The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-03-04

the other hand the ignorant negro easily
led and influenced by passion and preju-
dice becomes the tool of the half-edu-
Gated and corrupt of his own race who
deliver his vote to the venal politicians.
Centuries of experience have qualified
the Saxon race for self government and
the government of others. Through
years of toll and trial they reached the
former: then through years of toll, and
strife and war they reached the latter.
The negro can not reverse the order or
close his eyes and blindly leap over CEN
turtles of history. He must tread the
same paths. The guideposts are plain.
First he must learn to govern self; then
he may hope TO learn to govern others.
This much by way of introduction.
| wish now briefly to look at the
amendment as Republican from the
standpoint of a Republican and the prob
able effect the ratification of the amend
ment viii have on the Republican party
in the future. What is the condition of
the party i1I the State today, and under
present conditions can it hope TO grow
in numbers or power? | address these
questions to the Republicans of the State:
especially to Eastern Republicans be-
cause they can fully understand the sat.
uation and also to Western Republicans
because, | believe, when they once I'M
derstand they will better appreciate the
position of q white Republican in Eastern
North Carolina.
The Republican party so far as North
Carolina is concerned is divided into two
distinct and separate parts: West and
East and Black belts. The average
Western North Carolina Republican, and
in this respect l am sorry to say Senator
Pritdharl seems hut little better inform
ed than the average, hut lily and incom-
nletely comprehe1lds the situation in
Eastern North Carolina where the negroes
ignorant and msolent are entirely in con-
trol of all Republican conventions and
where every effort to better the condi-
ton Of affairs is counteracted by the
opposition of some black-hearted white
man with corrupt practices who sees in
added intelligence and reputable work
q diminution of ms own unScrupuiously
acquired power. Although the Republi-
can party has an excellent plan of or
ganiZation it is scarcely ever followed on
account of the ignorance and corruption
of the negro politicians who being num-
erically stronger preside over white men,
call them to order at Will and Occas on
ally consent for them to be elected dele
gates to State Republican convention.
The white Republican if honest is entire
ly at their mercy and under their con-
troll; if corrupt he must purchase their
votes and influence. This is not an over
drawn picture. And this State of affairs
contributed largely towards Democratic
success in the fall of 1898 for many
white Republicans in Eastern North Car
DINA, old-time Wings and their descen-
dant, men whose Republranism had seen
and survived the passing of the carpet
Dagger and the Ku-Klux openly aided the
Democratic party. That there is a de-
cided disposition ON the part of many of
these same men TO support or at least
not seriously oppose the proposed amend
mend there is no doubt
What has been the condition of the
Republican party in the State for the
last eight years? Such indeed that no
Republican. Young or Old could vote Il
straight Republican ticket, but through
fuSion, or corporation or surrender ar
ranged by the ilnpotency and offce-hun-
ger Of his leaders he has been forced to
support for the last three elections a
ticket made up of q c0ngiomeratlon OF
men of all parties and therefore of none.
running for office under the flag of nom
craftsmanship or Independence as IT 1T
were a crime to be partisan. No matter
what they claim to be God in His mercy
has never plagued His people with that
class so-called independent. a so-called
independent rs either an ignoramus or an
anachrcnism. In the first place
he hasn't sense enough to be
q partisan. and in the next he lives
too far removed from his age TO be of
any benefit to it. And we are promised
the same kind of ticket i'll the coming
campaign. 1t is this that makes another
, cause of division among the Republicans
for there are many in all sections of the
State who believe that with the ignor-
ance and Incompetence of the negro elm
mated the party will be in a position TO
begin strong and healthy growth, one
not dependent upon calamity and dissatis-
faction in the ranks of other parties, and
in time without fusion or alliance with
any party secure the entire control of
the State Administration and the vote
of the State for its national candidates.
Under present conditions North Carolina
is not Il Republican, State. 1t has not
been for years. BY an alliance with the
Populist party in 1895 it secured one
United States Senator. In 1897 by a
continuation of the same alliance an
anti Democratic Legislature was elected.
Then the actual disruption of the Popu-
list party began. Senator Butler of the
Popuists opposed the reelection of Sen
ator Pritchard alleging Pritchard's an
faithfulness to the free coinage of silver.
Pritchard, however. by an alliance with
Skinner Populist Congressman for the
First district, secured his reelection 10
the Senate of the United States. Skinner
since that time has had voice in. il
not the absolute control of certain Fed
eral patronage in the State and he has
used it to the utter rout of the Repub'
! licans of his district and the serious
| division of his own party. Butler rep
resenting the ma jolity and Skinner the
minority, became rival leaders in the
| Populist party. From the ranks of But,
! hers followers the Democrats gained
| many in 1893. and despite Buffers
speech before his committee. / believe
will gain more in 1900 on the issue Of the
| amendment.
What support save that inspire'l by a
desire for office can the Republicans