davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1911-06-11
Newspaper for the
Negroes in District
Has LOmaX Editorial

THE Washington American" the
weekly newspaper for negroes in the
District of Columbia, contained the fol-
lowing editorial on the Lomax case in
its edition which appeared yesterday:
Shall a Woman Hang in Washington
Unless the people Of Washington so
arouse public sentiment as to prevent
It, a woman will hang in the Capital
of this nation on July 81. The woman
who is 10 hang is colored woman.
She has committed murder and has been
fairly tried and convicted. Mercy
rather than justice, is all that she can
ask for. But to do justice to the muir
derer and to execute the sentence OF
the law would bring upon the Ameri-
can people a national shame, far more
harmful than the failure to demand
exact justice in the case Of this WON
an. The issues and the sentiment in
voIved In this case raise it far above
the questions of the fairness of the
The Washington times., 1911-06-11
Vexed by Interference.

| To the Editor Of THE TIMES:
In your issue of last Sunday I read
an article on the Lomax case by q
John e. Prospect.
At first was inclined to think that
Mr.. Prospect was prejudiced or a
woman hater. but upon Investigation
find he Is to the opposite. I also
went to the Criminal Court to listen
to a case being tried, over which
Justice Wright presided and like Mr..
Prospect can say truly he is a mod
ern Solomon. who gives Justice where
justice Is due without fear or favor,
and who needs no defense for his ac-
lions in UNFOLDING the majesty Of the
law.
II from pure sentiment men and
women from the States, from their
influence and social status. are to be
allowed TO block the administration
of law and Justice in the District OF
Columbia then l say we had better
close the courts. and save the expense
of maintaining them. 1t Is peculiar
thing to me why these people should
interest themselves in this case. and
not in cases in their own States,
where Judge Lynch holds sway and
the accused does not have the SEM
blance OF a trial. which IL a worse
blot than executing a person legally.
1t Is tiresome to read SO much ABOUT
II.
The National Capital should show
the example to the world in this and
other things, and have our neighbcrs
do the opposite and nothing said. The
residents and taxpayers are capable
of running their own affairs II per-
mitted, but as we are told that the
people of the United States own the
District of Columbia, we are little bet,
ter off than the serfs OF Russia and
have to bow our heads, in meek sub
mission TO the will of Congress where
we have no direct representation.
Murderers' Reno.
1t would be wise TO herald the glad
tidings to the whole world that wom-
en- can come here and do murder, and
go free, and then let Washington be-
come to the murderess what Reno is
to the dlvorcee.
Read what that eminent scholar.
American, and churchman. his emf
nence James Cardinal Gibbons, says
in last Sundays paper in regard TO
the enforcement of the law. See what
! effect the Communication of sentence
had on Ada Cross. the negro murder
ess, who afterward killed female
convict in the penitentiary by stab
bling her with a pair of scissors and
then ponder over the question. rs II
right to enforce the law in such
cases, or should they be given a
chance to do the same deed again?'
l can see where Mr.. Prospect Is
right and like him say let the law
be enforced as made and provided
for in such cases. AS warning or
what may happen by blocking the
passage of justice call your atten-
tiop to the crimes of women accord
ing to the daily newspapers, and to
say with all sincerity that I believe
the execution of this woman will
have a deterring effect on others, and
put a stop to this crime by women
as did the sentences imposed by JUS
tice Wright put a stop to pocket-book
snatching in the District of Columbia.
(Mrs) ELLEN FREEMILL.
The Washington times., 1911-06-11
Carving Murder in Heart.

To the Editor Of THE TIMES:
God pity the man or woman that be-
lieves in capital punishment, for are
they not carrying murder in their
heart?
The taking of human life Is a ques-
ton that cannot be dwelt upon too
seriously. Human life is for purpose,
and he or she who destroys 1t, whether
it be in a fit of rage. or carefully pre-,
meditated, or from the "hangman,s'
can he be? To be sure the law con-
strues it into degrees. and also con-
strues the punishment to fit the crime,
but there Is a law higher than that
handed down by Judge or jury. 1t Is
a law with no loopholes for the rich or
poor, high or low, black or white. male
or female, and is covered by four small
words, ''thous shalt not KILL"
A second murder never satisfied the
first, it is only a revenge &C. pre-
tense Of satisfying justice. This may
The Washington times., 1911-06-11
Wants No Sex Distinction.

