New Britain herald., 1921-07-19
TAR AND FEATHERS.

TAR AND FEATE .aRS.
Five instances of tarring and feath-
ering, or beating, individuals in one
weekend cropped up over Sunday in
the southern part Of the United States
Among the number was d woman and
. preacher. The growth of this plan
CT action seems to be appalling and
one wonders what crimes, or sus-
pected crimes instigated the revengful
band to make it's attacks.
Undoubtedly there were, under
meath, some offenses against the hu-
man code of morals in one or two Of
the cases. In others it is quite pos
sibIe that there were none The Rev
Irwin received his application OF tar
and feathers because he had been SO
ipciscreet as to preach racial equality
and intermarriage between the whites
and blacks in a, district where this is
not countenanced, even by law. There
may have been other actions by the
reverend gentleman which were ad-
d:tional reasons for his being pun
isned, but, from news stories, they
are not evident. Mrs. Johnson, al
alleged bigamist, was treated to the
dosage ostensibly because she had
committed bigamy. there were prob
ably other causes in her case. And
SO it goes. there were open reasons
why all five were either whipped or
tarred, there are probably others not
50 apparent.
There are times when one may no.
help approving the actions of the
self-elected vigilantes, there are times
when one is conversant with case
near home and is almost willing to
ION such a band himself, SO revolving
may be the actions OF an individual.
Ordinary law does not seem punish
ment enough. But, for the sake OF
controlling lawless bands who might
take justice into their own hands and
then go further and perpetrate out
RACES upon innocent parties we must
fiown upon the whipping and tar
rings. The publishers may be led hv
a fanatic, or revengeful individual!
and grossly abuse some one. lit seems
that the case of the minister proves
that such a thing is possible. The
United States has laws and each stare
has statutes which are supposed to
furnish an adequate method of pun
fishing those committing crimes o.
violating the moral code. There is
little use of laws unless they are used.
lists, should not be blamed for the
acts of Justice that have come
about There is such an organization.
it is freely admitted by the sponsors,
but it is the easiest thing in the world,
and tho most natural thing, for any
band to copy the costume Of the Khan
thereby Disgusting the members and
at the same time diverting suspiciol
from themselves and throwing it upon
the Khan.
Whoever does the Furnishing, ii
must be a rather ticklish proposition
TO live in the south these days. Dame
Rumor plays no favorites, excepting
that she prefers to fasten her stories
upon someone who has become more
or less prominent, we'll known in a
circle of friends, political or social
The operations of the old lady may
be followed in this city, and many
know that stories spread by the pop
ulace are often untrue and unjust
However, should rumor spread in the
south about a person we should rath-
er hate to be that person, as h.
might expect a delegation of hoode
visitors, who were anxious to trea
him to a burning coat of tar and .
ridiculous trimming of feathers, ii
Inost any time. Such justice as i.
peddled out by bands Is just as liable
to be no justice as at all, in that the
victim does not deserve the punish
ment and ignoring the usual usage O
tine word justice