The Washington bee., 1899-04-15

independence because the white
Cubans did so, but because he had
right to and because he was willing
to sacrifice his wealth and his life
If need be upon the sacred alter OF
principle. He was the leader of the
Cuban forces and not their follower
merely, and to his valor, and skill
as much as to that of the whites is
the success of Cuba to be referred.
Had the policy of the negro in
Cuba been that of obsequiousness,
of self-abasement, of political ef-
facement, he would not only have
received the contempt of decent
| people, but would have deserved it.
1t was because he did not consult
the white mans interest alone that
he is respected, but because he de-
Tended principle that was based
in considerations for the general
veal in which he as well as the
whites was deeply concerned. More
over there were many thousands Of
negro Cubans as we'll as whites, who
espoused the cause of Spain. 1t
may be that these did not have that
abiding faith In the friendship of
the United States which seems to
be manifested by the rank and file
Perhaps some of them had travelled
in Alabama and observed the color
prejudice, injustice, persecution,
and political murders committed
there and IN other States. and pre-
ferred to remain under Spanish
rule. Perhaps they were aware that
not a few of their brethren In this
country we've being used as tools by
the enemies of the race for purposes
of Intellectual, moral, and political
obliteration.
And We are not surprised if this
was the case. 1t certainly is not
encouraging or stimulating to man
hood aud the spirit of independence
TO know that so-called educators
and weather-vanes are advising a
departure from right principles
and the adoption of the policy of
seif'prostitution and self -efface-
ment,
Coming closer home Mr.. Wash
ington offers as reason for
supporting Governor Johnston, the
exponent ami beneficiary of a |
system of bulldozing, ballot bnx
stuffing, and political murder. the
claim that he has 100000 white
followers, while the republican Mr..
1oungblood has but 400 white
followers. I'm this calcul 4tion Mr.
Washington evidently deals with
population and not voters, since
there were but 100000 votes cast
in Alabama at the last Presidential
election.
Now, the population of A ALBANIA
according to the census Of 1890
was 100000. If Governor John
ston has 500. 900 white followers he
can boast of a following equal to
one-thlrd of the population. What
part of the remaining million can
he honestly claim? And who claims
the balance? If Governor Johnston
cannot honestly and fairly claim
them, they must belong to Mr.
Youngblool, who is the represen-l
tallve of the republican party But
MIR. Washington would discrelit
Mr.. Youngblood's claim on he
ground that the latter has follow
ing of but about one white person.
out of a thousand.
Upon what principle does the
gushing apologIst enhance Gov
ernor Johnston's claim? Are the
million eolored people to nave no
rights which white man is bound
to respect have they no constilu-
tional or civi rights which enable
them to exercise judicious disc. i'm
snaUion in the selection of their
representatives: Associate Justice
Miller declared the decision of
Judge Taney to be can incum-