Rev. W.J. Powers Denounces Lynchers.
Type of event: Lynchings
Location: Minnesota; United States
Citation:
National Advocate, June 24,1920, page 1.
“Rev. W.J. Powers Denounces Lynchers”
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REW. W. J. POWERS DENOUNCES LYNCHERS.
We present to our many readers of the National Advocate in the person of the
Rev. W. J. Powers, of the Roman Catholic Church, a Christian gentleman, and a
true friend to the negro race. He appeared on the scene on Tuesday, June
15th when the mob and outlaws lynched three innocent colored
citizens. He climbed part way up the pole and began pleading for the safety of
the negroes. “You don’t know whether these men are guilty or not, I
know the crime is a most heinous one, but let the law take its course. In the
name of God and the church I represent, I ask you to stop.” Cries of
“To Hell with the law,” “Lynch him,” and “Remember
the girl,” was the response of the mob and the leaders went on with their
work. A second effort to pacify the mob by another Catholic priest failed
also.
The Editor and Publisher of the National Advocate has been in Duluth
for the last two weeks, finding facts that will be important when these men are
tried. It will be proven that these statements are untrue. The girl was examined
by one of the very best white physicians of the city of Duluth. When the grand
jury was discharged it was being congratulated by the Honorable Judges of St.
Louis County and the best citizens and every club and organization has endorsed
the good work done by the Grand Jury and have asked a speedy investigation of
the police department, and the general public throughout the country holds the
city officials responsible for this disgraceful occurrence which happened in
Duluth on Tuesday, June 15th.