Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-01-30
SOUTHERN OUTRAGES.
An Open Letter by COlored Editor I
Governor j. d. Gordon.

Governor j. d. Gordon.
GENERAL ]. B. GORDON, GOVERNOR OF
GEORGIA-Dear Sir: am brought before
you by the force of love for my race,
and 1 come under a burden of sorrow
and grief far beyond expression.
After praying, mourning and medita-
ting over the matter l have come to the
conclusion that you are the man to help
US, and to you appeal in behalf of my
suffering brethren.
You are no doubt familiar with all the
particulars of the Jesup riot. To say
that the negroes were not to blame
would not be telling the truth; but those
men who entered the Jail in which they
were incarcerated and put them to death
committed as foul a murder as ever
darkened a page OF history, and at their
door we place the blood of those men
who stood innocent-until the law found
them guilty.
On last Saturday night poor colored
girl only eleven years old was outraged
by four white men, and as a consequence
must die.
Four eolored women were made to
strip naked, outraged and then whipped
nearly to death.
At Valdosta a poor widowed colcred
woman driven from home-her son shot
to death in bed by masked men.
There were numerous other outrages
not necessary to mention, but which
have driven them completely out of pa
thence, and they are daily deserving
their homes by every train and on foot
with their little rolls of bedding and
provisions, seeking new homes where
they will be allowed to live in peace.
Although live in Florida, my bust
ness is largely in Georgia, and am be-
fore your Excellency to-day in behalf
of my people because 1 love them dear
~ and because believe you, Southern
gentleman who understands the Negro
better than any one else does, and
whom the people of Georgia have chosen
and put in authority over US to keep
law and order in our fair land, are the
proper person to set this matter right,
and put stop to these murderous and
fendish outrages.
Governor, this has become serious
question. 1t has outdone war scenes
and history. 1t requires deep thinking
and prompt action. The race question
has become deep issue-to me it is a
sEkening sight to see the headline in
the newspapers, 1.-The Negro Problem"
1t is an eye-sore as we'll as a stab at
common sense and civilization. The
truth is, we have no more problem thar
any of the other races that exist on thu
face of the earth.
Some propose immigration as 4 settle
ment for our troubles. This is not right.
We are here and have as much right to
remain here as any white man. 1t is our
birthplace-ourh homeland no man has
right to drive us from it, and we are not
going to be driven, and no right-think-
ing white men want US to go, for they
need US here as much as we need them.
Now, Governor, l feel that 1 have
taken enough of your time in behalf OF
our people at Jesup and ValdOsta. What
steps are you going to take to bring
those murderers to justice? 1t is in
your hands. You have the power, and
it is to you we look to have the crimi-
nails punished for their crimes.
The matter can be settled right here
at home without the interference of any
outside influence, party, politics, or the
North Respectfully,
J. w. THOMPSON,
Editor Peoples Journal, Jacksonville,