Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1898-05-21
SATURDAY. MAY. 81 1898
EDITORIAL.



The Richmond, Va, TINS in its is
sue of the 18th inst, in commenting
upon the statement of this journal rel
alive to the part our people should take
in this war says:
Here is something for the colored
people TO think about. One paper COM
plains that as good American citizens
the Negroes are not receiving proper
recognition at the hands of the Federal
government in the bestowment OF Of
fees. Another one declares that the
Negro should not fight for his country
except he can fight in his own way. Is
that good citizenship"
We are not entering into discussion
as to whether it is good or bad citizen
ship; but we are very much concerned
rs to whether we are living under good
or bad government, and as to whether
we are being treated in good or bad
way.
A country that will not accord to
citizen his rights and make good to
him it's guarantees releases him from
any obligation to comply with his
part Of the contract. This Is equity
and it is law.
Where he is denied the right to mus
tar in and is turned down in the mat
ter OF military appointments simply on
the account Of his color, he has right
to decline to submit to such indignities
and require the offending parties to
muster him in as conscript.
He does not ask 70 fight in his own
way, but insists upon fighting in &C
cordanee with the laws OF the land and
the dictates Of Justice
As to whether our attitude will do
the Negro more harm than good, that
is matter Of opinion.
Certain it is that the other policy has
been observed for thirty years with the
result, that insult has been added &c
injury, and the cry against US has beer
taken up virtually by the nation itself
A man, be he white or black, educat
ed or ignorant, who is not good enough
70 vote and hold office in a nation II
not good enough to fight and sheC
blood for is.
"If this be treason, make the most o
it."
The TIMES says:
"The real friends OF the Negro ar
men like Booker Washington who 40
wise them to keep out of politics and {
tErn their attention TO the improve
ment of their mental, moral and mate
rial condition. 1t seems to US that tn
Negro should have learned by thi
time that holding office, instead OF De
ing benefit to him, almost invariabl
gets him into trouble"
We agree with you. Mr.. WASHING
TON has not as yet organized reg
ment or sent q company to the front.
We have not done SO either. W
too, advise them to keep out OF politi'
As : race, and to let the white men q
the fighting, while they turn their a
tention 20 the improvement of the
mental, moral and material condition
There may be glory in war, and hoI
or in politics but nothing will mate
ally and permanently elevate us b.
much learning, more money, increas'
husiuess, and a thorough knowledge
all the trades.
When the white folks want Us. TIT
will call for.us. We are not under o.
ligaLion in waging wars OF conquest
We are pledged to stand ready to +
pei the invasion of foreign foe '
are not rushing forward now to al
We have done our part Of that kind
serious business, for sixty thousaI
victims of the Ku-klux Klans, t
white-capa, the lynchers, and misce
laneous hordes of red-handed murde
srs are sleeping beneath the sod, q
their souls, Mr.. Editor, "go march,
on"
Ocr patriotism is unquestioned, o
bravery unsurpassed, and we are
ON trial in this particular before
nations of the world.
However, we insist upon it that it
right before expediency; officers
fore a fight and for this reason we hs
voiced the cry: No officers; no fight