Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Editorial Commends Investigation of Lynching, Aug. 28, 1919

From the News & Observer, as reprinted on the front page of the Franklin Times, Louisburg, N.C., Aug. 28, 1919

Franklin County Investigation

Solicitor Norris started with commendable promptness the investigation of the lynching which occurred in Franklin county last week. The quick work shows a due appreciation of the value of establishing the law and ending any sentiment that favors subversion of law by the irresponsible action of the mob.

One of the first things to compel the approval of the thinking people of the State will e the course of the two negroes, Joe and Sallie Harris, living on the Medlin farm where the crime was committed, who furnished evidence that helped materially to trace the criminal. Here was an example of holding law and humanity above any race prejudice, and if that one example could be followed by everybody a large proportion of the crime in this country would be quickly headed off. Shielding a criminal and assuming to defend him because of race conditions or where it is not racial relations but fraternity or other ties defies justice and obstructs law and encourages crime. It is to the credit of these two negroes that they were anxious to see the crime punished, and that they figured that it was a criminal who was sought and that his race or color had nothing to do with the desire for his apprehension.

A criminal is a criminal and as such the whole population should be on the side of the laws. If this fact can be impressed more widely, on white and black alike, and all be made to feel that the apprehension and punishment of any criminal is for the common good, we will have moved forward toward order and law decidedly.


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