Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-03-24
The Race Question.
Edifor a the IlixDdtrh.


II politicians would deal honestly, fairly,
and humanely with this problem II is not.
I think. difficult Of solution. Every thought
full person must admit that the only antago-
nism existing IN the southern States TO the
negro grows out OF the effort to make him
the governing power In many OF these
States. To make him occupy such position
II 10 do him infinite harm. lis highest in
terest Ia placed I'm Jeopardy by such course.
He Is now more fayorsbly circutnstsnced By
fortune than nature ever youchsafed him.
II IL a cruel misfortune TO bin to create an
nntagonism that must inevitably interfere
With his great opportunity OF becoming
truly civilized and enlightened citizen. lie
should not be placed in position In which
be would incur sny hostility or prejudice
whatever. lie needs all the helpful sym.
paihy the white people can extend to-
wards his elevation aud Improvement,
and Il IL not humane or wise 10 stimil-
late feeling OF hostility to him by
giving him the power he would igno-
rantly use 10 injure those upon whom
be must solely rely for oil his intellectual
and moral Improvement. His highest good
demands toe utmost harmony between the
races, for II be IL ever 10 reach the intel.
lectuaI aud moral plane he should at least
hone for II must be through the assistance
and kindly sympathy OF the white people OF
The southern States. Then cab any sensi-
be. patriotic person desire the political
domination OF the negro IA any section OF
this country when such domination
would be, as shown, so fatal to bis
highest welfare. The maintenance OF
good government is as necessary for his
prosperity and progress as Tor The whites.
Remove all cause OF antsgonism and let the
generous instincts Of our humanity have full
scope 10 deal with this question OF Ethiopian
elevation, free from any apprehension as 10
political consequences. Then how Is this pro-
bIem 10 be solved? Deportation or coloniza-
ton would seem TO he Impossible. Tue south
must surrender the political power acquired
in extending the right Of suffrage 10 the
negro, modify the amendment TO the Federal
Constitution, which requires the states 10
give this privilege so as to permit certain
classes OF negroes only 10 vote, leaving the
States free 10 extend these classes as they tit
Themselves for this responsibility This
would prove q strong incentive to moral
rectltude aud good citizenship. Some such
plan Is il above suggested / honestly believe
to he for the best interest OF the negro.
Hints from certain influential Republican
quarters induce me TO believe that this idea
ia not entirely imprscticable. Indeed, tbs
party is committed 10 the principle by taking
from the negroes OF the District Of Columbia
the right to vote, because they knew this ac-
ton was best for the negro, a. it was step
In the interest Of good govern lnent They
perceive that this race question being out OF
the way many southern men whose
political theories make them naturally
grayitate towards the Republican party
would feel free to follow their inclination,
and have no doubt, under such circum-
stances, the party wonld receive many val
liable accessions. This yexatious question
being thus removed from the arena OF Fede'
raj politics the Democratic party would be
correspondingly strengthened at the North
and fair equilibrium OF the two parties
preserved. Then we could have live issues
on economic questions and the country saved
from secuouaI strife. a. ;. Il.