The Emergence of Jim Crow - America in Class

Ida B. Wells:Why Would She Think that the British Would Help?Miss Ida Bell Wells, a negro lady who has come to England on the invitation ofMiss Catherine Impey, has been lecturing with great success on a subject somewhat newto British audiencs, namely, “Lynch Law in the United States”, especially as it affects thecoloured people in the South. It is hoped that by this mean the moral sentiment of thiscountry may be aroused in favour of the just and equal treatment of the negro racethroughout the world.…Her revelations with regards to the lynchings were horrible. “The mob”, she said, “are nolonger content with shooting and hanging, but burn negroes alive,” and she justyl appealsfor a fair trial and legal punishment when the offense is proven. She maintains thatBritish opinion and protest will have great force, and for this reason has determined tohold meetings in the principal cities here. She is delighted with the reception hithertoaccorded her, and feels greatly encouraged.”americainclass.org 40