Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-11-18
THE BAPrISTS.

Resolutions opposing III the strongest
terms the prevalence OF lynching in the
United States and a stirring speech on
the subject by Governor Montague were
features Of yesterdays session in Peters
burg of the Baptist General Association
of Virginia. The resolution which
was offered by Rev. Ashby Jones, Of
Richmond, was a. folpws:.
''Resoved, That the General Asso-
citation of Virginia Baplisis call upon all
pastors and churches within its bounds
to appeal to the people to repress the
spirit Oflynching and uphold the majesty
and due execution OF the laws Of Vir-
ginia."
Governor Montague addressed the con-
vention. He said that he was profound
ly In favor of the resolution and that we
could not maintain our civilization unless
lynching is stopped.
"There are more honicides." said the
governor. "committed in America than
in any other part of the civilized world,
save Russia. Freedom without response
biity is an empty gift"
Governor Montague asked what was
to be done about lynching. 'In the
first place." said he, claw in America ia
nothing if you have not public sentiment
to back it up. The excuse for lynching
does not longer exist. We use to lynch
for one crime, now we lynch for 10 or l5
crimes" Governor Montague said no
one should vote to put man into Office
unless he will uphold the laws. The
sheriAs must know that, Unnecessary, the
whole military, both State and federal,
can be called out to vindicate the law.
When we will vote only for men who
will enforce the law we will see fewer
lynchings. The South, " said he, Islands
today next to Pacific States in homi-
cides. This means that we must enforce
the law. Public sentiment makes law
or modifies law. Unless we have pub
lie sentiment behind the law it is
mockery."
At the close of the governors address
the resolution was adopted by a rising
vote.
The report on temperance was made
by Rev. E. j. Richardson. The report
says that the sentiment in favor Of the dis.
pensary system is cising aud that no pains
should be spared to defeat this institution,
which is only barroom undera another
name. There are in Virginia about IT. 900
barrooms, which are chiefly in the cities
and towns to which the Mann law does
not apply. Fully 800 barrooms have
been closed. The report further says
that the Anti-Saloon League is making
an effort to raise for its uses So, 500. The
report was adopted,
Hon. J. Taylor Ellyson, ofRichmond,
corresponding secretary of the State
mission board. presented the report of
that board, which was adopted. The
work OF the board for the years was pro-
iected on a basis OF $50, 900. starting
with $4,000 in the treasury. 1t was
necessary to raise $26, 900 in order to
carry on this programme. The churches
gave $25, 1885. The excellent work
of the four evangelists ia noted. They
held meetings. in "a counties and we're
engaged total of l, 1872 days, au aver
age of 230 days for each. They report
808 conversions in these meetings. They
organized TWO churches and opened the
way for the organization of five or six
churches 10 destitute sections.
Following are the recommendations in
the report. First, that the board be
instructed to make $50, 900 the basis of
their work for the current year second,
that the corps OF eyangellsts be continued
and that, il possible, the number be in
creased; third, that an effort be
made to establish a permanent fund,
to be known as the "church building
fund.-" IRON which the hoard shall
help mission churches to erect houses
of worship either by donation or loans.
At the afternoon session Rev. DR..
William E. Hatcher, OF Richmond,
presented an interesting report on or
phanage, which was adopted. DR.
Hatcher asked the association to con-
tribute 81, 900 to be expended in in
Sailing plant to bring water from a
mountain stream to the orphanage,
which is located at Salem. The amount
asked for was readily pledged.