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A Cool And Calm Judgment On Lynching Is Expressed From The Eastern Shore To The Eastern Shore.
To the Editor'of the Sun—Sir: I have
lived in Talbot over sixteen years. I like it. I find here a grace of living utterly lacking in any other place I have seen. In most ways I regret the fact that I am not a native son. I should be proud to be one. May I, then, be forgiven if I usurp the first person when thinking or writing of the Eastern Shore?
We have been criticized severely. Particularly the lower Shore. I believe I could let it pass, because this criticism was not aimed at the upper counties. But there seems to be a growing tendency here in Talbot to place ourselves side by side with Wicomico; to rail at the Sunpapers; to join in this silly propaganda to boycott the Baltimore stores. That is so utterly unfair. It is, in fact, indefensible.
Our problem is a simple one of reason. Let us look it squarely in the face. When a community does something very unusual it is placed before the court of public opinion throughout the world. I think no one will question the fact that the Salisbury affair' was unusual. The world then pointed the accusing finger of criticism. And we were lashed unmercifully, justly. Don't look at the causes leading up to the horror. Don't look for the excuses. (Our local courts may well do so, to the benefit of all.) Look at the plain fact, at the occurrence itself.
I have yet to hear an Eastern Shoreman approve the crime, though there is much attempt to mitigate it by excuses. Therefore, we have deserved the censure of the world, and, having so deserved, should we not meet it like men instead of pettish children? Should not we try to put our house in order so that never again will this occur? Should we not find the causes and erase them instead of throwing mud balls at our teachers?
Mostly has this puerile backsnapping been directed at Baltim6re, at the Baltimore Sun and at Mr. Mencken. Let us view this fairly and think. Why has Baltimore's criticism been more severe, let us say, than Philadelphia's? Because Baltimore is the leading element of Maryland culture, just as the principal city is always the leader of its State; so becomes in loco parentis. Maryland is and should be proud of Baltimore's attainments. A pride so deep and well seated that vulgar "boostings" and shouting are not only unnecessary but are positively indecent.
Baltimore as an integral part of Maryland is the possessor of a well-bred grace that is outstanding in American cities. To some extent, at least, I know most American cities, and Baltimore seems to me to stand supreme in vall worth-while ways. As usual, we are dealing not in the absolute, but in the relative. The Suit as an organ of that city is worthy. A fundamentally decent sheet in a world of yellow journalism.
So here we have it. As the leader of Maryland, Baltimore has been hurt-vitally hurt. And so she has struck in exact proportion to her hurt. Whenever a community in the State strays from the path of human decency, and by so doing brings upon Maryland the derisive laugh of all the world, it becomes an injury to the family honor. As we all know, the punishment within the family is far more poignant than is the shrugging scorn of those outside. I do not believe that the small boy can see the love-light in his mother's eye as she wields
the slipper. But sensible small boys try to reform after the spanking and do not run away from home or spit upon their parent.
I commend to all a rereading of Mr. Mencken's articles, a rereading of the editorials. They are expressing the family's reaction to a crime against the State and an indignity to its citizens. I ask that each statement be weighed and thought about. Is it right? Or is it wrong? And remember that it is not how it is said, but what is said. We cannot, in all fairness, refute logic by saying we do not like the shape of the judge's nose.
Come, now, Eastern Shore, let us take our criticism like men and stop this maudlin, childish nonsense. .We are of Maryland. Elliot Wheeler.
Easton. Md„ Dec. 24, 1931.
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