Protest Against Hanging

Iowa, 1909

During the recent trial of the negro Junkin, in Centerville, for a capital crime committed in Ottumwa, a sensation was created by the publication of an appeal to the Christian sentiment of the people to prevent the hanging of the accused person.

This appeal was on high grounds — the thought that the taking of human life is not a proper function of government and is in violation of the command to not kill. The appeal was signed by William R. Benkert, as chairman of the executive committee of the United Christian party.

There was much criticism of Mr. Benkert for this action, but it was entirely consistent with the principles advocated openly and courageously by the organization of which he is the head. That party has a platform which is not at all original and doesn't claim to be a new thing. In fact, the party might be open to the charge of plagiarism, for the platform entire consists of the Ten Commandments.

The United Christian party appears not to have attracted national attention, but that has not prevented the party going ahead and holding national conventions, maintaining an executive committee and engaging in the distribution of literature, Mr. Benkert is a resident of Davenport.

The last national conference of the party was held in the famous Watch Tower on Rock Island in May, when plans were laid for organizing the various states and this was left largely to Mr. Benkert. He has the very great advantage that his wife, Mrs. Katherine Benkert, is secretary of the committee, so that there is not to be any friction in the workings of the organization. In fact, he is quite ready to concede to the secretary leadership in the good work and to accord to her more of the credit for that which has been accomplished than he takes to himself.

—Humeston New Era, Humeston, Iowa, Aug. 4, 1909.