Page:The Negro a menace to American civilization.djvu/241

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THE NEGRO
217

White, and having failed to do so, the awful respon- sibility for what has happened rests with the Judges." " Do you feel no personal regret at the outcome?" was asked. " None," replied Mr. Ellwood. Besides, in this morning's mail I have received a number of letters from eminent citizens indorsing the stand I took." There was a story about Wilmington tonight that some official action would be taken against Mr. Ell- wood, but no verification of it could be had. The preacher was seen walking the streets undisturbed. Another representative of the cloth, the Rev. Robert Watt, a presiding elder, also maintains a remarkable attitude. He was quoted as having made a speech similar to that of Mr. Ellwood. I deny that," he said to the American correspond- ent. " I am keeping my own opinions on the afifair to myself." " But you regard last night's occurrences as bad, do you not? " " I am not prepared to say that." Views of the Women Mrs. Watt, wife of the elder, a sweet, motherly lit- tle woman, went even further than her husband. Her views are startling illustrations of the attitude of the women of Wilmington toward the lynching. " It is deplorable," said Mrs. Watt, her pretty blue eyes flashing fire. " But he got what he deserved. I would have been willing myself to help to do some- thing to put him out of the way." Save for the natural excitement following such an unusual event, Wilmington is quiet and orderly to- night. Condemnation of the lynching would be much greater if it were not for the revolting nature of the confession made by White just before the funeral prye was lighted.