The mere suspicion of intent is sometimes enough to deprive such a community of its reason, for there are communities which have brooded over the possibility of the commission of the inexpiable crime until the residents are not quite sane upon this matter.

Naturally calmness and forbearance in dealing with other and less heinous forms of negro crime are not always found in such a neighborhood.

This fact helps to explain, though not to excuse, some of the riots that occur.
The better element in the South, however, opposes mob violence, and this opposition is growing stronger and more purposeful.

Associations have been formed to oppose mob rule and to punish participants.

Where reputable citizens are lukewarm it is largely because they have not realized that the old tradition that lynching is the proper remedy for rape cannot stand.