The southern argus. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Cherokee County, Kan.) 1891-1???, 1892-01-07
L-ARPH.
A BREEZY EDITORIAL ON THE Jim
GROW" CARS.
Some Very Plain Talk Regarding Jui
tioe to Negroes
A PROTEST AGAINST THE N0AIN
NATION OF BLAINE.

The following editorial which lately
appeared in the Columbus Evening Dis
patch, an independent white daily, il
perhaps the boldest statement upon the
question of "Jim Grow" cars that has
ever appeared i'm white paper. 1t has
awakened much thought and specula-
ton, and its influence for good, in behalf
of our race, will be felt:
ITO the white people of Florida or OF
any other States which allows or COM
pels railroad companies to furnish sep
crate accommodation for colored men
and women, q protest from a Negro con-
corning the discrimination against him
may seem outrageous and uncallcd for
Such is the result of prejudice. But to
many in the north there will appear
good reason for giving sympathy
to the colored people. We read
of wrongs, of injustice, and of indigna
tons offered Negroes, but we never hear
of redress we read again of Negroes and
we see that lynching or lawful hang
ing has been the punishment.
The incident on Florida railroad re-
Gently is an example. A cOlOred ruffian
shot and killed conductor because he
was required to ride in the car provided
for cOlored people. If the murderer is
caught he will surely be lynchcd or will
be hanged after trial in IL court of law.
That he deserves death no one will at
tempt to deny. He had no justification
for his crime. because the victim was
simply acting under orders. And yet
this killing was the direct result
e 10 hH
more independent of the colOred men
class of desperate human beings. In
The tragedy of yesterday many of the
southern colOred race will find ground
to say that if tue conductor had killed
the Negro he would have been declared
innocent of any wrong doing. The past
and present treatment of the ex-slaves
and their descendants are the cause for
SO lamentable state of affairs.
1t may be said that we of the States
where no distinction is made in race or
color cannot appreciate the depths OF
the question which leads TO the enforce
ment of the line on railways and else
where. Perhaps that is so. and if it is
we should be thankful to be spared the
knowledge which might cause some to
lose their respect for our boosted prlncl-
pie of equality. But be that as it may.
it seems that daily experience should
teach the government of the Southern
States that the seeds of evil are being
sown by the laws and customs which are
to protect the sanctity of the presence OF
white people. AS long rs the Southern
cOlored people are met with abrIdg-
ments of their supposed constitutional
rights, and are treated with the rlg0rs
of laws and customs which have more
respect for man with whiLe skin than
| for one with black, there will be arts
ing race of beings who will think that
such tragedies as that on the Florida
railroad are justifiabIe and in the line OF
| protest from disposed race"
The repeated injustice, insults and
prescriptions heaped ut the door of the
Southern Negro must sooner or later
end.
The Negro has appealed for justice
long enough. He finds a deaf ear OF
every hand. The United States govern.
ment processes TO have the power Il
right the wrongs inflicted upon her sub
jects in Chill, but appear powerless tt
demand justice for the Negro in the
South. This government has the RICH
| to foster trade, 10 offer reciprocity to in
significant countries in Central Americ;
but she dare not interpOse when Negroe
are hung up or shot down in cold blood
This mighty government of the PEG
people for the people," can load grea
ships for the destitute of Russia, but of
| fers no suCcOr to her black citizens Wh'
are starving in the South for justice
What is to be done? What must b.
done? Simply this-black men mus
| ?ecome self-reliant. Black men mus
pi otect themselves. How? Any way
| The timid will say-"But stop and ju
think. scores will he killed." Bette
hundreds be killed in defense of thei
rights, better thousands be killed in III
effort 10 protect themselves and thei
own. than for hundreds to be killed. n
they are, without sign of resistance
Heroic measures must be adopted, an
soon too. The period of serfdom is past
Are we we all towards? After al
these years, have we not grown a fey
searless men? How long is the race I
cring before that vile excresence Of civ
ilization-w bite Negro haters of tn
South?
| Appears ItiI nav oNN4i -
Dependency upon predetermined III
ture for redress has been delusion an
a snare. The time has come for actor
united action-the lest that will sub
serve our own interests. God help
those that help themselves. and unIes
we suit the action 10 the word. MI I'll
PRAYERS and appeals we may indulge
will be Of no avail. This may be piai
talk. but the time has passed for mis>in
words.
The country from the Atlantic 20 III
| Pacific is clamoring for the nominAuo
If James G. Raine. the ersiwhiie mag
netic statesman OF Maine. ln-er>oll
nlumed knight. A few colored inen n
calling for his nomination. Why: III
: devil only knows.
/, James e. Blaine Is brilliant. but p
hrilliancy. in all his long career hs
never been turned 10 account in favor
; the Negro. -,
Blaine hates Negro. Doyou don'
IL? Then for proof turn 10 the defeat