How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
When interviewed, Chief of Police Phineas Eversman said that he was unaware of any lynching that previous evening in Eudora. A visitor in Chief Eversman's office, the respected Eudora Justice Everett Corbett, agreed. "I too know nothing about a lynching in Eudora." (26.9)
According to the newspapers, nothing is going on down in Eudora. But we know this isn't true because there are reports of what happened at a lynching. It's clear that people like the police chief and Judge Corbett are more interested in not getting involved than they are in telling the truth or making a safe community.
Quote #2
"We're not asking for public displays any more than you are," said Wells-Barnett, warming to the discussion. "As you recall, sir, when you invited Booker Washington to dine at the White House, it caused a political headache for you and accomplished absolutely nothing for the cause of colored people." (48.12)
W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells-Barnett have a secret meeting with President Roosevelt regarding race. To put it another way, they urge him to do something about the problem. They understand he can't march in the streets with them, but something needs to be done. Instead, the President just sits back and waits.
Quote #3
"Why does the crowd lift no hand or voice in protest?" Twain said. "Only because it would be unpopular to do it, I think. Each man is afraid of his neighbor's disapproval—a thing which, to the general run of the race, is more dreaded than wounds and death." (56.27)
Mark Twain talks about people standing by when Ben and Elizabeth hear him speak. He points out that people don't enjoy watching a lynching—they are more interested in going with the flow so no one turns on them. We see this happening in Eudora when Ben gets pummeled the minute he sticks his neck out for his Black friends.