The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-07-05
CREAM OF THE PRESS.
The Ubiquitous Force Bill - Carefully
Cuiled Opinion.
IAtlanta Constitution. !

tuiltu Opihioh'
[Atlanta CONSTITUTIONAL
Reed and the men whom he controls do
not desire TO know the truth. They have
tried to impress the people of the North
with the idea that the Force bill is neces-
sary for the protection OF the negro. When
the Southern Republicans explode this the
ory and show that the measure is not only
unnecessary, but that il will work immeas-
urable harm to every Southern interest, in
Guiding, of course, the interest of the ne
groes themselves, no halt whatever is made
in the Republican programme. The South
ern Republicans are snubbed, and are plain
~ given to understand that no true Repub-
lican is expected to tell the truth about the
situation at the South.
In their partisan eagerness TO override
the rights of the people and 70 insure their
party a long lease of power, Reed and other
men in control turn deaf ear 10 the warn
ings Of these Southern Republicans and say.
in effect, that a Northern Republican like
Mr.. Lodge, who knows no more Of the
South than he does Of the centre Of Africa,
is more familiar with affairs here than even
the Southern Republicans who make their
homes here.
(Greenvllle Is. ~ News.l
Mr.. Thomas Bracket Reed can whip,
bulldOze and swindle his Election bill
through the House of Representatives.
lie can make the Republican members of
that body, with a few honorable exceptions,
az humble and plant 10 his will as so many
beaten ours.
But when he faces the white people Of the
Southern States he will have harder task.
They are free people and brave, stead
fast energetic people, with their minds full
IL, calmly and clearly made up.
rhov will r,tla their country or lpaVp il
and whatever they have TO do TO rule it
they will do.
Mr. Reed and his President and other
miniOns may overthrow every Southern
State government and replace all OF them
with army officers; they may drive the
white people of the South from cities and
farms 20 10 new homes in other countries or
in other parts OF this and give us ruin for
the prosperity we have.
But he cannot make Southern people sub
nit TO black rule. He cannot make them
lie cannot make them return Republican
Congressman.
He appears TO be anxious 10 test his
strength in those directions. Let him do it.
lie will lind us ready for all the thieves,
tyrants and jury packers he can enlist OF
replace.
lie can Cypress an ruin us, maybe. But
he can't bulld0ze, bride or rob us.
philadelphia Telegraph
The Federal Election bill goes 10 the
Senate hating, lame, and 80 nearly choked
10 death in the desperate struggle, by which
IL was forced through the House, that could
il be presented in personified form, it would
certainly appear black in the face. Ii re-
ceiyes no impetus from its friends i'm the
House, but drops from their hands limp and
ilaccid, as II they had barely cOntriyed 10
drag IL through the traditional brush fence.
That II was hauled through at all, seems 10
have been due TO absentecism, as il is
doubtful II IL could have been passed in any
recognizable shape with all members pre-
sent and voting.
What the Senate will do with il no COM
petent observation can yet decide. The In
dications are that IL will be subjected 10 the
searching criticism Of free debate. an ordeal
which was forbidden in the House, as il
would evidently have been torn TO pieces
there by anything like open discussion.
That il will he thoroughly oyerhaulcd In the
upper chamber is fairly prcsumable, and In