The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-01-16
pts.prnARANon orrHn NEGRO.

a
One of the most notable facts connected
with the present situation Of the Southrrn
States, Is the material alteration which
many Of the most dangerous aspects of the
negro problem have undergone in the course
Of the last twelve months. While the
presence of an enormous black population
In these States still presents many questions
OF the utmost gravity, az would be shown
at once by the passage Of such oolitcal
measure as the Force BILL nevertheless the
feeling OF hopefulness which the tendencies
of this population were justly calculated to
excite In a thoughtful mind few years ago,
must now be substantially modified, not be-
cause the disposition of the negro race in
the South has grown more enlightened or
become more elevated, but because there are
certain influences in active operation.
which are opposed TO the numerical ex-
pansion of the race ut the rate which PIE
vailed prior TO 1880.
According to the census OF 1890, the ne
groes have in the last decade increased
only ten per cent. in the Southern States.
26.2 per cent. Whether these figures be
strictly accurate or not, the fact that the
whites of the South have surpassed the
blacks IN numerical growth il not open to
contradiction There are many reasons
why this would he the case In the first
place, the white population has NOT only
not been diminished by emigration, but II
has received important additions from I'M
migration, the increase in our white popu-
lation drawn from the North and West and
foreign countries amounting in the interval
between 1880 and 1890 to 0l.G per cent.
on the other hand, there has been con-
slant drain upon the negro population,
considerable proportion having been IN
nuenced by restlessness Of spirit as well az
by the severe depression in agriculture III
many parts OF the South, to DRIFT TO the OLD
free States, in many OF which the negroes
are 40 numerous that theyhold the balance
OF political power. Apart from the loss from
this cause, the Southern black population
has not grown at rate at all proportionate
10 the increase in the white population.
There are local reasons in explanation Of
this fact which there is not sufficient space
TO enumerate even in outline. The 1act
nevertheless exists, and it is one that has
the most vital relation to the future of the
Southern States. Special localities ana
communities in these States VIII continue
for an indefinite time, to suffer from the
numerical preponderance OF the negrocs,
but these States as a section, viii aiter al
appreciable period. emerge entirely from
the last trace OF the dark shadow OF decay
which the mere presence of the negro pop
uiation has In the past created.
With the white population Of the South
increasing far more rapidly than the black
the grayest OF the apprehensions with which
the general prospects Of this section have
been regarded on this account must be
largely dissipated. IL is true that the ne
gro viii long be disturbing factor in Pc
litical emergencies, but he can never under
the circumstances now existing exert suf-
.acient influence upon the fortunes Of the
South as to bring about that overwhelming
ruin which was at one time justly ex.
pected.
Not only are the relative rates Of increase
10 be observed In the present history OF the
two races a most reassurIng tact IN its
bearing on the future OF the South at large,
but the enormous development now in pro.
rress IN this section, development which
10 not comparable with what win be seen
IN a few years, must have most important
effect upon the numerical expansion OF the
negroes. The new indvs'rial conditions
now coming into operation In the South are
uuiavorable TO the numerical growth OF
the race as q mass, because IL introduces
more stringent conditions Of existence
for is members, subjects them 20 the
grinding force OF competition for which
they are unatted, tests their capacity
for survival by bringing them directly
ia conflict with race beot upon
material couquests, and under tie IN
dueues Of the memorable laws OF competi-
lion themselves, ruthless In their treatment
NJ every form OF rivalry.
II has long been observed that the negroes
did not rapidly increase IN cities, . set