The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-08-10
Aroused at Last

At last tie business men Of the north are
responding to the appeal Of the business
men Of the south, and are circulating peti-
lions protesting against the passage OF the
force bill. twas the MoRNING News that
advised the business men of the south to
appeal to the business men of the north
to Use their influence against
the force bill, and the Savannah
board Of trade promptly acted upoa the
Jdvice The business men Of the southern
cities followed the example Of those OF Sd
vannah, and either in mass meetings or in
their trade organizations passed resolutions
calling the attention Of northern business
men TO the fact that the whole country,
was interested IN defeating the force OH,
and asking them TO make their voices
heard against it.
Petitions against the force bill are now
being circulated among the business men of
New York, and soon will be circulated N
all tue other northern cities. Tie most
interesting fact connected with the circula-
tion of the petitions in New York is the
readiness with which republicans sign them.
OF be first l07 sgners Just about one
half were republicans. This alone is suf-
ficient to show hey nd all doubt that there
is no sentiment anywhere in favor Of the
force bill. 1t is we'll understood that the bill
is nothing more than a scheme of republican
politicians to retain C jntrol of the govern
ment. They do not expect that the force bill
would increase to noticeable ex-
tent the number of republican repre-
sentatives in congress from the south,
but they do expect that it would bring
about a condition of affairs In the south
that would have the effect of solidifying the
north. For the purpose of gaining parti-
san advantage they are willing to arouse a
feeling of bitterness between the two great
sections of the country, create enmity be-
tween the whites and blacks, disturb bust
ness relations between the northern aud
southern people and obstruct the progress
Of the south.
II the force bill were intended TO protect
any class of people in their rights It would
have strong public sentiment behind it.
The people are quick to respond to call to
defend human rights, but. there has been
nowhere, except in the columns of few of
oN0 A0PuoiiSou VI SauS, any IeSpOuSe III ldNOT
Of the force bill. The petition
which the business men of
New York, republicans as well as demo
Gratis, are signing says: The measure in
question is for partisan rather than for
public benefit"
These northern business men appear to
understand the situation iii the south very
well, for in their petition they say that the
force bill will fan into flame the smoldering
embers of the race question, which time and
education are gradually extinguIshing
The property of the south is being taxed to
educate the illterate, and with the growth
of intelligence the race question will be
naturally ana peacefully solved"
The petitions of northern business men
will have great influence with the republi-
can senators. 1t is known that quite a
large number of them have no sympathy
with the force bill, and it is certain that
they will not vote for it when they become
fully aware how strongly their constituents
are opposed to it. They will be willing to
abandon the partisan advantages which
Speaker Reed and some of the other repub-
lican leaders aim to secure rather than
bring about a condition of affairs which
would be hurtful to business and industrial
interests in all parts of the country, but
especially in the south.