The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-10-23
THE RACE QUESTION IN THE SOUTH.

Recent discussion of the race problem in
the South has brought out two expressions
remarkable in themselves, and doubly so
because they come from colored men. One,
a prominent educator of the South, advises
the colored people to abandon politics en-
tirely, and turn their attention wholly to
obtaining a practical and useful education.
He would have his people in the South not
only abandon all attempt to participate in
public affairs. but all claim to the right to
do so, and not only quit seeking office, but
quit voting and devote themselves entirely
to mechanical and industrial pursuits. The
other person alluded to. Bishop Walters,
D.. d., of New Jersey, and president of the
Afro-American Council, advises a less rad
ical course. Bishop Walters is a conserva-
tive leader Of his race. and his views COM
mand respect. He thinks the time has come
when the negroes in the South should d.
vide their vote, and that such action OH
their part would contribute materially to
the solution of the race problem. Assuming
that the negro Is here to stay, that he will
advance IN intelligence. wealth and culture,
and that he must eventually come into his
political rights, he thinks that as a matter
of policy they should make friends with
their enemies and ally themselves with the
dominant party in the South. He says:
am told that 1 ought not to advocate this
policy, because Ii was the Democratic party
that had enacted all the discriminating laws
against US; that they have ever been our
oppressors. and that they are the ones VINO
Cypress US to-day.
While this is, in a measure. true, Ii Is well
to consider the facts. The large majority
of the employers of negroes in the South are
Democrats. hence the bulk of our wealth
has come and is now coming out of Demo-
cratic pockets. They have rendered US more
help i'm the South along material lines than
any other party The Democrats have en-
abled' US to perpetuate our public schools;
they have loaned us money 10 buy houses
and improve our farms, and they have
helped us to build our churches.
One OF the causes of the hostility of the
Southern man toward us Is that while he
has helped US. we have voted solidly against
him and his interests. We are hardly TO be
blamed for this. when you take into consid-
Grafton that 1t was the Republican party
that freed US and gave us our enfranchise-
ment. For this great boon we felt grateful
and we have been trying ever since to repay
that party for the interest in our welfare.
We now feel that the debt is about paid.
" My advice to the negroes Is TO make
friends with the ruling classes OF the South
by voting the Democratic ticket. especially
where they are invited to do so. We are
doing IL In the North.
Further along in the interview from which
the above Is quoted Bishop Walters says:
The South makes a great political mistake
when il drives The negroes by persecution to
the North. East and West. III. they would
treat them kindly every negro leaving the
South would help the Democratic party by
| strengthening IL In the doubtful States. They
have heretofore strengthened the Republican
party.
Both OF these views are interesting. but
- .i.xf-~ ~ oo-.t.~
! OF the negroes in the South from politics.
ceasing to vote as well as to hold or seek
office. could only result In harm TO both
races. A voluntary surrender of their polit-
: Zeal rights would weaken and eventually