The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-03-18
THE NEGRO AT THE NORTH.


There are countless evidences every day
that human nature is the same everywhere.
For quarter of century a very large and
influential section of the Northern and West
ern people have asserted with confidence. and
probably with sincerity. that the general pol
lev towards the negro rnce which has been
pursued by the people of the South since
emancipation has been inhuman and unchris-
tan. whether regarded from social or po-
litical point of view.
II reliance had been placed upon the
declarations Of many Of the leading organs OF
public opinion in the Northern and Western
States, it would have been supposed that the
inhabitants Of our section of the Union, when
ever the negro was involved. sank every in
stinct of justice and charity, and acted SIMPLY
upon the promptings OF cruelty and feroc!ty'
Judging by these statements, the white people
of the South not only curta,led the negro's
political rights and refused TO recognize his
social, but they deliberately declined 20 allow
him the material opportunities which. but for
this interference, would have been open to
him in every branch OF Southern industry.
The latter was denounced with special
acrmony, as the consummation OF the evils
from which it was alleged that the black pop
uation was suffering.
This attitude of so many of tho people Of
the North and West has always seemed 20 the
people of the South to be based upon very
preiudoed and distorted understanding of
the situation in which they were placed; and
it has been especially aggravatins because
they knew very well that in the same situa-
ton. the people Of the North would have been
compelled TO follow the very line OF con-
duct which they themselves had been forced
to pursue.
In recent years. since the development Of
marked disposition among the members Of tho
negro population of the South to drift in con-
siderable bodies towards the North and West,
there have been number of episodes which
confirmed the accuracy of this view on the
part of the Southern people. The absence of
negroes FROM the Legislatures Of such States rs
New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts,.
in which Commonwealths the race are now
casting large proportion Of the votes, shows
that the negro is not regarded very favorably
north Of Mason and Dxon's line as material
for law-maker.
The riotng TO which the intrusion Of the
negro iato the public schools in many Of the
towns OF Ohio has on number of occasions
led is we'll known II is also generally admit
ted that he is entirely ostIacised a social
factor in the different circles of white people
in Northern communities. Above all. he has
outside of few of the lowest lines of business
no industrial standing whatever, and as an in
Gustrial competitor, if he is ever so bold as 10
seek 10 become one in any general branch Of
trade. he is treated with an intolerance that is
decidedly shocking to the sentiments of the
| Southern people.
One of the very best indications Of the feel
| ing in this respect, which is exhibited by
Northern and Western people, is now being
displayed in Oklahoma Territory. The white
farmers Of that Territory. in which many ne
groes have already settled and TO which large
numbers are continuing TO flock are taking
steps to terrorize the blacks with view TO
inducing them to emigrate. Bands of white
regulators. as determined as any that ever
wore the insignia Of the kuklux, are prowling
about the prairies Of Oklahoma. scourging
the black colonists and warning them that I'M
less they abandon their homesteads theirliyes
are in peril.
If this condition of affairs were TO arise in
a Southern Commonwealth. it would furnish
theme TO the Republican organs Of the
North upon which they would dilate with
great Indignation. but as it is confined to the
West at the present time. it only constitutes
n subject for brief telegraphic report.