To the, Editor Of THE TIMES:
Do you not realize how highly incon-
sistent is your theory that, In punish
ing murderers, discrimination should be
made on account Of sex, but not on
account Of color?
When a man is executed, nobody corl-
tends that the whole male sex is being
wronged. Why, then, should all MEM
bers of the other sex be considered as
prosecuted, when the criminal Is a
woman?
of a law abolishing the death penalty
IN the District, instead Of appealing for
a Communication Of the sentence OF Mat
tie Lomax, you would receive much
more enthusiastic support from the cit
liens of Washington.
The Washington times., 1911-06-11
Knew Her as Servant.

To the Editor Of THE TINES:
/ am q Virgtnian, and have read with
much interest your editorial and the
numerous letters in The Times relative
to the case OF Matte Z. Lomax.
knew her some years ago as a domestic
in the home Of a near neighbor, and
was impressed with her quiet, inoffen-
sive and civil manner. I heard from
others then that her life was goaded
10 the limit of intolerance, and II the
reports were one-half true 1t appears
to me- that she almost deserves to be
pensioned rather than punished.
One woman speaks of her in The
Times as "a good woman, who COM
nitted the act under stress of extreme
provocation,' ete., and / believe It;
but fail to see this woman's reason
for saying that If she had been a
white woman she would have been &C
quilted" etc. Mrs. Surratt was white
woman, but ] never heard that she
was acquitted on the plea OF tempo
rary insanity."
Gone are the dark days OF the VEN
omous expression of abolition senti-
ments. and with them should pass all
unjust statements that tend to mislead
many people north Of the old Mason
and Dixon line into the belief that down
here the whites discriminate against the
colOred race TO the limit or unfaF-
ness.
| sincerely trust the President will
extend clemency in this case, and COM
mute the sentence. thus avoiding an
other blot on the pages of the Capital
history, and secure for himself an ad-
ditional measure OF respect and esteem
from that large majority of Southern
people who do not unjustly discrim-
mate.
As regards the opinions of those per-
sons who want law enforced i de-
sire to say that II is generally con-
ceded that a master has the right to
ask an employe to change any regular
routine of work to suit his later decis-
ions, or any prearranged plans to suit
any particular case. In this great re-
public where the people make the law
makers, why have not the people the
right to ask their servants to modify
any law that they find inefficient, or
more stringent than just, as applied to
some particular case, regardless of
presidents?
Why should the ancient rules and
laws Of the Modes and Persians govern
free and enlightened America in these
yrodarn fineS7 w, w. PUGH.
The Washington times., 1911-06-11

trial of Matte Lomax and of the fact
that she is a negro. The thought of
woman being hanged is the thought
which causes our sensibilities to recoii
in horror whether she be white or col.
ored.
fight against hanging this woman with
signal vigor, and Mrs. GORE. the wife
Of Senator Gore, and other distinguished
women have expressed the desire that
some way might be found to prevent this
shame from coming to this city and
the nation. Every pulpit should re-
sound with utterances against it. BY
SO doing the President will be able to
Judge public sentiment, and may thus
be led to commute the sentence.
The Washington times., 1911-06-11
Urges General Petition.
To the Editor Of THE TINES:

To the Editor Of THE TINES:
Your correspondent. w. E. Allen, says
why confine your efforts at clemency
to one sex?"
This question reminds me Of an arti-
Gle in a newspaper written by a very
prominent preachers wife when one Mrs.
Edwards, in a Pennsylvania town, was
sentenced to be hanged for the murder
of her husband.
This preachers wife wrote like this:
IT do believe In capital punishment for
men only and II this women should be
hanged It would serve to lessen mans
The Washington times., 1911-06-11
Circulating Petition.

To the Editor Of THE TINES:
Having seen your petition in the
evening edition of The Times, and a
request for it to be circulated for
signatures in behalf of Matte Lo-
max, have started a private petition
in this vicinity, Mt. Pleasant and
Meridian Hill northwest, using your
petition as printed in the paper as a
headline and am meeting with great
success. I expect to forward the
same to you in q few days.
l am sure the stand taken by you
and your staff of workers in this spe.
The Washington times., 1911-06-11

cial effort can bring only the results
desired. I am q colored citizen OF the
District, born and reared here, and
naturally am interested in this case.
In my estimation q life in prison at
hard labor would serve the ends OF
Justice far better than capital punish
ment. May God in his infinite mercy
bless every move you make for the
uplift of humanity in any or every
sense. JAMES r. PIPER.
The Washington times., 1911-06-11
Can Trust President.

