New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-01-14
THE OTTR1GE.

Senator Chambers resolution of inquiry re-
speeding the Jackson election was anticipated
by "Thc Memphis Appeal in its issue Of jan
uary 0. Having been convinced by its Missis-
sippi exchanges that the negroes had been
intimidatcd and that the Democratic party Of
that State had been committed to policy of
outrage. it condemned in unsparing terms every
one responsible for that wanton crime against
political liberty. Language so crcditabe to
the best instincts of the Southern press de-
serves to be quoted and commended:
An extremity in emergency grossly offensive and
rcpugnant 10 the Constitution Of the United states
and Of the state should never have been confessed
No body OF men valung their own liberties should per-
NIT themselves to go upon the record as responsible
for the subversion of the liberty Of others. Like
,wo-edged sword, such outrage cuts both ways.
The OF the murder of young Mitchell does not ex
cuse or palliate IT, That a crime, however de-
ploralle to De punished other crimes are, accord
Ing to the laws Of tho state, Dut not by the disfran
chlsement Of hundreds of citizens. Good management
and proper direction by cool heads might easily have
obvated this bunder and electlng General Henry
have saved the National Democratic party from the
unnecessary burden It puts upon II. Just at this
time It IS very unfortunate. Every member OF Con-
gress from Mississippi and each Of the Senator'S VIII
feel the effects of 1t, and every Northern Democrat
will cover under il. Great As IS the reputation he
Cleveland Will feel IT, and It may be that Mississippi
itself on account of It. will be made the subject Of an
anger producing Congress ona investigation that may
cost the National Democratic party success In Novem-
Der.
As the Jackson election was a municipal
affair It can only be made the subject OF a Con-
gressional inquiry in the form proposed by
Senator Chambers resolution. Prominent
Federal officials are mentioned as the leaders
and abcttOrs of this movement for the cXcu-
sion of colorcd Republicans from the polls.
Senator Chandler rightly considers their display
of offensive partisanship in advocating this
outrage proper subject for investigation The
issue is one that directly concerns the Presi-
dent, since he is responsible for the appoint
ment Of these officials. AS "Thc Grccnyillc
AIiss) Times" remarks, the election in Jackson
lis perhaps the most glazing and signal illus
tration yet contributed to the record of the
utter helplessness of the negro when the color
line is drawn: and of the suppression Of his
vote" If the Presidents official representa-
lives in Mississippi have taken a conspicuous
part in this outrage the facts ought to be
brought to light.
The Mississippi press was in full sympathy
with the movement for the disfranchisemcnt
Of the negroes. One of the leading journals
confesses that there was very evident deter
mination on the part of the Democratic leaders
TO elect their candidate "by any means.n
" The Jackson Mississippan" published such
lurid appeals as this "Pcople of Kinds and
surrounding Counties you have said that you
were willing to help wipe away this bloody
machine we call city government Now is
the time The young men Of Jackson have
staBed their lives on the result" The SER
vices Of organized bands of intimidators from
adjoining counties were urgently requested
and were finally dispensed with only because
the negroes had surrendered and agreed to re-
irain from voting. The Democratic party of
Jackson formally confessed its guilt when at
the last moment it pledged itself to conduct a
fair and peaceable election, provided the
negroes should remain at home and not ATTEMPT
10 vote. The White Leagues plan of opera
tions was heartily approved by the Democratic
press and the Federal officials took a prominent
part in the proceedings. All this was done in
MIR. Lamar's State.