The Wisconsin weekly blade. [volume] (Madison, Wis.) 1916-1925, 1919-08-14
RAYS OF LIGHT
,HICAGo MINISTER'S TAKE HIGH
GROUND ON RACE RIOT
ING.
(Chicago Examiner)

at the West Pullman Methodist
Episcopal church last night. said:
Other people have come to our
shores to better their condition; we
brought the Negroes here to better
our condition.
I'VE cannot ignore our debt Of
gratitude for the part they played
in the world war. as indispensable
laborers, as courageous soldiers and
as supporters in full of every aid
undertaken at home.
In the past we in Chicago made
it necessary for them to live near
the haunts of vice which we estab-
lished. We have permitted gambl-
ing to flourish in their midst and
we imposed upon them the vicious
American saloon. At the same time
we unjustly closed many fields of
labor to them, causing the neediest
10 seek work among demorallzing
influences with which we surround
cd them.
Notwithstanding this, our Negro
citizens were law-abiding and gave
US no trouble until for commercial
purposes others were brought from
the South in such great numbers
that housing and other living con-
Gitions are inadequate. and as yet
we have been unable to effect a
read Gjustment.
while the recent riots have wit
messed the most sickening brutali-
ty on the part of Negroes the whites
have been no less cruel; in great
number of instances the stronger
race has fallen upon the weaker
with ferocity and without mercy
and without cause.
Let us resolve, in view Of the
conditions obtaining within the last
few days, to recognize our Negro
neighbors as Americans who have
always been loyal to America in the
face of bad treatment; let US recog-
nize them as fellow citizens entitled
to the rights and protection of other
citizens; let us treat them as men
and women entitled to share fully
and equally the boasted opportunity
of America; let us do this in a
friendly spirit worthy of Christians
and of Americans"
THE rioting of the past week is
of the devil" said the Rev. NJ. P.
Boynton, D. D., pastor of the Wood
lawn Baptist Church. yesterday, in
a prelude to his sermon. His sub
ject was THE Devil in Chicago,
DR.. Boynton said:
There is no passion of the hu-
man heart more diabolical than a
mere race prejudice To hate a fell
low human being because he is of
another race is to prove that we
are survivals of savagery and that
the evil spirits still dominate our
hearts and minds.
"A virtuous, industrious, self-re-
specting Negro is Just as accepta-
bic to God as is the white of the
same high qualities. The hatred in
the Negros heart for the white
face and the prejudice in the white
breast for the Negro are one and the
same evil passion. In both races
we have the undeveloped and ignor-
ant classes who thus clash with
one another.
THE strong measures used by the
governor and the mayor for the sup
preston of the rioting are highly
commended by all right thinking
people in this state and city. Riots
must be dealt with ruthlessly.
Let those who participate in the
rioting suffer the consequences. BY
such, sharp, quick methods the riot
is stamped out.
Thorough investigation must
follow the rioting, and all who have
participated in the murderous acts
of the mobs should be made 10 suf-
fer the heaviest penalties Of the
law. This city never again should
be disgraced by race riots. Chicago
must be made safe for every man
of every race who deports himself
in orderly fashion. To this end the
people will give the governor and
the mayor their unqualified sup
port
The only permanent cure for
such social disorder is in the fear
of Cod He alone can cleanse the
human heart cool the fires Of pas
sion and make men Of all sorts
dwell together in unity
The Rev. Austin '!unter. in his
sermon last night at the Jackson
Boulevard Christian Church. spoke
on "The Race Riots. Doctor Hun
ter said:
I'VE have been shocked by the
race riots in our city It is time 70
counsel calmuess and consideration.
Our self-appointed leaders have
proved michief makers in both the
race riots and the street car situa-
tion.
The Negro has not imposed him
self upon US in this country. he
came by special invitation and % is
here to stay He has not been a
shirker as a laborer or as a soldier.
He is in Chicago in large num-
bers. With inadequate housing and
living conditions trouble Is easily
stirred until a diustment is ef-
fected. II is a time 70 exercise pa
thence A vigorous and speedy pro-
secution OF those involved should
be made as deterrent 70 others
and as a demonstration that this
city is ruled by law and not by
mobs."