To the Editor Of THE TIMES:
A great deal is being said and writ
ten In regard to this colored woman
who is under sentence Of death for
murder.
believe the President will COM
mute the sentence, but sending petit
lions will have no effect one way or
the other with him.
The people can rely on II that the
President will review the case and act
accordingly. NICK.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-08
soUTHs LEADERSHIP COMPLETE.

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eAe PSI eau0"S Il1i i's'' anu -
&c leader In the tinted STATES Senate lot mis-
election completely restores southern leadership
in both houses of Congress. but his victory was
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The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-08
COMPLETE PRACTICE
SHIPS SEPARATE
BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS CAUSE
BATTLE PRACTICE To RE
DISAPPOINTING

NORFOLK, VA, April s.~-With a
northwest wind Kicking up a high sea,
the Atlantic battleship feet had some
rough weather shooting at target Loco.
yards away Friday
Last night the ships engaged in the
target shooting with the lights on all
OF the sea- lighters cxtinguished. The
searchiights picked out the targets
miles away, and the gunners found the
range and opened fire. The result of
this shooting may not be made known
"a Stls> ssssiSlai record s:ist. wtii oe given
out later By the Navy Department.
me ships continued the shooting late
into the night, and at dawn to-day sep
arated, the third and fourth division
going to New York and Boston, and
the second. composed OF the Louisiana,
h sEiEss, South EayotTfla and View
Hampshire, coming to Norfolk The
North Dokota and Michigan, attached
to the first division came into Hampton
Roads to-day to take on supplies be-
tho Connecticut. Admiral yreeiand
will be commander OF the second divis-
ion. which will remain in these waters
until May /.
The battle practice, which has been
In progress of the Capes for the last
eight days is said to have been the
most disappointing held In years. Be-
cause OF rough weather. tho expert
ments with submarines were not held
and only a few Of the ships took part
in the firing at aeroplan-shaped box
kites. Most of tho box kites CON
structed at the navy yard for the fleet,
which were to have been fred on yes
terday, are still at the yard.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-08

detects evidence Of Observation-Disclosures Baseball
is one of the few things which will make man
forget that he is hungry. The thrill of the game
viii make man sensitive to drafts sit on wind
swept bleaehers on raw day. and the individual
who cannot endure heat hudde up in perspir-
ing mass of humanity on unshaded benches with
the sun beating down to the tune of Ito degrees.
1t is truly the great American game.
Some idea as to the proportion baseball has
fact that 400 players are employed in the two
major leagues. This does not include any OF the
many minor or bush leagues. The aggregate
salaries of these players is more than 100000 a
season. Tho magnates can afford to pay this
enormous sum to the players, and employ UNI
pres, ground keepers, ticket sellers and others,
and purchase uniforms bats, balls, masks. etc.
well expend thousands of dollars for trans
portation during the training period and base
ball season. because of the immense patronage
the game receives.
Perhaps no one enjoys the game better than
priests and ministers, numbers of whom. in
every city having league team are looked upon
regular attendants. The ministers of Grand
Junction Col, have become so enthused over
the game that they have wearied of watching
the plays from the grandstand and organized a
team among themselves. They have challenged
the lawyers, the doctors the bankers and other
business men. The only restriction they make
Is that the opposing nine be composed entirely
of men of single calling. The people of Col
orado approve of the ministerial nine. but the
Pensioners In Long Island who recently re.
lieved their preacher because he witnessed a
bowling match, probably will not
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-08
EXPECT TRIALS TO
END IN A FARCE.
CAMORRA MEMBERS HAVE PULL
IN GOVERNMENT AND FEW OF
THEM WILL BE PUNISHED.


