The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-03-21
PRESIDENTIAL SOUTHERN TOUR.

In long and carefully prepared article, so
elaborate indeed that it leaves the impression
of irony, the Philadelphia Telegraph.
liberal though Republican organ, urges
President Harrison TO visit the South
ern States. 1t points out the adj
vantages that have, in other administra-
tons, accrued from tours Of this character,
the benefit not being confined TO the people
of the South, but also resulting to the Presi-
dent himself, who, by this means, is able to
bring himself into direct contact with the in
habitants Of one of the greatest sections of
the Union.
The Telegraph also impresses upon Mr..
Harrison the entire proprety Of a trip at this
season. Congress not being in session, and it
being many months before the National Re-
publican Convention will assemble. Now is
the time, D." it says. when he can 60 without
let or hindrance, being assured of respectful
treatment everywhere, and with fine chance
to see the South as it really Is, % talk with Its
leading citizens. TO note its commercial needs,
to inquire into the conditions of all classes.
and to observe especially the attitude and
progress of the colored race.
LET him now pack pair Of good-sized
grips, take two or three representative men,
bers of his Cabinet, and make the tour from
the Potomac to the Rio Grande. The whole
country would be very much interested in
such an event. and the South especially
would be pleased. Go South. Mr.. President"
That the South would extend to the Presi-
dent n respectful reception we have no doubt;
I ~ i 1
question. What has there been in the past
course Of Mr.. Harrison to commend him 10
the consideration Of the Southern people?
What has he done since he WAS indicted into
the Chief Msgistracy that WAS calculated toin-
vest him with the smallest degree Of popu-
larity in the Southern States?
If he has as President been distinguished
for any conspicuous quality it has been per-
sistent determination TO injure this section by
every means that his official position or per-
sonsl influence has furnished him. He dog
gedly stood by the Force bill until il received
the blow that killed it, Did any one for an
instant doubt that he would have signed this
bill if it had passes both houses of Congress?
If the Force bill had become a law by his en-
have inflicted an irretrievsble injury upon
every interest of the South. Not white
man. woman or child in the Southern States
would have escaped the effect of its destruc-
tive operation.
There was not a stroke of legislation in
either House of Congress directed at the
Southern people which did not receive Mr..
Harrison's hearty endorsement More than
this. whenever he himself had to take the in
tiatiye, he was always careful 70 adopt the
course of action that was most likely TO
humiliate and degrade the people of the
South. Note. for instance, his appointment
Of negro TO be the collector of the port of
Galveston, Of negroto be the collector of the
port of Charleston, and Of negro to be the
postmaster Of Vicksburg. three of the welth-
lest, most popular and most refined cities in
the Southern States
We repeat that there is not one thing in the
conduct of Mr.. Harrison since his inaugura-
ton that commends him to the good will of
the Southern people. On the contrary, there
is everything that commends him 20 their i'll
will. II he adopts the suggestion of the Tele-
graph, and makes tour through the South.
he will be received respectfully, not on NC
count of himself but on account of the Office
which he fills. That the Southern people will
be gratifed by his presence would be an as
sertion that would not have the slightest
foundation in fact.