The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1889-06-19
The Arkansas Idea.

The Arkansas idea, as manifested in re-
cent proceedings, seems TO be that no
white man in the South has any right TO
leave the Democratic party. 1t is held
TO be an act of treason, in 9th words,
for man to desert the flag of that party,
even In local election, and the penalty
is either punishment or assassination, ac-
cording to circumstances. Even the fact
that man served in the Confederate ar
my is not sufficient to protect him in such
a step; indeed, that apparently serves to
aggravate the otfense. The test of loyalty
TO Southern interests is fidelity to Dem
ocratic tickets and projects, regardless OF
all other considerations. A white citizen
must not venture 10 so much as bolt the
party candidates for ms insignificant an
Office as that of School Director, if he ex-
poets to live in Arkansas; and the very
worst thing that he can do is to CO operate
with colored men In any way or for any
purpose. The lines have been distinctly
drawn in this respect. There is no room
left for compromise or exception. l.
man cannot give his support 10 Demo
cratic cause in an unconditional aud en-
thusiastic manner, then he is expected 10
leave Arkansas-and to stand upon the
order of his going is to invite an early
funeral.
larges the race issue, and imposes obliga-
ton in that connection which make it az
dangerous in certain contingencies for n
man to be white rs TO be black. That is
to say there are white men and white
men; and the only true Caucasiars are
those who train with the Democratic
party, no matter what it may require of
Them in the form of unreasonable OF
criminal service. 1t is difficult to believe
that such theory is actually maintained
In Arkansas; but the proof Is positive
and conclusive. In repeated instances,
law abiding citizens have been driven out
of the State, or murdered in cold blood,
10 vindicate the idea in question. 1t is
impossible to mistake the meaning of
these outrages when considered in the
light OF the conf ssions aud explanations
of the persons Immediately responsible for
them. as we'll as when looked at through
the statements of the Democratic news
papers. The object very clearly, is
10 intimidate and suppress anti Demo-
cratic sentiment, and thus to perpetuate
Democratic rule by making ii a matter Of
pronounced peril TO act with any oppos-
ing organization. 1t is not enough that
the rights OF the negroes are systematic
cally violated and derided; but white men,
also, must be prevented from exercising
the lawful privileges of citizens when
they show disposition to antaeo nize the
dominant party. This is strange situa-
ton, BUT it exists, nevertheless, in at
least one State of the Tn on, and is not
likely 10 be changed by any action of the
officers and courts of said State. The
only chance of relief as the case now
stands is that of Federal interference for
the protection alike of white and colored
citizens against fraud and violence In
no other way can honest elections and
the personal safety of voters be assured.
The Arkansas idea is practical declara-
ton in favor of mob law for the promo
ton of the interests of the Democratic
party; aad surely a way can be found to
defeat such q monstrous iniquity.-
Globe Democrat.