Suppressing Lawlessness by J. N. Q.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 18, 1910

Suppressing Lawlessness

By J. N. Q.

THE recent outrages upon the Negro are to be deplored by those who believe in the equality of all men before the law. Occasionally members of that race, when stirred by the cruelty practised upon them by white men, are led to make rash utterances, and to recommend measures which could only result in added harshness and cruelty. A Negro in this city, in a local paper, under the caption, “Arms to Stop Riots,” stated that “the Negro Baptist ministers considered a resolution to ask President Taft to distribute arms among the male citizens throughout the country.” The Baptist ministers immediately put themselves on the right side of the question, as follows:—

The colored ministers of Washington believe that lawlessness and crime, by whomsoever committed, should be punished, but that it should be punished only by the legally constituted authorities, and in a legal way. They are of the opinion that the present epidemic of crime and reign of murder in this country can not be suppressed by arms, but by the promulgation of the gospel, and an appeal to the sense of justice and right inherent in the American people. For that reason they are preparing to hold a mass-meeting of all pastors and other good citizens at Metropolitan Baptist Church, in R Street, this city, on next Monday night, to urge upon the entire nation the duty of obedience to the law, and necessity of suppressing the lawless element in America.

When crime has been committed, no matter by whom, the law of the state should be enforced, and those guilty punished. When mob rule prevails, bitter feelings are engendered, which will seek opportunity for retaliation. Justice appeals to all men in their normal condition; and when it is meted out, both parties become reconciled, and peace ensues. Lawlessness should be suppressed, and the majesty of the law maintained.

J. N. Q.