Mr. Murphy and the Whipping Post
December 25, 1897
Summary
Mr. Murphy, a white politician from Richmond, hopes to introduce “the re-enactment of the whipping-post-law.”
Transcription
The fact that the better element of the white people in Richmond do not control politics was never more plainly demonstrated than in the sending of a Mr. T. B. Murphy to the legislature of Virginia.
He has introduced, or expressed his intentions to introduce a measure for the re-enactment of the whipping-post-law.
This barbarous custom, a relic of the Middle Ages is to be enacted upon the plea that it will reduce criminal expenses.
And so were all of the horrible tortures, which the human mind could invent backed up by similar argument.
White men and colored ones, white women and colored ones unless the judiciary of Virginia is to perjure itself are to be forced to undergo the tortures and humiliation of the lash.
The sickening sight, a barbarous practice which has been outlawed in well-nigh every state in the union and declared to be a relic of barbarism is to be resurrected upon the suggestion of Mr. Murphy.
And who is Mr. Murphy? He is an Irishman. A man, who with his brethren in this county has appealed for the sympathy for his down-trodden countrymen in Ireland, declaring that England was ruling them with an iron rod.
What would he say were the Queen’s government to establish the whipping-post throughout the Emerald Isle? Would not his blood boil, and his tongue wag at the suggestion of such a thing?
But he, enjoying the sweets of freedom, in the land where Irishmen are recognized, feared and respected, would inflict upon the helpless tortures, which he would not have his people endure.
But, we will pray for him, the colored population of this state will present him to their God, who knows what to do in the premises, and works all things for good in His own time.
Mr. Murphy should not forget that some time, some way or somehow, the very law which he may wish to enact may fall with a dull thud upon the backs of some of his relatives or off-spring.
Oh, for the patriotic legislators in the halls of Old Virginia!
He has introduced, or expressed his intentions to introduce a measure for the re-enactment of the whipping-post-law.
This barbarous custom, a relic of the Middle Ages is to be enacted upon the plea that it will reduce criminal expenses.
And so were all of the horrible tortures, which the human mind could invent backed up by similar argument.
White men and colored ones, white women and colored ones unless the judiciary of Virginia is to perjure itself are to be forced to undergo the tortures and humiliation of the lash.
The sickening sight, a barbarous practice which has been outlawed in well-nigh every state in the union and declared to be a relic of barbarism is to be resurrected upon the suggestion of Mr. Murphy.
And who is Mr. Murphy? He is an Irishman. A man, who with his brethren in this county has appealed for the sympathy for his down-trodden countrymen in Ireland, declaring that England was ruling them with an iron rod.
What would he say were the Queen’s government to establish the whipping-post throughout the Emerald Isle? Would not his blood boil, and his tongue wag at the suggestion of such a thing?
But he, enjoying the sweets of freedom, in the land where Irishmen are recognized, feared and respected, would inflict upon the helpless tortures, which he would not have his people endure.
But, we will pray for him, the colored population of this state will present him to their God, who knows what to do in the premises, and works all things for good in His own time.
Mr. Murphy should not forget that some time, some way or somehow, the very law which he may wish to enact may fall with a dull thud upon the backs of some of his relatives or off-spring.
Oh, for the patriotic legislators in the halls of Old Virginia!
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Brian Schrott
Citation
“Mr. Murphy and the Whipping Post,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed February 19, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1226.