Justice For the Negroes.

JUSTICE FOR THE NEGROES

The so-called race riots and lynchings of Negroes in different sections of the country show to what depth the average American can sink at a moment’s notice. If Negroes were guilty under the laws of these United States, they should be accorded a fair and impartial trial.
When a man has sworn to enforce the law and is entrusted with the safe-guarding of a community, and refuses to perform his duty because of the consequences to himself, that man should be promptly dismissed from service, and tried for wilful neglect of duty. But the communities guilty of such negligence will suffer, for Christ says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, Ye have done it unto Me.”
Even in Minneapolis with its 7,000 or more Negroes. You will not find 50 of pure Negro blood. Ask yourselves the reason why. If a black man accused of assaulting any white woman should be lynched, why not mete out the same judgment to the white man for assaulting a colored woman? Or, why not try both according to law, and there would be no complaint of prejudice.
The Negro fought and died for Democracy’s sake in the World War. Must he be denied the thing he fought to give to others? He gave liberally of his money, his time and his sons. He was loyal at all time. We do not ask that which the white man calls social equality be given us. God forbid! But we do ask that the 14^th and 15^th Amendments be enforced, instead of being as they now are, thrown into the waste paper basket.
We want no special privilege, but want to be tried by law when accused of any crime, and if guilty punished accordingly. Ignorance does not excuse crime. If, as some white men claim the Negro is ignorant, then it is up to the white man to educate him. He has always been 100 per cent loyal, and can be made a better citizen by better treatment.
The Negro is fast forgoing to the front educationally, morally and financially. This is partly the cause of the trouble today. Give to him all the rights due all American citizens and assure you that you will not regret the giving. Then you can look all other countries in the face and sing, “My County Tis of Thee.”
Do not judge the race by the comparatively few who are criminally inclined. We number over 12,000,000. You can search the records of this country and you will find the criminal percentage small as compared with other races. Would you say that all white men are vicious and criminal, because some have committed every deed in the calendar of crime? What? Do I hear you say ‘No’? then neither are all Negroes criminally inclined. Be honest with yourselves and with us and find out the real trouble. Let the members of both races that are honestly desirous of better conditions get together and do their full duty toward a better understanding. Let us select who shall represent us and much good can be accomplished.
Hardly a day has passed since the signing of the Armistice that the sun has set without the record of one or more Negroes lynched. Ere long all other countries will say that the lynching of the black American is the National sport of the American white man. Liberty will hang her head in shame. Old Glory will cease to wave so proudly and God in his infinite mercy will call this country to the judgment bar to render an accounting of its stewardship.

MRS. M. K. PARKER
1300 Central Ave., Minneapolis