The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-17
TO PUT A STOP TO LYNCHING.

The crime of murder Is more prevalent in
the United States than in any other country.
Statistics compiled few years ago showed
that out of every 10000 deaths in England
seven were murders, while out of every
10000 in this country twenty-one were muir
ders. These statistics related to the class
of homicides defined in all civilized coun-
tries as murder-the killing of one person by
another. deliberately and with malice pre-
pense, from any motive whatever. Human
passions are pretty much the same the world
over, and murderous motives are found ev-
erywhere, though in no other country are
they as much in evidence as they are in the
United States. But there is one kind of muir
der that is peculiarly and exclusively Amer
lean. namely. lynching. That particular
form of murder originated here, got its name
here, and is confined almost exclusively to
this country. Originating at an early day
during a primitive form of society, revived
at intervals in new and frontier communi-
ties. it has gradually strengthened its foot
hold until 1T has become common practice
In old communities where courts and other
machinery of justice are in full operation.
most horrible forms it scarcely excites more
than a passing emotion, and law-abiding
people have almost forgotten that it is not
only murder, but form Of murder so pecul-
iarly and distinctively American that 1t
has brought and is constantly bringing dis
o-ra 20 on the whole country and naonla As
sociate Justice Brewer, of the United States
Supreme Court. has done a public service
by giving a definition of the crime that
should stir the public conscience every
where. He says:
Every man who takes part In the burning
or lynching of negroes is a murderer and
should be so considered in the eyes of the
law.
Although il is always given in defense of
such actions that what are known TO law
yers as extenuating circumstances lessen,
to considerable degree. the gravity of the
offense, IL Is my opinion that no circum-
stance whatever can change the classifica-
ton of the crime to anything else but muir
der. Any man who kills his fellow-man
otherwise than in defense of himself or his
property commits nothing less than muir
der The man who takes part in the burning
OF a negro. no matter how atrocious was the
latters conduct, is guilty of this crime
OF course. there may be extenuation which
might vary the degree of the crime but the
principal participants in the crime can be
held by any court in the land for murder in
the same degree as IL the crime were COM
mtted by an individual
l know that the sentiment varies regard
ing this subject in different parts of the
country. In the South the lynching of a
negro who has committed an assault on a
white girl is considered proper and lust.
just as is the summary shooting OF a man
who calls you a liar to your face. In neither
case do l consider the circumstances extern
uating In the least. The crime can be called
nothing else than murder.
Plain talk like this from a great lawyer
helps TO clear the moral atmosphere re-
garding a crime that has become a national
disgrace Recognition of the fact that every
man who takes part in the burning or
lynching of a negro. or OF a white mar
either, is a murderer should put an end To all
talk about trough Justice or the special
code OF particular localities. Under Jus
tice Brewers definition. which is a true one,
there are thousands of unconvicted muir
derers pursuing their usual occupations in
this country to-day. They may pass as
good citissns. but In reality they are muir