The Phoenix index., 1940-02-03

paper publlcatlOn.
MIR. Robb, who conducts a col
umn in the journal entitled "Shop
Talk at Thirty" is generally recog
plzed as one of the most influen%
tial persons in American journalism
and his opinions often guide thu
course of daily newspaper editors
In this particular column, NJ
Robb discusses the charge tina,
southern papers often suppress new:
of lynci1ings and points to evidence
from white editors themselves that
they never suppress stories Of this
type when available. These edi-
tors also asserted that in some
rural communities where no cor
respondents lived. it was probable,
that now and then mob murdea
took place that never found III
way in print. They believed several
occurred a few years ago when a.
tempts were made to organize 2
tenant farmers union in Alabama
but were never able to get concrete
information.
TELLS OF LAWLESSNESS
The writer also stated that ir
many parts of Dixie it is no crinls
to kill Negro, and in some In.
stances even to slay a white man
If the killer is respected" Such
incidents are regarded not as
lynchingS but in the same respect
as Chicago or New York gang slay-
ings. However, Mr.. Robb says, such
ideas are diving out as education
progresses anG backwoods ideas
disappear.
Mr.. Robb includes:
GAS 1889 ended, the news re-
flected how grsat change hse
come. The supreme court of ti'
United States recently declared
that the University OF Missou
cannot deny a Negro place in its
law school, and the University has
openei special law sshool for Ne
groes in ST.. Louis. 1t will not be-
many years, we believe, before the
southern states themselves provid'
complete facilities for post-grad-
uate study by Negro men and WON
en- who have gone through the
several excellent collegs now serv~
ing their race.
WANT EDUCATION
Thoughtful Negro leaders have
long since ceased to think in terms
of social equality with white peo-
pie. They want education, which
will enable the Negro to protect
himself against the unscrupulous
exploiter, be he white or black, and
they see boundless opportunities
for the educated Negro to do good
and to prosper among his people,
without stepping on white toes.
"These Negroes and the political
and newspaper leaders of the
South who thoroughly understand
the complex and explosive problem
of the South viii work out their
situation more quickly and more
effectively if they are relieved of
"help" by politically minded senti-
mental, or partly informed outsid-
ers. AS our friend remarked, the
cause of progress in this field has
been injured more by its friends
than by it's enemies
However, students OF the south
ern scene point out that many
prominent and high placed white
leaders in that Gection are apath-
etic toward the lynching evil and
on occasion condone it secretly fot
economic reasons. Since poor whites
and Negroes have much IN common
except color and often compete for
the same jobs, it pays the ruling
powers to keep the lower groups
divided. The poor white tradition
ally resents any prominence or
show independence by Negroes
and will attempt to intlmldate
them all by lynching one.
Many southern white leaders also
know that if the status quo is not
to be overturned in Dixie then 1t
is best to keep the Negro cowed.
Although openly he may condemn
lynching and express horror, ne
seldom does much about it because
of cGs.nunity belief that lSnchIng
is all right.