More than 600 persons today had signed a statement of principles advocating a "responsible" approach to the area's racial troubles.

The statement and the signatures are published on pages 9 and 11 of today's Enterprise-Journal in an advertisement purchased by sponsors of the statement.

The statement was drafted by a group of 20 McComb business and civic leaders who then circulated it for the signatures of any citizen who felt he could subscribe to it. The statement has been circulated since Friday afternoon.

A meeting at City Hall Monday night attended by about 200 persons who had signed the statement was for the purpose of explaining reasons for the adoption of the statement.

Expression was heard from a number of persons as to why they supported it. Nobody spoke in opposition to the statement at last night's meeting, although there have been scattered reports of opposition to the statement both yesterday and today.

CITIZENS FOR PROGRESS

The great majority of our citizens believe in law and order and are against violence of any kind. In spite of this, acts of terrorism have been committed numerous times against citizens both Negro and white.

We believe the time has come for responsible people to speak out for what is right and against what is wrong. For too long we have let the extremists on both sides bring our community close to chaos.

There is only one responsible stance we can take: and that is for equal treatment under the law for all citizens regardless of race, creed, position or wealth; for making our protests within the framework of the law; and for obeying the laws of the land regardless of our personal feelings. Certain of these laws may be contrary to our traditions, customs or beliefs, but as God-fearing men and women, and as citizens of the United States, we see no other honorable course to follow.

To these ends and for the purpose of restoring peace, tranquility and progress to our area, we respectfully urge the following:

    1. Order and respect for law must be reestablished and maintained.
        (a) Law officers should make only lawful arrests. "Harassment" arrests, no matter what the provocation, are not consonant with impartiality of the law.

        (b) To insure the confidence of the people in their officials, we insist that no man is entitled to serve in a public office, elective or appointive, who is a member of any organization declared to be subversive by the Senate Internal Sub-Committee or the United States Army, Navy, or Air Force, or to take any obligation upon himself in conflict with his oath of office.

    2. Economic threats and sanctions against people of both races must be ended. They only bring harm to both races.

    3. We urge citizens of both races to reestablish avenues of communication and understanding. In addition, it is urged that the Negro leadership cooperate with local officials.

    4. We urge widest possible use of our citizenship in the selection of juries. We further urge that men called for jury duty not be excused except for the most compelling reasons.

    5. We urge our fellow citizens to take a greater interest in public affairs, in the selection of candidates, and in the support and/or constructive criticism of Public Servants.

    6. We urge all of our people to approach the future with a renewed dedication and to reflect an attitude of optimism about our county.

We, the undersigned, have read and hearby subscribe and support the principles and purposes herein set forth.

(Note: Public officials and public employees have not been asked to sign this petition; some may have voluntarily done so. Anyone who can subscribe to these principles is invited to do so by contacting any signer.)

Click here to see the list of signers.