Six Augusta Blacks Die in Racial Riots

National Guardsmen with live ammunition and orders to shoot if necessary stood by yesterday in Augusta. Ga., in the wake of racial violence that has left six black men dead.

Violence erupted late Monday after a large group of blacks had marched peacefully through downtown Augusta. Later, roving bands began smashing store windows and setting fires. After looting and sniper fire reportedly began. Governor Lester Maddox ordered National Guardsmen and state police into the city.

By Tuesday morning, six black men had died of gunshot wounds and 60 other people had been injured.

Black unrest in the city began after a 16-year-old black prisoner. CharlesOatman, was beaten to death in jail. Police claimed that other prisoners had done the beating. but local blacks said that sheriff's officers had beaten Oatman.

Yesterday, Sheriff E. R. Atkins charged two black cellmates with murder in the fatal beating of Oatman.

Maddox, who toured the city yesterday, said he thinks the riot was "part of a Communist conspiracy." He said the Guardsmen have orders to use their weapons to control the situation.

"Those sniping at our Guardsmen-we're not going to ask them to stop." he said "They'd better be prepared to meet their Maker."