Governor O'Neal Scores Lynchers. in Caustic Statement Takes Alabama and Courageous Governor
- Title
- Governor O'Neal Scores Lynchers. in Caustic Statement Takes Alabama and Courageous Governor
- Source Type
- Newspapers
- Author
- N/A
- Publisher
- Washington Bee
- Publication Place
- Washington, DC
- Publication Date
- January 16, 1915
- Transcript
-
in establishing the guilt and guaranteeing the punishment of the lynchers.
The Executive announced that he had as quickly as possible ordered a special session of the Circuit Court in Elmore Co. to make inquiry into the lynching. Every possible effort will be made to bring the guilty parties to justice, he declared. The Negroes were lynched on suspicion, said the Governor, adding that there was not sufficient evidence for any jury to have found them guilty of participating in the assassination of R. A. Stillwell, in connection with which crime they were being held.
"These Negroes were lynched on suspicion, and so far as I am informed there was not sufficient evidence on which any jury would have convicted them of which they were charged. They were charged with the murder of one R. A. Stillwell, and were in the custody of the law, and they were awaiting their trail."
"There was absolutely no justification for this lynching. if those who were executed by the mob were guilty, speedy trails could have been secured and their guilt established under the due and orderly processes of the law. Those who have undertaken to perform the function of judge, jury, and executioner have brought meriting reproach upon our State. The history of every state in the union shows that mob or lynch law does not check, but only increases crime. There is absolutely no justification for lynch law in Alabama.
Must Have Protection.
"It is folly for us to expect these from other. States or countries to locate in Alabama until we can assure every person within our domains of the just and equal protection of the law. If the sheriff connived at the commission of this crime, I am powerless to punish him by impeachment because his term of office will expire in a few days. This dastardly crime, committed just upon the eve of the assembling of the State Legislature, accentuates the importance of their taking such measures as may be necessary to make the lynching impossible in Alabama. The men who lead mobs are generally those who have no respect for law or authority, who are cowardly, unwilling to face real danger, and yet by their lawless acts, do not hesitate to bring the blush of shame to every honest and patriotic citizen of the State.
"The people of Alabama must understand that their protection comes not from a mob of cowardly lynchers, influenced by passion or prejudice, but only from the majestic supremacy of the law, under which alone their rights of person or property can be protected.
I am gratified to know that the enlightened public sentiment of the State no longer tolerates mob or lynch law. If crimes are committed, they can be punished by the courts and the administration of justice should not be entrusted to a band of cowardly miscreants, who are willing, in order to gratify their prejudice or passions.
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