Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1917-07-14
Letter From Buckner, Va.
Buckner. Va. .Julv IN 1917

Editor Of Tho Planet:
Dear Sir,-I have just read yoslr
very strong editorial in last weeks
Issue OF the Planet condemning tho
action of that bloodsthirsty mob I'm
East st. Louis, and l write in keep.
ing with your suggestions, that tho
Negroes do all In their power to pro,.
tect and create sentiment to the end
that not only those who participated
Ill that brutal outrage but those in
authority may know how keenly we
leei the injustice, and especially at
tlme when we, as a race. are being
called upon to show our loyalty and
patriotism to this country as VIC have
always done heretofore.
NOW, some among our own DeonIe
VIII ask what can be done or what
good can we do as Negro race:
Others will, no doubt, say that the
Negroes should not have ler. the
south III such large numbers. We
claim that in this free country of
ours tho Negro has a perfect right
TO go and reside, and 80 long as he
depdrts himself as a good citizen, he
has right to be protected in com.
mon with all other citizens and 4
right to life, liberty and pursuit OF
happiness.
We deny, as the Times-Dispatch
intimates, that the Negro went there
to supplant tho white man or take
his job. Tho Negro, as a race. only
wants that for which he works and
Justly earns. II we agree that tho
Negro should remain in any section
or It's country in order to be pro-
tecteo' then Following out this prin-
ciple IT, VIII only be question of
time before conditions in said sec.
ZION VIII be so intolerable that he
VIII have to take his flight.
80 we contend that we must have
protection wherever We are, so long
as "e make ourselves worthy OF same.
"hat can we do about H.? We can,
rs you Mr.. Editor advised, write,
speak and preach until we make
these In authority know that we are
not satisfied and that we expect to
demand better treatment.
This being the season of the year
Tor most OF the annual meetings, I
think at each and all Of these meet
1ngs there should go up a protest.
Ihcre Is the Negro Organization So.
ciety or Virginia, an organization In
which all of the Negroes In the State
are directly or Indirectly represent
cd. Why not that society speak for
Virginia? We shall wait, Mr.. Editor,
and see whether we will let the mat.
ter die for want of our moral SUD.
port, or whether we shall 20 10 the
aid OF such men as eX-Presilent Roose-
volt, who has declared that there
must be the fullest investigation.
Let us work, watch and pray, and
someday perhaps, III the near future,
the God Of Justice and Mercy will
visit the scene and WILL we believe,
declare unto these guilty, either by
direct participation or by condoning
the act, that the voice OF their broth.
ers blood crieth unto Him from the
streets and burning buildings of East
st. Louis and In due time He will
give justice to whom Justice Is due.
Those who laid the cornerstone for
the construction Of this government
saw fit to place emphasis upon the
fact that no free government or the
blessings Of liberty could be pre.
serVeu except by firm adherence to
justice, etc. This is no less true now
than 1t was at the time it was spoken
many years ago. Then we are not
discouraged.
Again, Mr. Editor, hoping that you
may have the support OF every liberty
loving Negro in America,
Am yours for the cause,
II. S. JOHNSON.
Buckner, Va.