Franklin's paper the statesman., 1911-07-08
HOW THE TIMES
HAVE CHANGED!

Governor Shafroth, at the earliest
intimation that the killing OF an oftic-
er in Rocky Ford, Colorado, by a
Negro might result in the latter being
lynched when caught, asked the as
sistance of the leading men OF that
community in preventing such a blot
upon the state, and offered the sheriff
the assistance of the militia if neces-
sary. His telegram read:
Estes Park, Colo, July 5, 1911.
H. w. Potter, Sheriff, La Junta, Colo.
Understand there is danger OF
lynching negro. Protect at all haz-
ard your prisoner. There is no ex-
cuse for mob law in Colorado. If
guilty he is sure of punishment. Only
one prisoner pardoned during my ad-
ministration and he was innocent
Will call out National Guard if neces-
sary. Colorado must not be dis
graced.
JOHN F. SHAFROTH,
Governor.
We congratulate Governor Shafroth
on the promptness with which he act
ed. At the same time we recall other
occasions when lynching was threat
ened, and cannot but compare his ac-
ton with the Indifference of other
governors, to their disparagement. So
long was murder by mob condoned
where negroes were the offenders,
that it will require some time for the
hotspurs to learn that mere numbers
does not give them the right to kill.
Our comment upon this episode is
incomplete were we not to mention
the changed attitude of colored peo-
pie. The fetch OF the law which
the white people of thisc ountry have
raised for our alteration at all times,
and for their own neglect when it
suits their convenience, was sufficient
for a long time TO keep us in con-
formity. Certainly it received the
moral support of Negroes who are
considered good citizens. But so
tiimsy was the mantle of protection
that law has thrown about us, even
where we are not charged with crime,
that it was no uncommon thing to
hear sentiments expressed this week
that Harris should run his course
rather than submit to arrest and then
be lynched. In other words, colored
people have come to believe that
white people have too little respect
for the laws they make to forego the
pleasure of lynching. From gen.
eral respect for and obedience to the
law, there has grown up spirit
among us that we must be sufficient
unto ourselves at times. AS the old
Negro passes away and younger men
come on, self sufficiency becomes
more common. Moral support of self
suf1iciency becomes more general. In
no far distant day the whole crop of
tares that has been sown by the in
difference of officials to the upholding
of the law, will be reaped unless
strenuous efforts are made now to
restore public opinion, black as well
as white, to healthy state.
The interest in Africa not merely
from the standpoint of it's civilization
and evangelization, but as future
home for our race, gives larger i'm
portance to the reports which we get
first hand from travellers who have
been there. For thirty years Euro
pean nations have exploited the dark
continent for gain. They have pre-
empted the best portions of it. Yet
its untold wealth is barely touched
The address of DR.. II. H. Jones at the
missionary mass meeting tomorrow
therefore possesses unusual interest
and should be largely attended.
The report seems to be well found
ed that in a few days the Ninth Cav
airy will once more be established in
their old barracks at FIT. Russell,
Wyo. The boys have been in maneu-
vering camp in Texas for four months