The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-08-10
4 LESSON rnom MIssrssIPPL

A LESSON FROM MIssIssIPPL
There may be division among the white
Democrats of the South on some ques-
tons, but they appear TO be agreed TO
man In opposition to the passage OF the
federal elections bill The chief burthen
OF their protest against that measure Is
that it will lead to negro domination.
and to that they declare they viii never
submit.
But 1t must BE- remembered that this bill
IN no respect interferes with elections for
state, county or municipal officers. It APP
plies only to elections in which congress-
men and electors of president and vice
president are chosen. All others are left
exclusively under state control. II Is not
apparent how the choice Of one or another
set OF congressman or electors can affect
the question Of white or negro "domina-
ton" in those states.
The Lodge bill. for instance. cannot af-
feet such . case az occurred in Issaquena
county, Mississippi, the other day. In
1880. according to the census Of that year.
there were in Issaquena county OLA ne
groes and $50 whites. Since that time,
especially during the last two years, there
has been . heavy migration OF negroes
from North Carolina and other coast states
into that county, and it Is estimated that
now the negroes outnumber the whites by
more than IL TO l. There are not more
than 200 white voters in the county, against
nearly or quite 1900 negro voters.
At the present time . highly important
matter is pending in Mississippi. There
h to be convention to amend aud revise
the state constitution. The manner OF re-
vision. it is supposed, is quite vital ques-
ton. It will materially affect the interests
Of all citizens Of that state, white and
black, for many years TO come. There is q
strong probability that the revision viii
materially affect the political rela ions be-
tween the races. II Is surmised that 1t will
materially affect the question of ''domina-
ton" by the one race or the other in the
management of local affairs.
1t il currently assumed, and is tacitly
admitted in the objections urged by south
ern whites against the Lodge bill. that the
whites Of that section are pretty unani-
mously Democrats, and that the negroes
are about as unanimously the other way.
In the matter of choosing . candidate for
member Of the convention from that
county, the white Democrats quite
promptly got together and nominated
Captain w. S. Parish. just before the cleo
49, -. ID ,t.t;c.rc b.ya = ,.~s- v..o.;..-
which was largely attended. and prominent
colored Republicans expressed the opinion
that s'it would be better to allow the white
men to make unmoiested the constitution, !"
and by unanimous vote it was decided that
1t twas impracticabie to make any nomi-
nation" against Captain Parish.
Thus, in q county where they outnum-
sber the whites in the proportion of II to l.,
the colored Republicans have consented
to white Democratic domination" in the
matter of framing constitution. which
must of necessity carry with il control of
state and local affairs for an indefinite pc
Rod, which will probably extend beyond
the lifetime Of this generation. By their
voluntary action, SO far rs it could affect
results. they consented to white domino
ton in local affairs which will be quite be-
yond the reach OF the Lodge bill or any
measure Of federal legislation.
In framing the new constitution great
care is to be taken to "curb the majority
and protect the minority" There are to
be long terms OF Office and infrequent cleo.
tons. The legislature is to meet but sell
dom and there are to be sharp Limitations
on its powers. A judiciary holding eli her
for life or for extremely long terms viii In
constituting the common law do most OF the
Iegislat:ng. As effectuaily as can be posi-.
BILE aud maintain the pretense of republi-
can form of government, white domination
will be assured in Mississippi for many
years to come. and an amendment of this
constitution. except by revolution, will be
| made practically impossible.
The whites Of Mississippi have by this
means deprived themselves of any tenable
! objection 10 the passage of the Lodge bill.
| After the first election held under the pro-
visions OF their new constitution those to
| follow viii be few and far between, and
/ practically the congressional and presiden-
tial elections viii be the only ones in which
the masses will have an opportunity to
| participate. Ii all are given free vote
| and q fair count in those elections the con.
sequent danger of negro domination will
| apply to the whole country, and no,
specially to Mississippi The country a,
large has no reason TO fear injury from the
| congressman or electors that such vote and
count viii send from thatstate. While the
dominance of one over twelve may apply
to local affairs, this country cannot afford
to consent that it shall apply to the choice
| Of federal officers. II must be made
practicable" for the twelve to make nomi
nations and support their nominees fol
federal officers.
/