Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-10-12
Tuo Rool,s on "The New South. I"


In 1.-THE New South" already briefly no.
ticed in these colenns, the late HENRY W.
GRADY tells a story almost as wonderful "a
the "Arablan Nights" fully as interesting,
yet strictly true. No fairy tale could be
more fascinating than his account OF the
rapid and marvellous rise of the South
from ruin and misery. Her woful condi-
ton at the close of hostilities, her manly
recognition of that condition, and sturdy,
determined resolve ard effort to lit her.
self. her lncalculable natural advantages,
her brave, patriotic people, her superior
civilization. are all eloquently and loving
" portrayed. There are many truths told
winch IL will be well for the North TO hear.
and since Mr.. GRADY seems to have been q
generally accepted eyangel i'll that section
il will perhaps receive them from him
more kindly, undsrstandingly, and beneh-
cially than from another
MIR. GRADY is no apologist; he stands up
manfully for his people, both in matters
martial and in their independence andpro-
gressiveness in time of peace. But he IS
without bitterness or recrimlnatlon.
While claiming that the South was
actuated bv lofty principle, he admits that
the North no less followed the path of
duty and conviction. He speaks many a
brave word for the South, both in her adj
yersity and prosperity. Although, 10y rea-
son of his ardent imaginative tempera-
ment, a sentimentalist to some extent, In
the main his arguments and conclusions
cannot be successfully combated. He
takes the South, from the desolation and
humiliation of defeat. through the period
of reconstruction, into the era OF return
ing prosperity. and down to the present
time. and foreshadows future rich
enough in promise to satisfy the dreams of
tho most ardent optimist.
He touches in passing upon the old
South with humor, pathos. and affection.
The southern youth of to-day may read
his book and acquire o luminous idea of
what has been lost. In few pages of re-
ere.ful and sympathetic reminiscence he
packs the information of an ordinary
volume.
In his treatment of the race question or
NEGRO problem" as it is called, he une-
auiyocally takes the ground that it must
be solved by tho South alone. Hands of,
he says to the North, and all will be well.
lie would give the negroes equal political
rights, but insists upon absolute and en-
tire separation Of the two races. He gives
many facts to prove that the negro is af-
forded q much better chance here with us
than at the North.
His tribute to the slaves fidelity in war
time Is eloquent and touching. but he is
not blind to the atrocities and villainies Of
negro supremacy under carpet-bag rule.
The regainsd political ascendsncy Of the
whites is accounted for by the fact that
the negro does not vote. I've hear much
of the intim idation Of the colored vote in
the South" says Mr.. GRADY. and he admits
it, "but," be explains, lit Is the menace Of
the compact and solid wealth and intelli-
gence of great social system" The ne
gro Twill not vote except under persistent
and systematic and inspiring organization,
which cannot be effected or maintained
against powerful and united social sys-
tenn that embraces the wealth and intellt
gsnee Of the comnunity.n
rs. GsADE'saizls = eempset and foSci.