The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-03-14

COLONiZ ALTON TO BE FEARED.

Az ApA Il
1t is more evident that the So called
negro problem becomes more aggravated
by anything like practical attempts at
solution. The fact of the matter is that
it is not very much of a problem after
all, except in the vision of magazine
writer's. One of these is a gentleman
who seriously proposes to deprive the
negro of his franchise by al amendment
to the constitution making the
granting of this franchise optional
with different state governments.
1t is too late in the day to
discuss q change like this. 1t was a
serious question twenty years ago, and
it is not certain that it was wisely settled
at that time and under those conditions.
Nevertheless, the negro was clothed
with the power of citizenship and at the
end Of twenty years time no sufficient
reason can be advanced for disenfran-
chisemenC on the proposed line. 1t
would be a cruel wrong to the thou
sands of hard working and intelligent
members of the race in the south, who
certainly have not lost in intellectually
during this long period.
The fact is, the negro question in the
south can only be allowed to work out
its own solution. Since reconstruction
days there has never been a time when
trouble between the races demanded Sc
rious measures, nor is there likely to be
such a time with the advance of "civiliz-
ing conditions. The condition of the
negro since the wal has relatively i'm
proved in every respect. There are, of
course, sections of the country where
ignorance reigns, and there the colored
man continues to be a useless member
of society. The same, however, may be
said Of thousands Of white people ex-
listing there.
As the negro is naturally best adapted
to the climate and conditions of life in
the south, 1t Gems to us q very grave
mistake to attempt the plan of negro
colonization in tho north. The results
OF this in Oklahoma certainly are far
from satisfactory and promise to breed
a real problem indeed. Settlements of
negroes exclusively have been made in
different places in the territory and
within easy distance of white settle
menta. The whites for the most part
belong to the poorer classes Of the east
and north, and, of course, include man
adventures and others Of that ilk COM
monty found in newly settled communi-
ties. 1t was most natural to expect,
under these circumstances. that race
conflicts would follow. In many places
negroes have been ordered to leave town.
a proposition which, we believe was
never known in the southern states
where their presence was supposed to
be most menacing. The negroes, how
ever, continue to come into Oklahoma
in large numbers, and because Of the
pronounced hostility of the whites are
banding themselves together for a war
which may break ont at any time. In
spite OF all talk, northern bred people
are the last to stand negro domination.
That this has been attempted ia Okla
, homa is by no means evident, but if the
negroes are 10 tho majority it is most
natural to expect that they will elect
their own people to control the govern
ment. Tho whites arc determined tc
resist this, and are seemingly willing tc
employ methods Of persecution, if ne
cessary.
Instead Of migrating in communities,
it would be far better for negroes tc
scatter over farms in the western
and northwestern states. This would
diversity the population and leave
no causes for trouble similar to those ir
Oklahoma. The question in the souti
/ viii not demand any radical measures
q II will solve itself out as social con
ditjoEs continue to improve.