vITERBO, ITALY, April s.-Al-
though the Camorrists' trial will prob
ably drag on for months. there is al
ready every indication that it will
end In fareioai verdicts.
Court experts who have followed
tho proceedings expressed the opinion
to-day that there will not be more
than three convictions. and that these
will be for short terms. In this event
the guilty ones will be Immediately
released. as the Imprisonment they
underwent awaiting trial would IN
doubtedly amount to more than the
terms of their sentences.
The opinion prevails in many minds
that. aside from Judge Bianchi, none
OF those connected with the prose-
cution has the requisite nerve 20 deal
with the revengeful Camorrists.
Have a Strong Pull
The real basis. however. for the be
lief that the prisoners will escape
lightly is the influence either of the
CRmorrists themselves or of their
friends In governmental affairs. Many
OF those in high places are believed
to be connected directly or indirectly
with the Camorrists.
An unique situation promises to
arise in the probable adjournment Of
the trial on Tuesday until after Eax-
ter. Nearly all of the prisoners pro-
fess 10 be devout communicates OF
the church and they are clamoring
for an opportunity to observe holy
week. They have petitioned for an
adjournment to prepare themselves
for Easter communion
Rapf Is the only one OF the pris-
oners who SCOTS at religion.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-08
THE GREAT AMERICAN GAME.

Many games of sport have had their origin in
this country, but none has such universal hold
on masculinity and feminnity alike as baseball.
II thrills the boy. the man. the girl and the wo-
man. Interest never lags when the opposing
teams are anywhere near evenly matched.
The quiet, sedate and dignified business man
becomes a bowling, raving "rooter' at the base
ball park, and while courteous and polite at his
Office, he says some very plain things to the UNI
pire and the members OF the home team II he
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-08
TAKE SHARP RAPS
AT ADMIRAL SCHROEDER

NORFOLK. VA. April S.--Because
Rear Admiral Sceohdrer has shown
a lack OF interest in the efforts OF the
business men of Norfolk to enter
tain the enlisted men OF the feet
with big oyster roast he has re-
ceived some rather pertinent letters
from w. T. Anderson. secretary OF
the Board of Trade.
More than $500 was subscribed by
business men and twice that amount
was promised for the purpose Of pay
ing for big roast OF Lynnhaven oys-
ters for the men of the feet. and tho
committee in charge waited patient
~ for something definite from Adj
miral Schroeder. The latter wrote
that the men would not he given Hh-
erty until after the target practice,
and later. after the Board OF Trade
had wasted considerable stationery,
the admiral replied that the ships
would not return to the Roads.
Now the committee has l.heo that
must be returned to those who sub
scribei it.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-08
Richmond. Va, April S.
Not The volunteers.

The Editor of The Virgitian:
Sir,-1 wish to contradict statement that
appeared in your issue OF Thursday, April 8,
namely That IL was the Volunteers who were
driven off the streets of Baltimore, Nd last
Christmas. This / most emphatically deny.
was stationed in Baltimore as an officer OF the
Volunteers at that time. and in position
to prove that it was the American Salvation
Army. under the leadership of Major Rhodes
who We're compelled to quit soliciting funds be-
cause they could not give satisfactory account
Of how their funds were expended.
DR. McGruder, head of the Associated Chart
ties OF Baltimore, is Of the gentlemen who
investigated them and he heartily endorses the
work of the Volunteers Mayor Mahool also
endorsed us. and all of solicitors had his
endorsement on their letters.
/ wish the citizens Of Richmond to plainly
understand that 1t was the American Salvation
Army and the Volunteers of America who
compelled TO quit soliciting.
HERBERT d. YOUNG,
104 East Leigh Street.
Richmond. Va, April 7.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-08
STRIPPING SHOULD BE FREED.

