The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-20

The discussion which took place at the
meeting Of the powhatan Club Ihursuay
evening covered several interesting ana I'M
portant points that have often been subjects
of debate in Southern communities. Inc
advantage 20 be derived from the separation
of the races in our street-cars Is a palpaoie
one from physical point of view, and these
cars would undoubtedly be more patronized
than they are if the malodorous feature now
existing we're removed. No one familiar with
this feature from actual experience Will deny
that il is Of serious character or will con-
slider it strange that il should be looked upon
az very strong objection TO frequent use OF
the cars. The question. however, is, Would
the innovation be practicable?
1t is quite evident that separate cars for the
two races would not be practicable. The ex-
pertinent has been tried here and elsewhere,
and invariably failed Not only would fore
ing separate cars upon the railway com
panies largely increase their expenses,
but il would be an increased expense
which would be useless. For instance
cars expressly for blacks can only be run at
certain intervals and would be pat
ronized neither by whites nor negroes. The
consequence would be that the cars would be
always entirely or nearly empty to the severe
injury OF the companies.
The only satisfactory solution OF the pro-
blem is that separate compartments be pro-
vided in each car for whites and blacks-say
the upper part for negroes and the lower for
whites. In this way the races could be Kept
apart and the rule could be under the
immediate regulation Of the conductor
The races should be kept vigorously
separated the only exception being that col
ored nurses with white children may be per-
mitted in the white compartment. 1hIs
would effectually accomplish the desired OBJ
ject without inhicting loss or damage on the
railway companies.
The suggestion that only white teachers
shall be employed in the negro schools should
not be received with the slightest favor. The
principle sought 10 be enforced IN the sepsra-
ton Of the races in the street cars Is that each
race should. for its own good, be allowed to
pursue a course as far as possible independ-
ent of the other race. Why, then, should
white teachers be obtruded upon negro
schools unless the parents who send their
children to these schools shall make special
petition to that effect? The principle should
operate with perfect equality in the instance
of both races. The negro should not be per-
mitted TO eneroach upon the domain of the
whites. the whites should not be permitted to
encroach upon the domain of the negro.
There are many reasons why the system OF
furnishing negro teachers to negro schools
should be maintained. If the bulk Of the race
demand it, this is a sufficient reason in itself,
especially in the light of the fact that the
negro teachers are selected by white boards,
which can inquire with equal care into the
moral and the mental fitness of each
teacher Then again the position of teacher
in the negro schools is one of the few positions
to which a negro can aspire, and as its duties
involve exclusively the welfare of his own
race it is entirely becoming that the oppor-
tunity of being appointed 10 it should be
open to him. If there should be any evidence
that he is misusing his position to infame the
minds of his pupils against the whites he can
easily be displaced. But this is misdemeanor
into which he is not likely to fall as long as
his tenure is dependent upon good behavior.
The destiny Of the negro is in his own
hands Let him pursue his own course with
his own preachers, lawyers and teachers. The
principle that justihes his separation from
the whites in our theatres, restaurants and
other public resorts confirms him in his right
to instruct the children of his own race
The law which has been adopted in omany
of the Southern States providing him with
separate accommodations on ordinary railways
is likely to be adopted in this Commonwealth
at an early day, but it remains to be seen
whether it is practicable to enforce such
law on our street railways, desirable as it
undoubtedly would be as a general PROPOSE
ton.