"In fact, for all kinds of offenses - and, for no offenses - from murders to misdemeanors, men and women are put to death without judge or jury; so that, although the political excuse was no longer necessary, the wholesale murder of human beings went on just the same"

This quote by Ida B. Wells is a powerful statement about the oppression of the death sentence. She is pointing out that people are being put to death without due process, regardless of the seriousness of the criminal offense. This indicates that people are being performed without a fair trial, without a jury, and without a judge. Wells is highlighting the fact that although the political reason for the capital punishment has actually been eliminated, the practice of executing individuals without due process continues. This is a clear infraction of human rights and a tip of the requirement for justice and fairness in the criminal justice system. Wells' quote is an effective suggestion of the requirement for reform in the capital punishment system and the need for justice and fairness for all.