Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1912-09-26
Churches Asked
To Return Thanks

The executive committee of the Me
and Religion Forward Movement tC
day issued this statement to min
listers and pastors of Atlanta"
Chief Beavers, with a manhood
and courage rarely equaled, has
upon his own responsibility COM
piled with the request made by you
He has taken a step which few
men would dare to take alone, in
obedience to his conscience and
without regard for consequences to
himself
To him the churches of Atlanta
are indebted for an opportunity the
like of which has not been seen be-
fore in the history of our city to
prove again to the world that Jesus
spoke truth when He said the very
gates, of hades shall not prevail
against His church"
Expect Attacks on Beavers.
Servants of Satan. some even
masquerading in the garb of men,
bership of Christian churches, will
fight relentlessly this chief of po-
lice who by his fearless act has
taught anew the sacredness of an
oath and the law.
1t is gratifying that at this hour
such an official has behind him our
recorder. Nash r. Broyles, who Is
absolutely without fear and ever a
foe to vice and lawlessness in any
form.
The worst of these attacks will
be made under cover, when least
expected, and by men who have
not yet learned the meaning of
public office and the obligation of
an oath.
Without further consultation with
you, who created this committee,
we have pledged to Chief Beavers
the unqualified and amending sup
port of each of the 81 ministers who
signed the request for law enforce
ment against the social evil in At
lanta. In addition to this. we con-
hdently believe and expect that he
VIII have the approval and active
cooperation of every force for
good in the city, whether or not
connected with Christian churches.
Would Go Into Courts.
You need not be apprehensiVe as
to the moving of the houses to the
country districts or surrounding
counties.
We were confident that there was
mistake about the remarks at
tributed to Sheriff Mangum and
County Chief of Police Rowan.
Had they taken such a position.
it would not alter the situation.
Under such circumstances, your
committee would. Immediately and
without hesitation, use the injunc-
ton of the superior court against
the houses and criminal warrants
for the arrest of the owners of the
houses and their inmates.
The law is simple and effective.
Had Faith in Officials.
When there is man willing TO
get behind the law, the recognized
house of prostitution can not eX-
list "a hours in any city or county
of this state.
We did not use these methods in
the city because we were unwilling
excepting s last resort to adj
Vertise to the world that private
citizens of Atlanta had to do that
which our public officials are paid
TO do. Our belief in the integrity
OF the City's officials made us feel
that II was unnecessary.
1t is impossible that officials. UNI
der oath and responsible for law
and order in Fulton and surround
ing counties. should ever connive
at the efforts of criminals to thwart
the chief of Atlanta's police in the
enforcement OF law.
But should the impossible hap
pen, the courts will take care of
the criminals and the respectable
people will attend to the officials at
the polls.
No word from us to you with ref
erence TO the women of the houses
is necessary.
Ask Thanks Be Returned.
When you entered upon this
work YOU had already determined
to go more than half way to save
them and to take effective meas
ures to prevent others falling into
these unspeakable traps.
We ask that you make Sunday
day to- he remembered in Your
churches by returning thanks to
God for the action of Chief Beav-
ers and the victory which through
him God has given TO YOU
Pray for guidance of His people
in this time OF test for the churches
which bear the name of Christ.
Let IT be known TO the world that
this is the work not of few en-
thuslasts, but Of the Christian
ministers and people of Atlanta.
Respectfully,
JOHN j. FAGAN Chairman