The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1889-11-09
A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.
IJackson Commonwealth


From every point of view the race
issue is Of such serious consequence in
public estimation in Mississippi that il
dominates and represses The expression
Of opinion In respect to8 political
questions. This is conceded.
For years 1t has been a subject Of
deep solicitude TO 4 small class of far
sighted men, and finally il has in the
very nature of things, proprio vigore,
literally provoked q public discussion.
This may be accepted as an encoursg-
ing and gratifying sign, holding the
reasonable hope that full and candid
discussion win prove the precursor of
q legal remedy and adjustment either
partial or complete.
AT the very outset, two distinct lines
Of thought spring on of the subject
leading In exactly different directions.
One declares that no legal remedies
within the whole catalogue of State
powers can avail, and that the present
condition Of things, white supremacy
with Its present methods of self-prcser-
walton, must be indefinitely maintained
st all hazards until the federal govern
ment, having exhausted itself In inef-
fectual efforts for the enforcement Of
the federal constitution, will yield the
issue, abandon the field, and offer
terms. The other policy proceeds up
on the more hopeful view that the
white race Of Mississippi holding as II
does all the constitutional powers of
the State. can devise and apply meas
ures which will place white rule aud
good government upon q safe, perma-
nent and legal foundation. It recog-
nizes the present status of affairs In the
State as full Of peril, and moreover, in
tho nature Of things not possible per-
manent condition. Thus stands the
issue clearly and distinctly defined,
and the choice lies between the two
alternatives.
One Is a complete negation, the dis
NAL prospect of weary struggle
against forces within and resistance to
dangers from without, with nothing
but hope that contains no visible
prospect Of fuliillment. And what Il
to become Of the best and tenderest
interests Of the State during this perl
cd Of federal experimentation that ID
to precede the ultimate abandonment
Of the constitutional amendments
How long will II continue?' The other
view at least presents tangible, hope
full, rational effort In the direction Of
lifting strain from q situation thai
presents absolutely no probabilities
whatever OF Improvement by time and
waiting.
1t is only possible to deal with thil
subject IN constitutional convention
Such a body would be composed o
white men, of precisely the sort tina
the white people shall prefer to selec
as their agents and representatives
It would assurodly be democratic
Nothing more can be assured, an,
nothing more can be demanded In re
spect to Its personnel or shades 0
thought.
II q constitutional convention assem-
bled under the best auspices In th
State, upon the very incoming of
new administration, fresh from th
people, and backed by the most con
servative elements, will place whit
supremacy In jeopardy and white unit
In peril by Its simple coming together
then indeed, the tenure of white unit
Is as slender as a thread, and the stu
alton as hopeless as can be imagined
1t is simply impossible that this vie,
can be accepted.
Standing by the methods that are a
present doing duty as remedies, i
truth means the impairment If not III
loss of the most valuable things ths
constitute society. This must now b
obvious to the common understand
ing. The theory that the republica
administration will exhaust itself /
futile efforts to enforce the feder'
constitution and then come to ou
! rescue is too remote to be made th
: basis for the indefinite postponemcr
: Of this issue.
Every consideration of the publ
: welfare demands some legal adjus
, ment or settlement of this disturbin
question. The first step must necess
rily consist In calling constitution
convention.
Nobody imagines that solution
easy. II is beset with obstacles al
. brlstles with difficulties, but courag
!. justice, good sense and fair measu
of patriotic sacrifice will 60 far towar'
!. placing the cause Of good governmel
in our State on safe and firm feu
dation.