Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1892-03-30
The Negro in the South.

The question naturally arises, Have
they improved? Many persons declare
that they have not. NY observation has
led to somewhat different conclusion.
Where they have been brought into
contact with the stronger race under
conditions in which they derived aid,
as in cities, they have in certain direc-
tions improved; where they have lack
ed this stimulating influence, as in sec
tions of the country where the associa-
ton has steadily diminished, they have
failed to advance. In the cities, where
| they arc in touch with the whites they
are, l think, becoming more dignifed,
more self-respecting, more reasonable;
in the country where they are left to
| themselves | fail to see this improve
ment. This improvement, however,
such as it is, does not do away with the
race issue. So far from it, it rather in
tensifies the feeling, certainly on the
part of the negro, and makes the rela-
tion more strained Yet it is our only
hope. The white race, it is reasonably
certain, is not going to be ruled by the
negro either North or South. That day
is far off, and neither Lodge bills nor
any other bills can bring it until they
can reverse natural law, enact that
ignorance shall be above intelligence,
and exalt feebleness over strength. The
history of that race is guaranty that
this cannot be. 1t has been conquer
ing race from it's first appearance like
the Scandinavians of old
Firm to resolve and steadfast to endure"
The section of it which inhabits the
United States is not yet degenerate
The question now remains What is to
become of the negro? 1t is not likely
that he will remain in his present stat
US, if, indeed, it is possible for him to
do so. Many schemes have been sug-
gested, none of them alone answerable
to the end proposed. The deportation
plan does not seem practicable at pres
ent. 1t is easy to suggest theories, but
much more difficult to substantiate
them. l hazard one based upon much
reflection on the subject. 1t is that
the negro race in America will eventu-
ally disappear, not in generation or a
century,--it may take several centuries.
The means will be natural. Certain
portions of the Southern States will for
a while, perhaps, be almost given up t0
him; but in time he will be crowded
out even there. Africa may take a
part; Mexico and South America a part;
the rest will, as the country fills up, as
life grows harder and competition
fiercer, become diffused and will dis
appear, a portion by absorption into
the stronger race, the residue by per-
ishing under conditions of unsuited to
him. Let us do our utmost to elimin-
ate from the question the complication
of it's political features. Get politics
out of it, and the problem will be more
than half solved. Senator Hampton
stated not long ago in a paper contrib
uted by him, l think, to this ReUieaO,
that, to get the negro out of politics,
he would gladly give up the represent
alton based on his vote. Could any
thing throw a stronger light on the ap-
prehension with which the negro in
politics is regarded at the South !?
There never was any question more be-
logged with demagogism than that of
manhood suffrage. Let us apply our
selves to the securing some more rea-
sonable and better basis for the suf-
frage. Let us establish such a proper
qualification as a condition to the pos
session of the elective franchise as shall
leave the ballot only to those who have
intelligence enough to use it as an in
, strument to secure good government
rather than to destroy it. In taking
this step we have to plant ourselves on
broader principle than that of race
: qualification. 1t is not merely the
negro, it is ignorance and venality
which we want to disfranchise. If we
{ can disfranchise these we need not fear
the voter. whatever the color. At pres
lent it is not the negro who is disfran-