Wichita eagle., 1889-04-19
THE ONE GREAT PROBLEM.
Race Supremacy in the South-0pinions of
Politicians,

PHILADELPHIA, April 1S-The Inquirer
will publish tomorrow interviews, which it
has collected, with prominent men and
politicians of southern states. Only men
well known in their sections were applied
to, and to these the following questions
were put: First, what is the southern
question: second, how should it be met
to produce the greatest good to the
south?
The idea of the Inquirer was to obtain
the real views of the southern leaders upon
a subject which is becoming very promi-
nent The responses nearly all voice the
same sentiment, that the race problem is
the great one to be solved, and that the
south should be allowed to manage her
own affairs without interference.
Following is brief summary of some of
the opinions:
Governor Richardson of South Carolina,
says: 1.-The southern question is the race
problem: Shall the African or Caucas-
sian predominate? The solution Is in
strict avoidance by the general govern
ment of any distinctly southern
policy and in leaving to the states them
selves the management OF their own do
mestic affairs"
Governor Fitzhugh Lee, of Virginia,
SAYS; Two distinct races are wrestling
with each other for political supremacy.
The question is therefore, whether south
ern states and cities shall be retained in
the hands OF the white men or whether
there shall be war of races. The pros
perty of both races and that of the states
in which they live demands that each state
should be allowed TO control It's own inter-
nal affairs without federal interfer-
ence, To exercise those rights is
reserved with great care to the states by
the representatives of these states who
framed the constitution in the city of New
York over one hundred years ago.
Governor Buckner of Kentucky, pro
tests that there is no such question The
so-called southern question seems to be
hot-bed plant of northern growth-an ex-
otto which will not flourish in southern
soil Such unpatriotic sectional agitation,
whether originating in the north or the
south, should not be encouraged by the
people of any section, and the injury re-
sulting from such agitation to the whole
country would be reduced to the minimum
If the people of each state would continue
to attend TO their own affairs. in accord
ance with their local institutions, and
unite in supporting the general govern
ment in its just exercise of all its legiti-
mate powers.
A. j. Russell, superintendent of public
instruction of Florida, [says as 1.-THE ques-
ton is discussed in the Republican
journals, he Is led to suppose that some
specie of legislation is To be inflicted on
the south. but the south has 10 fear II
the question means how can the southern
people be made Republican, il cannot be
done. The truth is the so-called southern
question can best be answered by letting
the south alone in Its enjoyment of her
constitutional rights.
Oscar II. Cooper, superintendent of
public instruction of Texas, saws the
difficulty of the adjustment of the rela-
lions of the two races are being met and
overcome by common sense.
L. NJ. Miller, attorney general of Mis-
Slssippi, says that the contrast between
negro and white governments has been so
decidedly III favor of the latter that the
white people are determined there shall be
no return TO the former; indeed a military
despotlsm would be preferred, If
political dominion at home is at all ques-
tionable in its rightfulness or origin, let il
be remembered that we view the govern
ment here as matter of business, not
glory, and we protest against interference
because we know that our state affairs are
managed in the interest of all. We say 10
Republicans, take your new states and
keep control of the government if you
choose, keep up scheme of taxation re-
voting TO justice and oppressive upon ag-
rlcultural sections aud we will submit
cheertully, but don't set ignorance and
vice TO rule over the south. Lastly, when
interest and judgment instead of passion
and prejudice shall control the southern
negro, when there shall be an opinion
among them the question will be settled.
The white people are solid because the me-
groes are solid against them.
The state treasurer Of Arkansas, w. T.
Woodruff, thinks the question can be
solved by renting TO states chiefly affect
&c all local subjects, the supreme court of
tie United States being final arbitrator.
George NJ. Adams. secretary of the state
of Kentucky, says: Il am one of those who
believe it the right of the people 70 regu-
late their own affairs in their own Wv"
solomon Palmer, superintendent OF eGu-
cation Of Alabama, thinks the south will
work out the solution if left free TO do So
Lieutenant Governor MauldinC. Of
South Carolina, says: The federal gov
eminent can help the south by appointing
TO office men of character and capacity, by
dealing generously in the matter Of her
internal improvements and by refundinC
TO her people the cotton tax so unjustly
collected from them. In other words, /
say let the south alone.