Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-02-08
.An AH-Important Question.

There is ring of true patriotism in the resolu-
lions recently adopted at a meeting of Habersham
county citizens calling upon candidates for public
ONCE particularly those for the Governorship and
Legislature. to declare what they purpose to do, "
elected. to free Georgia from mob violence. This
is an issue that strikes to the heart of the States
honor and well-being. 1t Is one on which there
ought not to be any shadow of difference among
men who aspire to positions of public trust. But
The principles involved momentous the in
teress at stake vital that the people should
know fully and definitely what they may expect of
those to whom they commit the making and en-
forcement of their laws.
The time has passed for dealing with mob crime
= abstract evil AZ Georgia IS to be purged Oh
the shame and the incaleulable harm Of lynchings,
she must do more than regret and denounce them;
she must bring lynchers to justice and punish them
unsparingly The majority of our citizens con-
demn this crime. The press and the pulpit are
vigorously outspoken against it. But we neeo
measures and men to put the States thought and
conscience into actual effect. BY all means let the
campaign TO arouse and organize moral sentiment
continue; but let remember the while that the
surest and swiftest way crush ynchng is to send
Iynchers to the gallows-
This of course, is easier said than done. But
II can be done IL the legislative and executive pow
ers of the State are duly exerted. The General AS
sembly can render important service in this regard
by providing more definite and more adequate
means of dealing with mob peril. Governor Harris
interestingly says in this connection:
THE provisions of the law such that
the Governor has power over the control OF
lynching unless the civil authorities apply to
him Then he can declare state Of martial
law In no instance during my term as Gov
ernor have the civil authorities asked me for
aid or said they we're unable to cope with the
situation Although it may not be gen.
orally understood. and it probably isn't widely
known, it is a fact nevertheless that the
Governor OF Georgia is a man whose hands
are tied under the present laws"
Here then. is phase of the problem to which
the Legislature should give earnest attention The
powers of the Executive should be strengthened so
that he will be able and legally bound to use the
States entire machinery of law enforcement for the
prevention OF Iynchings and for the detection and
punishment of persons guilty of this crime. AT
its next session, the Legislature should consider
this matter in all its sinister aspects, and adopt
forceful measures for the protection of the States
interests and the vindication of fits good name.
The thinking majority Of Georgians realize the
lnspeakable injury which mob madness brings upon
their commonwealth. They know that IL mob muir
der continues unchecked, It will batter down all
buIwarks OF justice defy all principles of govern
ment and lead TO reign of lawlessness in which no
mans property and no mans life viii be safe. The
time has come when the aroused intelligence OF our
people can be and must be translated into action.
who will lead or serve in this patriotic task? The
good citizens of Habersham county have set an ex-
ample worthy of the whole States emulation. Let
the candidates speak out that the people may know
what they purpose to do in defense of the States
honor and safety.