The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1898-11-24
WISE WORDS BY Il COLORED
MAN.

The following extract, printed in ths
Wilmington Messenger, was taken
from the Washington Star, and Is the
timely utterance of colored man
named Kelly Miller:
The candid and CONSERVATIVE edito-
rial cothfnent of the Star upon the re-
cent race conflict in Wilmington,
N. c., must elicit the commentator
of thoughtful people of all shades OF
color or political conviction.
The alarming outbreak OF passion
developed by the late campaign, in a
state which had, hitherto, been con-
sldered notable for the kindly feeling
supposed to exist between the races, is
a striking illustration of the grayit.'
of the negro problem. Despite The
wonderful transformation OF the past
thirty-fye years, this question is no
nearer satisfactory settlement than
when Lincoln issued the emancipation
proclamation. The remedies proposed
so far have all failed to work out the
fulfilment which their rropouf:ders
prophesled, Emancipation, en-
reimbursement and education have,
severally or conformity, been con-
fidently predicted as adequate
measures of relief; and yet with each
of these experiments, the problem, in
stead of yielding to the treatment,
seems to take On added difficulties.
We have apparently reached the limit
OF human wisdom. This conviction
was clearly expressed by Mr.. Henry
Watterson several years ago, when he
declared that he had stopped specula-
ting and had gone to praying. The
North Carolina episode illustrates
more clearly, perhaps, than any occur
renee since the overthrow of the re-
construction regime, the spirit and de-
termination of the dominant race, and
the utter helplessness of the weaker ell
ement in the contest. The situation
does not call for bitter abuse or vile
epithets, although, on first impulse, it
is almost impossible to suppress them.
1t is only calm, dispassionate, judi
cial consideration of all the facts and
factors involved that can be OF any
avail. Much OF the evil OF the situa
ton inevitably grows out of the jux-
Imposition OF two races widely different
from each other In physical peculiar
rites and cultivated faculties. After
exercising all possible prudence and
caution, there Will still remain large
reeiduum OF difficulty But unless
both races put check upon the wild
license of passion, the catastrophe will
he too appalling for the Imagination
to depict.
The elective franchise is destined to
be Of inestlmable benefit to the race if
it IS used wisely and with discretion.
In a majority of the northern and
western states the political parties are
so evenly divided that the colored vote
has decisive weight. Whenever pos
sible this vote should be utilized to
effect just legislation and wholesome
public sentsment.
But to state the truth mildly, the
negro is not yet qualified to exercise
political control, in state, town or
county, according to the standards of
western CIVILIZATION. A knowledge OF
this truth Oh the part of the coIored
race is essential to its true develop
rent along these substantial lines
which count for progress. Wherever
the negro has attempted to control the
political machinery the result has al
ways redounded to his detriment. The
reconstruction regime in the South
worked lasting injury to the colored
race. The best talent OF the popula-
ton was diverted from productive and
moral pursuits into the whirlpool of
politics. The minds of the young
were yltiated by looking with admi-
ration upon corruption in high places.
Anlmosities were engendered which
will embarrass the progress of the race
for generations to come. Nor can it
be said that the professional negro pol
ltician, from the days of RECONSTRUCT
ton until now, has been of any lasting
benefit to. his race. The alleged quad
rennial trade in negro delegates to the
nominating Republican convention is
the standing disgrace of our national
politics.
In retiring from the active field Of
politics and directing the energy
which has hitherto dissipated over the
political area into productive channels,
and striving to build up the people in
moral, mental and material directions,
the negro will not only be moving
along the line of least resistance, but of
the greatest usefulness also.
KELLY MILLER.