The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-01-29
Government and the Negro.

Editor OF The Times:
Sir:-Trom the time OF the publication
OF the Roman civil law from the laying
or the foundation OF government in this
land, civilized men has struggled through
the centuries 90 perfect government
struggled toward high ideals of govern
ment.
But up TO the preSent time. mans CON-
pletest conception OF government has not
been attained.
Is a war measure growing out Of the
struggle between men Of the same race.
Inspired by the same traditions and MS
tories, the blacks or negrOosNpf the United
states were incorporated into this body
polite by DrOclamations, constitutional
amendments and States legislation.
The wisdom, the justice. the humanity
81 the President, the nation and the
states which sought severance from the
original compact, in my humbles judg-
ment. have been approved by the sub
sequent appreciative conduct Of the freed
and enfranchised black men.
But neither the acts of the white citi-
zens nor the relation Of the citizenship
sustained by the negroes, prove In any
sense the acquisition by the negroes Of
any greater knowledge Of and proficiency
IN government, on their part. than was
reasonably possible of possession by them
IN the light Of past lack Of knowledge Of
this kind. and subsequent opportunity i'm
proven by them within little more than
thirty years.
The progress made by tho race in
thupcn government secular affairs, AS
orders, Masonic, Odd-FellOWs True Re
formers, Lukes, Samarltans etc, In edu-
citiOn-in the headship Of schOOls-prim-
ary' secondary, grammar and collegiate
goes 10 prove the susceptibility of the
race Of acquiring knowledge and proh-
clency In government These steps are
rungs of the ladder, gradatiOns which
must be risen upon and worked up to be-
fore an assertion Of competency i'm gov
ernioent can be made. proved and main
tanned. The ability TO govern may not
be eXtempOriZed by white. black or yellow
races, but must be worked up TO. Hence
every opportunity accorded the race in
spheres beyond those made by themselves
in which the more experienced whites
VIII assist the race by advice, or associa-
citation with them. for the purpose OF
teaching them government. should be
welcomed by the race.
The home is the place I'm which the race
has much TO learn. I'm this unit of Chris
tian communal development, the race has
had only time since 1868 TO do anything
effective.
Judged by results, the success here has
been by no means fattering. In this
sphere or duty we are thrown entirely
upon ourselves. examples from without
anording only a very meagre knowledge
OF the moral and Christian forces which
must be planted, nurtured and tastered
within 10 produce moral gains Whlch
snail be legacies more precious ana more
certain Of preservation to our chilrren
than boarded. sOrded pelf. though It be
counted BY millions.
one Illustration Of how slowly the most
favored races attain 20 and exercise
knowledge of government, we are having
an exhibition in Spains government OF
the island OF cuba. another Is that or
France In respect 10 the Dreylus afalr'
ana the struggle OF that government 10
free itself from the apparently just cen
sure OF NJ. Emile ZOla. its weakness 10
protect. or unwillngness TO protect the
lives and property of its Hebrew citizens;
which protection is the first duty OF soOd
government.
Beyond tho removal OF positive mis-
chief which 10 has In past times created.
tho LEGISLATURE can do little more IMAM
give every freedom II can for innocent
energy and check an the mischief, as Jar
as is possible which comes from tne
strong domlneerng over the weak. II II
does too much, IL enfeebles enterprises anu
discourages practical wisdom. II u ne
elects to adequately protect the weak ana
thereby gives license 10 selnshhess am
fraud. IL permits a trouble Tor Whlch II
has assuredly 20 find "A remedy.
Virginia. as governed by bovethor
Charles Il. O Ferral. was given good gov
ment for whites and blacks the nehoIS
Of which will be preserved gratefully. ana
Tho GOOD results OF which are destined 70
follow will qualify and tighten the Dur
acne which devolve upon his worthy sue
ccseor an ofice-His Excelency james
Hoee TYLER, Governor OF virginia.
ii'o0 JOHN II. SMITH,
President Negro Reformatory As9oe'@-
Rie iT Va. Jan. %. $685.