The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-12-04
THE CHARLOTTE LYNCHING.

The ,ynching Of the negro F0wlkes, which
took place on Tuesday near brakes Branch,
in Charlotte county, is an act which is
very much to be regretted, as rejecting upon
the law-abiding character OF the people of
that good old county. 1t is true that
Fowlkes had committed a crime so heinOus
and 80 unjustifabe that public sentiment
was thoroughly aroused against him, the
popular resentment being so strong that il
found expression in an act Of lawlessness
which those who participated in it were
probably among the first to regard with lis
approval when their passions had had time
TO cool,
There Is no real excuse in public opinion
for such a violation Of the law. When
certain nameess crime is committed there
is quite naturally no strong popular con-
demnation of the impulse which consigns
the felon TO a summary punishment with
out the Intervention OF the courts, but in
the instance of such crime as that of which
Fowlkes was guilty-simple murder-a
crime which was certain to receive the
proper degree Of punishment IL the law
had been allowed 10 take its course, popu-
lar sentiment is not disposed to temper its
condemnation OF lynching by taking into
account the sentiment which generally in
nuences the participants, and which UNI
doubleday did so in the case OF Fowlkes.
Lynching under these circumstances is a
blow at the reputation of the community,
for 1t shows contempt Of the law. In the
light Of the high standing of the courts of
Southside Virginia, and especially of Char
lotte, where the lynching occurred, the
summary disposition of Fowlkes was to-
tally unnecessary. If the case had been
left TO the verdict Of Charlotte jury not
only would the murderer have received his
proper deserts, but 1t would have been
clearly shown to the lawless elements in
the communities Of that county that the
law had adequate powers TO punish when
punishment was called for
There is.no reason TO think that the citi-
zeus OF Charlotte, as mass. approved OF
the lynching, however much they may have
shared The feelings which led TO it, but they
which such an act is calculated to bring
upon the good name Of their native county.
Not only must the people OF Charlotte bear
this discredgt, but IL also falls In no small
degree upon the people OF the whole State.
No means should be left unutiized, there |
fsre. y so confirm public opinion that its |
unreserved condemnation OF such an act Of
lvnching as that which took place in Char
loste on Tuesday Will In the future exercise
. powerful influence In preventing such I'M
fortunate occurrences In the future.
II would be difficult TO find more law
abiding communities than those Of Nir-
ginia. The processes Of law are every
where relied upon for the punishment oil
crime. The reason that such an act as the |
recent lynching in Charlotte seems so con-
spicuous 10 that 1t is 80 exceptional; but |
there is no reason why such an act should |
ever be committed. The public sentiment OF
that county should 20 beyond mere con-
domination, as 1t no doubt will. and insist
upon thorough investigation with view
Of detecting those who participated in the
lynching Of Fowlkes.