The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-07-01
THE ELECTIONLAwAN AND THE NEGRO.

Apart from all consideration Of its un-
happy influence upon the fortunes of the
Southern States, the proposed national
election law is a measure to be regretted on
account of the cloud which it is certain to
cast upon the prospects of the negroes
themselves. Whoever thoroughly under
stands the circumstances surrounding
them in the South, and has an unaffected
and disinterested desire TO see a general i'm
proyement in their condition, must condemn
this measure as profoundly calculated to
retard their material and moral progress.
Whatever strains the relations Of the two
races in the South has a particularly hurt
full effect upon the negro race. Whatever
serves TO ALLEVIATE the whites and blacks is
especially destructive Of the best interests
Of the latter
Upon its face, the National Election meas
ure is framed to secure absolute fairness in
counting all votes cast in the Southern
states in the National elections. The true
object OF those who are 80 urgent that it
shall be at once enacted into law is, how
ever, to establish throughout the South a
system OF local returning boards 10 be con-
trolled by INSCRIPTIONS Republican parti-
sans, but the only substantial and perma-
nent effect Of the operation OF the law will
be TO array race against race, and this will
result in violence Of more or less serious
character in every part Of the Southern
States, but especially in those parts in
ho no viii in,
numbers. The domination Of the whites is
a. essential TO the prosperity Of the black as
OF the white population. For all practical
purposes. the negroes are as much inter
ested In the retention Of power in all local
affairs by the white people as the white pee
pie are themselves. The truest and wisest
friends Of the negroes at the North know
this-whoeyer has observed all the cir
cumstances Of their condition in the South
ern States, whether friendly OF hostile to
them, recognize this. The most intelligent
individuals among the negroes themselves
will freely admit it. Peace between the
races means the advancement of both, but
especially Of the negro.
The administration of Cleveland will al
ways be a memorable era in the history OF
the Southern negro. For the first time after
the emancipation Of the race, the Demo-
cratic party came into control Of national
affairs with the full determination TO allow
the Southern States 10 work out the negro
question upon natural lines. During those
four years there was no attempt 10 interfere
with the local affairs OF these States, or 10
readjust the political relations Of the races.
What was the consequence Never before
did the Southern States grow so rapidly in
prosperity. Never before did the negroes
make such substantial progress in all the
elements Of useful citizenship. Aud whyy
Because the domination OF the whites was
unquestioned. Not the slightest cause
arose 10 create irritation between the races.
Those relations, ON the contrary, were emf.
nently friendly and conciliatory. The |
whites were strongly Influenced by every
consideration 10 treat the negroes Justly |
and fairly. Pass the National Election |
measure, and this disposition will very
naturally weaken. Kindness and good will
will be succeeded by irritation and IN will.
The negro will be regarded with bitter dis
like and hatred. His usefulness as a la
borer Will be forgotten. The evil which he
works rs voter will alone be remembered II