South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-09-28
OUTLINES PLAN
To SAVE NEGRO
FROM VIOLENCE
Federal Council of Churches
Urges Cooperation to
Eliminate Race Wars.

NEW YORK. sept 27-Assert-
ing that eve must face frankly the
fact that most dangerous inter
racial situation now threatens our
country" the federal council OF the
churches Of Christ in America
made public here today "a con
s.rucfive program" for protecting
negroes against mob violence. bet
t.ring their condition. and removing
the cause Of racial troubles.
The plan was formulated by the
council acting in conjunction with
% committee representing white and
negro citizens from all sections OF
The United States. At a meeting of
the committee held here recently a
discussion OF the racial situation
took place and it was decided 70 is
sue "a call 10 the citizens Of the
United States TO act in conformity
with the high ideals Of democracy
and Christianity in tho present con-
dition OF strained relations between
the races
Signed by Officers.
The statement outlining the pro-
eram is signed by Frank Mason
North. president of the federal coun-
ell, Albert g. Lawson. chairman Of
10 administrative committee. Will
bur =. ThrkheId. chairman OF the
committee on negro churches. and
Charles s. Macfarland. general sec
rotary or the council.
The first paragraph Of the pro-
gram urges protection against mob
violence. IL follows.
The government. local state and
national. should impartially guar
antce 10 all classes security of life
and property Mob violence is be-
coming "a crowd habit. When life
and property are ruthIessIy taken.
when men and women are lynched
with no protection from officers or
courts. law and order are trampled
under foot. We call upon the pulpit
The press and all good people to
create "A public sentiment that will
support necessary legislation for the
enforcement of existing laws. that
life. liberty and the pursuit Of hap
Uiness may be equally secured TO all
classes.
Should Have Justice.
Tho negro should have economic
justice. equal opportunity to get and
hold work on the same terms as 9TH
err men. with equal pay for equal
work and with fair working and Iiv-
ing conditions" the program con-
tinucs The entrance of large num-
hers Of negroes into the various in
dustries emphasizes the necessity Of
an immediate amicable adjustment
OF relations with white employers
and fellow workers"
Referring 10 crimes that provoke
mob violence il is said:
We call upon men and women
everywhere TO protect the sanctity Of
home and womanhood. We record
with satisfaction the growing enlist
ment OF negro leaders in a program
Of education and Christianity such
as tends to prevent crimes that pro
woke mob violence. The home Of
the negro should receive the same
i.easure Of respect and protection
as that Of other Americans, and the
sanctity OF his home relations should
be safeguarded in every possible
way. Swift and impartial action Of
the law should strike the violator
Of the sanctity OF any horne. white
or black"
Adequate Recreation Urged.
Adequate recreational provisions
are recommended for negroes on
the ground that it is fundamental
10 the welfare and efficiency Of So
cie,y." The plea OF the negro for
equal travelling accommodations for
equal charges" is also indorsed.
Adequate educational facilities
for negro children and youth should
be provided not only as "A national
obligation but as a necessity for ma
tional welfare" the committee says.
We emphasize the urgency Of Civ
ing the negro his full share Of local
and national funds" 1t is also as
serted that qualifications for fran
chise should be administered ir-
respective of race. creed or color"
The council advocates closer CO.
operation between white persons
and negroes This could be brought
about, il says. by organizing local
committees OF white persons and
negroes in towns and communities
for the consideration OF inter-raciaI
welfare
The council recommends that the
governor OF each state appoint a
standing committee for the study OF
causes underlying racial friction
with a view TO their removal It
advocates also that congress be re-
quested through non partisan
committee to investigate the disturb
cd and threatening fster-racial sit
uation throughout the nation"
Root Of Mater.
The root OF the matter" il saws.
"is the failure to recognize the
negro as a man. II We propose "a
democratic program for the protec-
uon and self-determination OF the
weak and oppressed people OF
Europe as a means OF permanent
peace and good will abroad let ms
apply the same program at home.
A statement by the council pre-
facing the program asserts the "the
rccent race conflicts in some or our
cities is a challenge 10 the churches
harEed with the promotion OF the