Around the time when the race riot was taking place, many political events were happening inside and outside of the state. In 1865, Illinois repealed the Black Code laws after the Civil War had ended. In this same year congress had passed the 13th amendment, ending the legal institution of slavery. In 1868, the 14th amendment was passed, giving African Americans equal protection under the law and allowed congress to enforce the amendment by any means necessary. In 1870, African American men were given the right to vote through the 15th amendment. In 1874, a law was passed that forbid segregation against blacks. Illinois also passed the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 1885 to forbid discrimination in public facilities and places such as hotels, rail roads, theaters, and restaurants. Looking at all the congressional laws that were passed, it can be assumed that there was a great amount of tension between the two races. The whites believed that all of this freedom was given too suddenly, while the African Americans are thinking that nothing is happening fast enough. 

On Saturday September 16, an African American man by the name of Slick attacked a white man on the street with a knife. It was said in the article that they were both in the middle of a quarrel, yet the topic of discussion was not released publicly. Slick began to slash at everyone on the street with this knife out of anger. Coincidentally, Slick had run into Judge Barnes who was able to disarm and arrest him. The African Americans of the community heard of this arrest and took matters into their own hands by trying to rescue them. A fight had broken out between the determined blacks and Judge Barnes. A few white men had pitched in to defend the Judge and had successfully won the fight. The article does not specify where this fight had broken out or when. It also does not give any names other than Judge Barnes, who is of a higher stature. Four of the black leaders were taken to the county jail as prisoners. Another group of African Americans formed to rescue the five prisoners. They stormed the prison, and a white guard who refused to use his weapon gave the African Americans access to the prison. Judge Barnes then formed a band of whites to attack the blacks. The Africans had lost the battle and were imprisoned again.

            Throughout this whole article, Judge Barnes was the only name mentioned. He is of a distinguished power throughout the county which makes all other characters seem unimportant compared to him. He is displayed as a hero to this riot because of his involvement in the violence pertained. But the African Americans who were looking for justice were shown as evil.