The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-11-20
THE NEW lSCARl0TS.

One of the most disreputable phases of
Fusion politics in this State has come to-
notice since the recent election; 1t is the
declaration of a number of Fusion gen
try high up in the councils that they
favor DISTINGUISHING the negro.
1t is not the elimination of the negro
as determining factor in our politics
that is so reprehensible, but the fact
that these men should favor it. 1t dis
proves the old commonplace that there
is "honor among thieves" and establishes
the oft made contention that the South
ern Democrat is the best friend of the
negro. zft hI1knl
The Southern Democrat tells the negro
openly and plainly that negro rule will
not be tolerated There is and can be
10 mistake of the Democratic attitude in
this respect. Latterly there has come
a strong conviction. born of stern ex-
perience. that it were better for all part
les that the ignorant negro be elimin-
ated from politics. The sentiment has
found open expression by Democrats.
But what is the position of the Flu
sionist? He told the negro until within
the past two weeks that he was fitted
and entitled to rule. He gave the negro
office that he might get office himself
He worked and lied night and day to
maintain negro rule. He voted for ne
groes for office. He held counsel with
negro leaders to fasten negro domina-
ton on the State. He failed. And
when he failed what does he do? He
turns short in his course, deserts and
betrays the credulous black allies whom
he was attempting to use, and in the
hope of rehabilitating himself with his
own race cries ''down with the negro.
1t is needless to say that there is no
more sincerity in his new slogan than
in his old. The lesson of the late down
fall is one that can not fail to be under
stood even of Fusionist. 1t meant the
end of negro rule. Therefore your Flu
traitor to the vanquished. In the hour
when the negro is cast down this vail
ant white champion of the Senegambian
sway steals out of his camp, fiuttefing
wildly flag of truce and, with the hope
of reward hidden in corner of ;
mind, offers to join forces against his
recently dangerous but now harmless
and helpless allies.
The man who espouses bad cause
and stands stoutly by TO the end, scorn-
ing to finch in defeat or to accept any
fate other than that of his followers,
it is possible to respect, and even in a
way to admire. His mistake may be of
the head and not of the heart. For the
whining, cringing creature who lays
about him while the day looks fair. but
deserts when the battle is lost, crying
TO the conqueror give no quarter to the
rest" all men of courage and aonor
must feel the deepest contempt
Fortunately for the negro his van
auishers are his friends. The men who
have thus shamelesSly betrayed him
when his usefulness was pas; will find
no place at the council board where his
interests are discussed, and where il
will be the Conscientious purpose of all
to do the best for him as well as fol
others. The action of his late leaders
however, should teach him l lesson
that il is better to trust to white mef
who wish to see him prosper as mar
than to follow blindly those who Ills,
him as political tool while they can
and fling him away when his power t.
give office is at an end.