Christopher Newman Midwest Political Science Association 2004
Elgin Community College Dark Tobacco Patch War—Revolution Analysis
6
pound in 1907 and eight and one-half cents per pound in 1908 (with a much larger crop
for Association members in the latter year, hence a much larger profit per person)
31
reaching twelve cents per pound in 1909 and early 1910.
32
Economic prosperity has been viewed as one of the elements leading to the
election of anti-Association Augustus Willson as governor.
33
Running as a law and order
candidate in a time in which the success of the Association in raising tobacco prices back
to a profitable level (thereby removing the excesses of the Trust from public concern),
Willson state militia units into occupy towns and cities and guard nonmembers’ farms
and individual witnesses against Night Rider defendants.
34
To avoid possible
compromise, militia units were stationed far from home. In addition to guard details, the
units patrolled and acted to interdict Night Rider meetings and operations.
35
Militia operations were assisted by information disclosed in the various federal
court civil trials of alleged Night Riders.
36
Association practice of voluntary self-
assessment to defray expenses and judgments suffered by Night Riders caused
disagreement in many lodges as to amounts and even whether to contribute to the cause,
as the pressure of Trust prices disappeared. Membership dropped as the financial burdens
of association exceeded any perceived benefit.
37
Fear of possible ruinous verdicts caused
many Night Riders to deed their assets to their wives in order to escape loss of their
meager assets.
38
Over six thousand members withdrew from the Association between
31
Tobacco Night Riders 123.
32
On Bended Knees 168. Tobacco Night Riders 191.
33
On Bended Knees 110-11.
34
On Bended Knees 114.
35
On Bended Knees 168.
36
Tobacco Night Riders 169.
37
On Bended Knees 168.
38
On Bended Knees 166.
Convention