, but often, were much better than those who had arrogated to themselves the right to reform all who chanced to violate either the civil or moral law. While there was much opposition in sentiment and feeling to White-capism in its progressive stages, yet it was only a feeling of sentiment. Many were afraid to talk out against White-capping, for fear of being punished for his expression of opinion. Many persons who freely expressed their opinions unfavorable to such lawlessness, were promptly notified that they would be visited and whipped if such talk was repeated. Some were actually whipped for no greater offence than expressing disapproval of White-capping. Is it is any wonder then that an organization of such proportions and with such bold and avowed purposes should become a terror in any community? |