National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-09-17
WAR OF DETERMINATION.

No doubt can exist that the policy of
Southern Democrats is decided upon in re-
gard to political future of those States
where there are clear Republican MAORI
ties. The first demonstration has been
made in Mississippi, where a strong Re-
publican majority exists through the pre-
ponderance of colored citizens. This in
volyed determination by the haad Of muir
der. We will not contend that the colored
men of the South are faultless entirely on
all occasions where war of race is devel-
oped. They may not always act as wisely
and discretely as they should, but no &C.
ton on their part has been shown which
will justify the murderous fury with which
they have been pursued. Indeed, they
have submitted to the reign of terror with
.meekness that would characterize no
other race. They have the physical power
to redress their wrongs with vengeance,
If they were to rise in their might and as
sert that power. And should they arm and
return the attacks of the whites, giving
measure for measure, the Democratic vote
of that State would be promptly decreased,
and the Republican majority would be
greatly appreciated. We do not advise or
encourage such course, but it has been
provoked, and if an effusion of blood should
ensue, and the whites should be decimated
by a whirlwind of passion that the white
Democrats have invoked by their brutality,
blame would fall lightly upon prosecuted
people, who have defended their lives and
rights by the same agencies that are being
brought against them.
The purpose of the Democrats is open
and avowed. They have determined to
carry Mississippi in the next election at all
hazards. There are but two ways of ac-
complishIng this end. 1t must be by pre-
venting the Republicans from exercising
the right of suffrage, inasmuch as they are
in a large majority. They may be kept
from the polls through determination or
forcible intimidation. Both may be re-
sorted to, but the former is most likely to
DO carried into execution as the most sum-
mary and certain in its effects. General
Gordon has recently made the tour of Mis-
sissippi, and held conclsye and consulta-
tons with his Democratic brethren there,
and on his return reports to the people of
his State that the Democrats will certainly
"torsst the State out of improper hands,"
which, interpreted, means that the Demo
Gratis will overpower the people by unlaw-
full agencies, such as have recently been
resorted to with fearful and bloody effect.
We give Senator Gordon's language:
81 believe 1t to be absolutely certain that
whenever the white people of q State make up
their minds to carry the elections they can do
it, no matter what the negro majority is"
This, then, is the republican form of
government at present guaranteed to the
people Of Mississippi by the Constitution Of
the United States and its own Executive.
Is not this declaration of a late Confederate
General, and present Senator of the
United States, sufficient to awaken alarm
and arouse the Federal power to action2
II not the colored people Of sovereign
State, where they hold numerical power,
are doomed to certain destruction under
Federal apathy and neglect Civil right
the right Of property and life, have ceased
to exist il the prediction Of Senator Gordon
is entitled to respect. The work of exter-
mination that has commenced will proceed
to the end of bloody tragedy.