The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1890-03-29
SECTIONAL FEELING.
A Republican Paper Calls a Halt.
[PhiladeIphla Eyenlng TeIeeranhl


Philadelphia Evening telegraph
The debate in the Senate during the
past few days on the questions grow
ing out of the Blair Educational bill
vividly shows the spirit prevailing in
that body, and which is certain to be-
come intensified during the remainder
of the session. 1t was quite impossi-
bic, of course, for men like Mr.. Hoar
and Mr.. Chandler to discuss this bill
without getting into close quarters
with such Southern leaders as Mr..
Eustis, Mr.. Butler and Mr.. George.
The debate is not of SO much impor-
tance ON account of what was said
although, there were some very start
ling statements put fOrth-as in show
ing the feeling that exists between the
two parties at this time over the al
legged rights and wrongs of the colored
man, and the proposed remedy for the
existing state of affairs.
The Blair bill is simply Intended as
an education measure; but when il is
discussed, the effect of its passage and
the evident purposes of those who
favor it, are sure to come out. There
was no necessity, at this time, for such
a heated political wrangle, but il has
only precipitated the conflict. No
matter what becomes of the Blair bill,
it is now as clear rs anything can be
that there is = determined plan on foot,
in which the leaders of the majority
in both houses are thoroughly agreed,
to take such action at this session of
Congress us will change the face of
the political situation in the South,
and, so far as such legislation can
work to that end, keep in control of
National affairs the Republican party.
1t is thoroughly understood also, that
in this move the President is hearty
sympathizer, ready and anxious to CO.
operate in the adoption of such meas
ures as will carry out the purposes SO
clearly declared by Senator Chandler,
Hoar and Sherman.
II is evident that Senator Sherman
yesterday spoke without due delibera-
tion and care. He might as well at
once have openly declared that the Fit
teenth Amendment to the Constitu-
tion was adopted as political necessi-
ty, and not as measure of justice or
wisdom, and that il would be main
tanned at any cost for the same worthy
purpose. His statement that this
amendment was only brought forth as
the result of the hostile action of the
Southern States is strange, indeed, for
one so thoroughly acquainted with all
the facts of history. This amendment
was propoied to the States by Con-
grcss February 27, 1869, while Andrew
johnson was still President of the
United States. This was at a time
when the Southern States were near
ly all as yet in the firm grip of the
Republican party, either under provi-
sional government or in the hands
of carpet-baggers. In the Presidential
election of 1873, Alabama, Arkansas,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Ten
nessee and West Virginia voted for
Grant. Mississippi, Texas and vir-
ginia had no vote. Three Southern
States only, Georgia, Kentucky and
Louisiana, voted for Seymour. In the
face of these facts, Senator Sherman
declares that the 18th amendment was
only enacted because of the action of
the Southern States In nullifying the
previous amendment (the lith.) SEN
ator Sherman well knows that It was
not until some five years later that the
carpet-bag governments were over
thrown, and the Southern States once
more in the hands of an unreconstruct.
cd Democracy. The Ohio statesman
however, might have correctly said
that it was because of the fear of what
would take place, and which did later
occur, that the Republican party In
Congress and the Nasion enfranchised
the black man. The whole thing waI
simply matter of political expedency
! just as this proposdd legislation
twenty years later, to take control o
Federal elections in the South out o
the hands of local authorities, is die
tated by rash and daring politica
policy.
,, 1t is most deplorable state Of affair
, for any intelligent and patriotic citizcl
to contemplate. Congressional elec
, tions in large number of districts II
, the South are, and have been for som,
! years, farce, and they bid fair to con
= tinue so to be. To attempt to remed
! this condition of affairs by force vii
! only be to add to the dangers an,
q terrors of the present; to give no as
= surance of justice to the black man; t
involve the Federal Government il
a almost open conflict with some te
q States to revive and intensity the SEE
tional feelings Of suspicion and hatre
= which ought to have been buried Ion
= ago. The bitter words spoken in tn
. Senate are but indicative of the con
: ing storm. If the country escapes
. more disastrous political and race COZ
4 flict than 1t has ever known, il will b
q mrre than any sober-minded observer
of the situation at this time can expec