The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-11-18
WILL 1T BE A RACE WAR?
(Elkhart Ind.O ReXieM.D

The frequent Sturbance in the
south growing out of an attempt of the
negro element to ecure domination in
politics are a hindrance to progress in
that section, and a menac to it's peace
The late uprising of the whites in pro-
test at Wilmington, North Carolina,
while perhaps only partially justiia-
BILE, is significant and suggestive.
The attempt of the blacks to secure
the control of affairs has been antic-
ipated by the people of the south, and
is one of the secrets of the partisan
disgraces that have cursed that region.
The south has seen the necessity of
keeping over the negro the idea of
white superiority, and has done it by
show of brute force, in most cases too
brutal for modern civilization, but per-
haps more necessary than northern
people with their democratic ideas are
willing to admit.
We of the north can hardly appreci-
ate the differences in social and edu-
catiOnal conditions between the north
and the south In the north the aver
g social condition is level, the dis
tinctiOn between classes is almost un-
marked, intelligence is the rule among
all classes of men, and ignorance is
limited to the few and the obscure. In
the south, however, the masses are
ignorant, the few are intelligent, n
the few look with dread upon the
growing political aspirations of the ig-
nOrant and the vicious elements. In
well educated communities the vicious
elements are so likely to dominate the
political movements, and to color the
administration of public affairs, that
it is no wonder that the better ele-
rents in generally ignorant and
vicious populations protest against
domination Of those elements. While
all whites in the south are not educat-
ed, n all the protests do not come
from the better classes, those who AVE
lived and travelled there admit that the
protest is led by the better people.
Just SO it would be here if we found
the ignorant and vicious Of our popula-
ton aspiring to control, and partially
succeeding.
What will be the solution in the
south? Evidently it n N wait for
the education of the negro. That is too
slow a process. 1t cannot wait for the
results of missionary work among the
unchristian classes. The good effects
come too slowly. Will the south wait
for the development Of the negro out
of the evil results of his slavery? We
fear not. What then will be done?
And if evil comes what a responsible
ty rests upon the north which, by its
fervor for freedom, enfranchised a race
without illness for it. We cannot hes
itate. The negro must be protected,
but what may not that involve?
The situation is one that must be
given a careful study by statesmen.
The quickest solution would be the
Northumberland of ignorant whites
and blacks, in north and south, thus
making the ballot dependent upon d
degree of education and intelligence.
But dare any party to advocate that?
Still, better hat than a race war al
most sure to come in the south I'M
less Providence in~tervenes. The out
look is not reassuring. Colonization ia
impractical, enlistment of the male ne
groes in the standing army needed for
the new possessions would only par
TALLY solve the problem, and the inter
ference of the government in local
matters only a~ggravate the disorder
Calm elaboration on the part OF
statesmen, considerate and careful
leadership by southern politicians and
patriotic ~self-sacrifice on the part OF
the public of that section may save 4
race war. But only these influences
will do il.