The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-02-16
BY Tileicn sclercr.

Now that the atmosphere Is pegih-
ming to clear up II seems TO me that
the time has come for sane esti-
mate OF the situation with regard to
A. A. Yoder and his career In Rich
mond. Since circumstances have
seemed to force me into an uncom-
Portable and uneusiabfe netefietv
think it perhaps proper that some
such discussion should come from me.
do net hesitate ~ say ia -ths, -ssutset
that my treatment of the whole sit
uation shalt be entirely from the
standpoint of the Ghristian--at least,
according to my theoretical concep-
ton of what the true spirit of Chris
tianity Is.
BY way of preface let me say In
terms that no intelligent man need
mistake. Richmond IL passing through
a tremendous moral crisis and the tide
must be taken at IT'S Hood.
Whether A. a. foder has been ac-
tuated by base ar pure motives.
whether his methods have been radf-
cal or sane: whether he has been a
base defamer OF character or a legiti-
mate critic OF public officials; whether
Justly condemned. to my mind. ii Is
unmistakabie that he has been used
of an overruling Providence for a
purpose.
Ii any of the gentlemen in official
position feel that they are the objects
of crit cism in this discussion let them
remember whatI have said as to the
spirit which animates me l am sim
ply seeking the true mean of the PEN
dulum that has been swinging so vio-
Iently during the last few weeks.
Improper Conditions Exist.
That there exists In Richmond an
improper condition with regard to law
enforcement and the public morals al
judged by the highest standard these
gentlemen must themselves admit
Perhaps 1t is a position into which
they are FORCED Wy the negligence of
athers--we of thc rank and file have
perhaps not taken the interest in these
affairs that we should and have not
lent our encouragement and advice al
the proper time and in a constructive
way. But this is not a time for fault
finding with ourselves or others. II
Ia time to recognize problem and
get together and work out solution
In order that there may be a more
let me cite one or two concrete cases
as to what l mean by saying that
there exists an improper state of az
fairs.
RepuIsiye Exhibition.
In the State Fair Grounds two years
ago there was enacted. hour after
hour, in one OF the side shows an ex-
hibition repulsive to every sense OF
decency. A poor depraved creature
totally devoid OF all sense of modesty
prostituting the best and purest In
human nature to the lowest ends. Civ
ing repeated performances of the
vilest and most uncomfortable sort ir
the presence of an assembled crowc
of men. a policeman in uniform. and
worst of ALL little boy In knee
trousers. whom ! afterwards learned
to be one of the boys of my owr
Sunday school. My motives for being
there need not be discussed. as they
do not concern the issue. Who wa
responsible for that unmentionablt
exhibition of deprayity, which is re-
peated every year. and which Is 9
most fragrant violation of the law OF
the lands Those distinguished gentle.
men who have control of the affair:
of this institution will do well to cor.
slider the logical deductions that coule
be made from the selling of conces'
sions for such purposes. The sworr
officers of the law may well consider
the logical consequences OF their fail.
ure to enforce the law In such cases
The public that demands, t,atrenize.
or falls to protest against such exhi.
billions may well consider their re
sponsibility in the matter. But let Ii,
follow this exhibition. this law viola
ton. to its logical consequences, ant
we find one excuse for the segregation
policy which is in itself fragrant VIC
lation of the law, no matter what ths
motives are that inspire 1t or the con
ditions that seem to demand it, AnS
who In to blameg The criminals whs
inhabH this district. the officials wht
prescribe II or the public that per
| mits 1t, or all combined?
/ need only mention the Sunda,
selling laws and ask again where thu
responsibility belongs. on the seller
the public, the officials or all?
/ need not specify certain acts OF
| the part OF gentlemen In Office which
with all fairness and moderation,
may call acts Of indiscretion and tn,
| objects Of iegitimate criticism.
The gambling house evil and tn,
reputed existence for years OF the de
] moraiixing policy shops' may b,
/ IneRttcneTa with. q suggestion o. tn,
difficuity in dealing With the situation
Y; Such are some OF the condition
that prevail and the Integrity OF tn,
/ people and OF the city government
T' 1f.ontfnued on MIN paoal