National Affairs: People v. Shepherd

One night last week some 2,000 citizens of Mississippi watched a fire. The fuel for the fire consisted of a pile of logs, several cans of gasoline, and a Negro. Brightly burned the gasoline, with orange flame, black smoke. Soon the Negro's flesh became hot, reached what is technically termed the "point of combustion." Then the Negro also burned. Watching citizens heard groans, screams, pleadings. "Get me done with," cried the flaming Negro, "get me done with quick." The fire was out in 15 minutes.

Thus ended the case of the People of Mississippi...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!