The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-12

latlon between the new whites and the
new blacks OF the South is not one OF
friendliness.
This condition is to be regretted, es-
peciaily so far as the blaks are concern
ed. Because where persons are placed
In such physical contact as should con-
stitute them neighbors, the absence Of
neighDoriy feeling Is a serious matter TO
both parties. especially TO the weaker
party, materially, mentally and morally
No one questions that the weaker party
neighbors are the blacks.
Inc New South does not know the old
negroes. nor is it acquainted with other
tnan the worse side OF the new negroes
Hence that neighborly sympathy and
tolerance which are so necessary TO the
We'll being OF the weaker party neighbors
Is withheld.
The Old South, the members of which
are steadily and too rapidly decreasing
constitute bond between the old whites
and blacks the breaking OF which BODIES
Ill to diminishing old blacks and to the
increasing new ones. Hence questions OF
moral reform of eleemosynary aid that
arise with reference TO the young OF the
race, with regard TO the aged. inhrm.
poor, Old Of the race are not met In the
spirit that they ought to be by the New
South" upon which, the negroes are
greatly dependent, despite the very COM
mendable material progress they have
made.
The schooling Of the young OF the negro
race has not gendered that respect and
affection for the aged that constitutes
them props to their declining years COM
mensurate with their advantages and
material strength. Hence the absence Of
any respectable effort TO relieve the pow
erty OF the many wandering houseless
paupers Of the race. Hence the lack of
intelligent appreciation OF the need and
effort 10 supply industrial schools for
houseless children and reform schools
for delinquent negro children on the part
OF negroes and on the part OF the new
South, the young whites. For the latter
class, with their better lights, entering
as they yearly are upon the arena of
larger responsibilities as business men.
agriculturists, statesmen and politicians,
ignorance of the negro, lack OF sympa-
thy with him, bespeak an economic neg
iect Of the state, which is reflection
upon their appreciation of its future
with a people whose difference in num-
bers between themselves numerically is
less than 10000.
Unless these moral questions which
have arisen, which are pressing for in
telligent action on the part OF the old
South. white and black, are met and set
tied in the interest Of the future, while
these good, gray heads are above the sod,
there will confront the new South con-
dtions more serious than any in recon-
struction days or since up 10 now
Let the voice Of wisdom. REINFORCED
by a kindly sympathy and tolerance on
the part OF the old South prevail in doing
something for the betterment of the
young and the relief Of the. old negroes
of the South as much in the interest OF
the whites as of the blacks
In support OF what has been said I re-
epeotfully refer the reader TO the article
entitled stick to the Negro" from the
pen Of Mrs. Fitzhugh. in the Southern
Churchman OF a few months ago.
From a merely selfish point of view,
Il Is worth remembering that an indus
trious population becomes infinitely less
prone 10 plunge into political disorders.
But industry has no chance without ed
ucaton, discipline and inducements 20
the acquisition of Knowledge and skill.
One thing IS clear: unless we are
prepared 10 fall back on the doctrine that
ignorance in the working classes IS the
condition Of social security It is time to
take this matter Of poverty and home
lessness in the aged and delinquency in
the Young. in hand. and 10 do so In a
spirit both generous and energetic; so
that something. az least may be done
20 wipe out the wrongs OF the past. some-
thing be provided to make possible the
least ambitious dreams OF the future"
JOHN IT, SMYTH.
President the Negro Reformatory
Association Of Virginia.
Pfchmond Va Julv IL 1893