El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1919-09-26
MOB Violence
IS CONDEMNED.
Federal Council Churches
Outlines Program To
Stop Lynching.

New York. Sept 26.-Asserting that
I'VE must face frankly the fact that
u most dangerous inter-racial situa-
/ ton now threatens our country" the
! Federal Council OF the Churches OF
Christ in America has made public
here a constructive program" for
/ protecting negroes against mob vio-
/ lence. lettering their condition and
removing the cause Of racial troubles.
The plan was formulated by the
council acting ir 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 dis
cussion Of the racial situation took
place and it was decided TO issue "a
cali 10 the citizens OF the United
States to act in conformity with the
high ideals Of democracy and Chris
tianity in the present condition OF
strained relations between the races
The statement outlining the pro-
gram is signed by Frank G. Lawson,
chairman Of its administrative com
mittee' Wilbur P. Tirkfield, chairman
Of the committee on negro churches
and hCarles 5 Macfarland general
secretary OF the council
Asks Protection From MObs-
The first paragraph OF the program
urges protection against mob vio-
lence. II follows;
s.The government. local, state and
national, should impartially guar
antee 10 all classes security OF life
and property Mob violence is be-
coming a crowd habit. When life and
property are ruthlessly 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 10 create
public sentiment that viii support
necessary legislation for the enforce
ment of existing laws, that life. lib
erty and the pursuit OF happiness may
be equally secured 10 all classes"
The negro should have economic
justice, equal pay for equal wor K and
with fair working and living Eondi-
tons, the program continues The
entrance Of large numbers Of negroes
into the various industries emphasizes
the necessity Of an Immediate ami
cable adjustment Of relations with
white employers and fellow-work-
ers.7
Cause OF Mob Violence.
Referring to crimes that provoke
mob violence it IS said:
We call upon men and women
everywhere to protect the sanctity OF
home. and Womanhood. We record
" 4
ment OF negro leaders in a program
OF education and Characterization such
as tends to prevent crimes that pro-
woke mob violence The home OF the
negro should receive the same meas
ure Of respect and protection as that
Of other Americans. and the sanctity
Of his home relations should be safe
guarded in every possible way. swift
and impartial action Of the law should
strike the violator Of the sanctity OF
any home, white or black"
Adequate recreatioual provisions
are recommended for negroes on the
ground that II is fundamental TO the
welfare and efficiency OF society.
The plea OF the negro for equal
travelling accommodations for equal
chsrges" Is also indorsed-
adequate educational facilities for
negro children and youth should be
provided not only as a national Obli-
CATION but as q necessity for national
welfare" the committee says we
emphasize the urgency Of giving TO
the negro his fun share Of local and
national funds" It Is also asserted
that Qualifications for franchise
should be administered ire
spective Of race, creed or color
Cooperation Is Urged.
The council advocates closer coop
Grafton between Wnlte persons ana
negroes. This could be brought about,
il says, by organizing local commit
tees Of white persons and negroes in
towns and communities for the con-
sideration OF inter-raciai welfare
The council also 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 requested
through a non-partisan committee TO
investigate the disturbed and threat
eninE inter-racial situation through
out the nation"
The root OF the matter" It says,
sis the failure to recognize the negro
as a man. If We propose a democratic
program for the protection and sllf-
determination OF the weak and op-
pressed people Of Europe as a means
Of permanent peace and good will
abroad, let US apply the same pro-
gram at home"
A statement by the council prefac-
ing the program asserts that the re-
cent race conflicts in some OF our
cities IS a challenge to the churches
charged with the promotion Of the
brotherhood Of man This calls for
preaching the duty OF economic and
community justice for the negro. thus
securing peace and good viii between I
the races.