In the face OF unanimous recommendation
from the Prison Commission of Georgia that
Edgar Stripping. arrested in Danpille under the
name OF 'R. L. Morrs' and taken back TO pri.
son to finish life sentence for murder. be grant.
ed ~ss unconditional pardon Governor R.own
will probably liberate this modern Jean Vatican,
BY giving Stripping his liberty. the Executive of
Georgia will take step which will meet with
the approval Of majority Of the people in Genr-
gia and a great many in Virginia
Nothing is to he gained in the interest of gov
eminent. law justice by the further imprison-
ment of this man. The prison Is not 50 much
for punishment as for correction, for the con.
version of bad men into good men. Another pur-
pose of Imprisonment ia to protect society from
vicious and dangerous character Stripping
has shown by his conduct since his escape from
the Georgia prison that he is God-fearing.
Christian man. devoted to his family and hay
Ing the one purpose Of providing home for his
loved ones and leading clean life. While he
is shown to have killed two men since his es-
cape, these honlicides committed In the dis
charge OF his duty police officer in Danville.
Great provocation was shown in both instances
Notwithstanding these killings. Stripping is not
a dangerous character nor a menace 10 society
From the standpoint of correctiveness and peni-
tence. Stripping has proved that he is entitled to
his freedom
or paramount importance, however is the fact
that he should not have been imprisoned. Inves-
ugation has shown that he killed q thoroughly
bad man, dangerous character, and a defamer
Of womana character after Striplngs female
reIatives had been grossly fnsuIted More than
that the insulter, realizing his ohense and be-
lieving IL meant death, armed himself and went
In search OF the man who later killed him. II is
perhaps not going too far TO say that had Strip
ling not killed him, some other man would have
done so, for his kind are not tolerated in the
South. where the name of woman is held sacred
and the hearthstone is sanctihed
Many men aud women have bean freed by jul
ries under the "unwritten law" for the same
thing that Stripping did. Had the agitation over
\ the killing not been 80 great, and the trial been
conducted somewhere other than In the county
where excitement oyer the staying ran high.
Stripping probably would not have been con.
sicted.
Under all the circumstances, he is justly en-.
Titled to his freedom
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-08
PARTICULARLY INTERESTING TO THE
SOUTH

mo section is more interested in this ques-
tion trevision OF the United States currency
planl than the South, which needs capital at
equitable rates for its aevelopment-a develop
ment which in the past ten years has been little
short of marvellous
This statement from Congressman yreeland.
vice-ehairman of the National Monetary Com
mission. should start Southern bankers and
business to working for the speedy adop-
ton of the Aldrich currency plan. which pro-
vides for the expansion of currency during times
OF stress, and contraction when money is plen-
tiful. and which has been approved by hnanciers
In all parts of this country.
Nothing more true spoken than what
Mr.. Freeland has said about the Souths marvel.
GUS development during the past decade, and the
need of capital 10 continue that development.
We're adequate capital Invested in the Industries
OF the South this section would lead the world
in its agricultural, industrial aud mining pro
auctions Money is absolutely necessary, and it
should he easy Of obtaining at all times, The
present ancient and Inadequate currency plan
Of this country, which makes it possible for a
lew iAdHcterS 10 FORM money trust ana corner
the supply OF currency. Is responsible for the
blehtiug. deaihdeallng paBics which convulse
the nation on an average of every decade
These financial disasters upset the agricultural
commercial and industrial world throughout the
length and breadth OF the nation II not the
/ world Development and progress In all Sec
tions must cease when panics break and their
effect is felt for many years When conditions
begin to brighten. another panic breaks. Mr..
Vreeland very properly styles these pancs dis
graoes to the nation.
The Aldrieh currency plan contains the best
features OF the most substantial banking
systems in the world including those of the
Bank of England and the Bank Of France. Re
| duced to its simplest analysis the Aldrich plan
/ is to put the currency Of this country into the
| hands Of non-poitical, non-avarieious commits
/ sion. having ifs purpose the facitation OF
business and iudiclous distribution OF money SO
| as to make the country stable instead of making
a few men rich
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-08
INSANE MAN SHOOTS
JEFFERSON GREEN
RICHMONDER HOWEVER ESCAPES
WITHOUT SERIOUS INJURY.
ALTHOUGH HIT TWICE.

ROANOKE, VA, April SIN a fit of
temporary insanity Clarence L. Black
more local agent for a typewriter COM
pany. fred three shots at jefferson
Green, OF Richmond, last night, two of
the bullets striking Green
Green 10 connected with DR.. c. Henri
Lane. who is conducting an institute
for the cure of the whisky and drug
habits. Biackmore has been under
treatment and was occupying a room
in the Ponce De Leon Hotel DIR.
Lane and Green passed down the hall
about o'clock on the way to the din
ing room for dinner. and Blackmore.
in an Infatuated state, rushed out and
after using vile epithets drew a re-
volver and fired three shots at Green.
Green was not seriously hurt,
though one OF the bullets struck him
in the. abdomen. It did not penetrate
however. The other passed through
his cheek
Blackmore became violent following
the shooting and was placed under the
care of a physician. who gave him an
anesthetic. policeman Is standing
guard over him In his room In the ho-
tel