The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-07-02

One of the most singular traits of the Re
publican mind of the North is its complete
inability to comprehend the conditions that
prevail in the Southern States We use the
term inability" advsedly. for even such a
partisan organ as the New York Tribune is
not altogether insincere in its violent refer
ences to this subject. Blindly fanatical in
its views of the negro, it is in q measure ex-
pressing its genuine convictions when it de-
clares that the negro population must be per-
mitted to control in every Southern commu-
nifty in which that population has ma
jority
In an article which appeared in the columns
of the Tribune on Wednesday it stated and
no doubt in good faith. that it regarded with
astonishment the course of the Southern bust
ness men, who after the election Of Harrison
announced their intention Of supporting the
policy of protection. and yet as soon as tho
Republican party, of which they had virtually
become members took position in favor Of
the National Election law these southern men
who, to use the words Of the Tribune. had
protested passionate attachment 10 Repu Ii
can principles and readiness To devote them
selves to the cause of protection, " Joined in
the protest 'as angrly and with as little
reason as most of the Bourbon Democrats of
the South"
The action of these gentlemen in deserving
the Republican ranks in body as soon as an
organized EFFORT was made to elevate the
negro above the white man. seems to have
filled the Tribune with genuine disgust.
Moreover. their political fckeness. for such
their conduct appears TO lie TO the Tribune.
put that journal on It's guard IN its attitude
towards future movements of the same
character.
There IS rumor that movement is soon to
be inaugurated in the Southern States bv con-
siderable bodies of business men who are dis
posed to give Their aid to Republican prin-
ciples. The Tribune has received information
of this proposed movement. but its past ex-
perience prevents it from expressing itself in
terms of unreserved qualification On the
contrary. 1t is very cautious and proceeds
both to warn and advise the Southern bust
ness men wao are supposed 10 have the new
movement under their care
1T is not out Of place. the Tribune re-
marks, to say to these gentlemen that
they are either in favor of honest cleo
tons or they are not Republicans. II
may be to them disagreeablo aterna-
tive. because it may involve brave and
possibly self-sacrifcing sntagonism to the
mob rule and ring rule which prevail in some
OF the Southern States. But the issue cannot
be avoided. There is no power to diyest the
Republican party of responsibility for a meas
ure winch belongs TO il and is a necessary and
an essential pat of its policy. Nothing that
can be done by Southern men or by Northern
will lessen in the least degree any hostility TO
the party growing out Of its advocacy of this
measure. The party as IA whole has 10 face
manfully and frankly, the responsibility for he |
belief that elections ought to be free and
honest In every State. IL there are Southern
mon who do not believe this. or who believe |
II but do not dare to say it, it may be well foy
them to consider before they 90 any further |
that tie Republican party cannot sacrifice ia |
convictions for the sake OF winning support
in any section Of the country"
The Tribune may rely with confidence unon
ono thing, and that is that If there are anv
considerable numbers of business men AZ the
South who are seriously thinking Of support.
ing the Republican party on account Of its