The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1889-10-22

The announcement made by the Repub-
lican state executive committee Of Miss
issippi. announcing the Withdrawal OF
their state ticket and giving the reasons
for their action. Is patheiic appeal to
American patriotism. and 70 that love OF
fsir-play which by proverhial admission is
dominating principle OF the Angio-Saxon
race.
This II . very different AFFAIR from the
individual actisn OF their candidate for
governor. in rendering his withdrawal. II
Is not simply q fresh instance OF the con-
f1ict between while men ard negroes. II is
formal declaration by the Official repro
sentatives OF . state organization composed
of American citizens Of both races, white
and black They cannot. except at the
risk OF their lives. nor without risk To the
lives Of great masses Of their fellow citizens,
advocate the principles to which they are
attached. They appeal to the nation.
They ask whether National law and
honor h but = deIusion and a snare" DO
they but lean upon 9 broken reed when
they rely upon and appeal 10 the guaran-
tees Of the constitution? II SO, they de-
mand that the nation shall Mt once an
nounce its policy and acquit them OF fur
thar effort.
In formal, On Official and q solemn
manner this presents nh issue than which
there il none of greater importance de-
manding prompt and effective action. In
Washington dispatch OF October H. Secrs-
tsry Blaine was quoted as declaring that
"this Is not the time to raise such an issue
before the country" what the people ex-
pect of congress. he added. lis to defer
all other general legislation till the tariff
question is put out of the way"
In taking this position the secretary IL
putting mere economic question above
question of human rights and national
honor: vexed and abstruse question Of
dollars ard cents, requiring much time
and study for its proper adjustment,
above clear duty TO enforce plain provis-
ions Of the federal Constitution. and plain
duty TO guarantee 20 every free citizen OF
the United States. whether white or black.
whether in Maine or Mississippi. equal OPP
portunity TO exercise his every civil aud
political right and privilege, without fear
OF danger of nolestation.
IL ought TO be not only possible. not only
practicable, but absolutely imperative, to
dispose of this question within fifteen days
after congress shall have met and organ.
ised. II Is more than doubtful whether
the tariff can be disposed of within As
many months. IL is worth shile. and il ixa
solemn duty, 70 al once put every member
OF congress on record ON this paramount.
question of guaranteeing to every Ameri-
can citizen the equal right of free speech,
free ballot and that his vote shall he
counted as cast.
The present time is peculiarly appropri-
s'e to this purpose. This is an of wear in
politics aud il cannot be claimed that the
issue has heen raised with reference to ii,
effect on presidential or congressional
election. The vlndieation OF the national
honor and the performance of a clear date.
neesi not assume partisan aspect unless
the Democrats b. n bold defiance Of Justice
choose to make II so. II is hardly eoneeiv.
able that the representative OF a great
party which includes one-half of the Amer
can people. can commit themselves ard
their party against a measure simply de-
signed 10 enforce plain guarantee of the
constitution. II Is hardly conceivable that
they wiii either oppose such measure. or
by dilstory tactics seek to ohs'raot It's pas
sage. II such he their disposition they
should at once have an opportunity 10
make s0eh disposition manifest. Let them
he put T. the test. and that quickly. The
tariff question can nnif.