The Mayor and the Law
August 26, 1899
Summary
John Mitchell, Jr., calls out a Virginian Mayor for “flagrant violations of his obligations” when refusing to arrest white men who murdered a “helpless” black youth.
Transcription
The Murders of Ben Thomas, (colored) have not been arrested although they are known to have committed one of the greatest crimes known to the law.
They butchered a helpless youth in the streets of Alexandria, giving him no chance for his life.
The crime was committed August 8th, 1899. Mayor Simpson promised faithfully to punish those concerned in it. What effort has he made to keep his word?
He could arrest and punish those who were trying to prevent a violation of the law, why is it he has not arrested and punished those concerned in the murder of Thomas?
Gov. Tyler is quoted as saying that the city authorities were capable of dealing with the situation, is he of the same opinion now?
Mayer Simpson is said to have promised the mob that if they would postpone the hanging, he would promise that if Thomas was not hanged within thirty days, he would lead a lynching party.
It is needless to remark that lynching is murder and for murder the law prescribes death on the gallows or confinement in the Virginia Penitentiary. Buy what oath did Mayer Simpson take?
“I, Simpson, do declare myself a citizen of the commonwealth of Virginia and do solemnly swear that I will support and maintain the constitution and law of the United States and the constitution and laws of the state of Virginia; that I recognize and accept the civil and political equality of all men before the law; and that I will faithfully perform the duty of mayor the best of my ability. So help me God.”
When Mayor Simpson punished the colored citizens and ignored the crimes of the white citizens, was he violating his oath?
Had he carried out his promise made to the mob, would he have been violating his oath? Would he have been a murderer and a perjurer?
We confess that we cannot understand how a man of integrity, honor, veracity,—a Virginian can be guilty of such flagrant violations of his obligations.
What will you do, Mayor Simpson? You punished the colored citizens, charged with a misdemeanor.
What will you do with the white ones charged with murder?
It is a question of duty. The country’s gaze is upon you. What will your answer be? Law or anarchy?
Meet the issue squarely, Mayor Simpson, meet the issue squarely. Lynch-law must go!
They butchered a helpless youth in the streets of Alexandria, giving him no chance for his life.
The crime was committed August 8th, 1899. Mayor Simpson promised faithfully to punish those concerned in it. What effort has he made to keep his word?
He could arrest and punish those who were trying to prevent a violation of the law, why is it he has not arrested and punished those concerned in the murder of Thomas?
Gov. Tyler is quoted as saying that the city authorities were capable of dealing with the situation, is he of the same opinion now?
Mayer Simpson is said to have promised the mob that if they would postpone the hanging, he would promise that if Thomas was not hanged within thirty days, he would lead a lynching party.
It is needless to remark that lynching is murder and for murder the law prescribes death on the gallows or confinement in the Virginia Penitentiary. Buy what oath did Mayer Simpson take?
“I, Simpson, do declare myself a citizen of the commonwealth of Virginia and do solemnly swear that I will support and maintain the constitution and law of the United States and the constitution and laws of the state of Virginia; that I recognize and accept the civil and political equality of all men before the law; and that I will faithfully perform the duty of mayor the best of my ability. So help me God.”
When Mayor Simpson punished the colored citizens and ignored the crimes of the white citizens, was he violating his oath?
Had he carried out his promise made to the mob, would he have been violating his oath? Would he have been a murderer and a perjurer?
We confess that we cannot understand how a man of integrity, honor, veracity,—a Virginian can be guilty of such flagrant violations of his obligations.
What will you do, Mayor Simpson? You punished the colored citizens, charged with a misdemeanor.
What will you do with the white ones charged with murder?
It is a question of duty. The country’s gaze is upon you. What will your answer be? Law or anarchy?
Meet the issue squarely, Mayor Simpson, meet the issue squarely. Lynch-law must go!
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Elias Sturim
Citation
“The Mayor and the Law,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed October 10, 2024, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1706.