Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1911-07-07
SOLONS MAY PROBE
RECENT LYNCH|NGS
IN ALTON COUNTY
Two Resolutions Offered in
House to Authorize Thorough
Investigation of Notorious
Affair

Two resolutions. providing for an IN
vestigation by the Legislature Of the re-
cent lynchings OF two negroes In Walton
county, were introduced In the house
Thursday morning. and probably VIII be
acted on Friday. One resolution ID by
Mr.. Pickett, OF Picixens, and the ether
by Mr.. Parker OF Liberty. Instead of be-
ing referred to q committee, they win
be allowed to lie on the table for day.
and win then be presented to the house
for adoption
Referring to the lynching. Mr.. Pickstt.s
resolution states:
TT Il openly and VIGOROUSLY charged
throughout the state that the constitution
Of the United States, the constitution OF
the state OF Georgia. and the laws of
each have been fagrautly violated, that
the courts OF the state have been orenly
set at defiance, and that the rights or
citizens OF the state have been outras-
ed. and that their lives have been for
feited.
TT h openly and VIGOROUSLY charged
that Justice has miscarried through. the
failure or the refusal of the proper au-
thorities OF the state to secure to said
accused persons the venue OF fair trial.
and the adequate protection to their libes
and their persons provided and gI1aran-
teed by law. and at the command OF
such authorities
THE honor OF the state demands that
the frequently recurring organized crimes
known as lynchings should be publicly
and ofaciaIly condemned as crimes abb
horrent to the minds OF a great people.
and foreign to their conceptions Of law
and liberty.
ut is the right Of the people OF the
state and Of the officials criticised and
charged with misfeasance that the facts
attendant upon said alleged violations or
law In Walton county should be investi-
gated, and that the culpability or free
dom from blame OF said officials should
be ascertained and established. as may
appear from such investigation.
PROVIDES COMMITTEE.
Following this statement the resolutions
provide that 6 committee of seven. four
from the house and three from the SEN
ate shall be appointed.
First To make complete and
thorough investigation OF said alleged
violations Of law in Walton county, Ca
Second. To ascertain II any official
or officials OF the state. charged with
the duty OF executing the laws ana or
securing to said persons accused Of
crime adequate protection to their lives
and their persons, has been guilty of
any official misfeasance. neglect or mis-
conduct
Third To report the result OF such
investigations ard the findings of sucn
committee to the general assembly
Fourth. To recommend to the gen
eral assembly such course In the prem
ises, as such committee. In it's discre-
ton, may deem proper.
Fifth. Broadly to consider and to
recommend to the general assembly
such legislation, If any. as such COM
mittee may deem advisable, with the
purpose Of preventing similar violations
OF law. and OF securing to all persons.
with whatever crimes they may be
charged, absolute and complete protec-
ton to their lives and their persons,
and the assurance of fair and impartial
| trials"
PARKER RESOLUTION.
Following Is Mr.. Parker's resolutions:
| Whereas, mob violence has become ~
common and is foreign, to every principle
OF our republican form of gvernment.
Therefore. Be 1t Resolved. That the
legislature thoroughly investigate the
horrible double lynching which occur
red in walton county and place the re-
sponsibility of the failure of this Law
to take its course.