Lawlessness grows by what it feeds upon; and when mobs begin to lynch for rape they speedily extend the sphere of their operations and lynch for many other kinds of crimes, so that two-thirds of the lynchings are not for rape at all; while a considerable proportion of the individuals lynched are innocent of all crime.
Roosevelt addresses the dangers of mob justice and its broader implications on society.
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I wish to say that the Progressive Party is making its appeal to all our fellow citizens without any regard to their creed or to their birthplace.
The American people by a great plurality have conferred upon you the highest honor in their gift.
I want every labor man, every labor leader, every organized union man, to take the lead in denouncing crime or violence.
Like all other good citizens, I accept the result with entire good humor and contentment.
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