The Minneapolis journal., 1902-05-17
KEEP HANDS OFF Fl
Position Of Many Republicans on
the Negro Question.
INVESTIGATION NOT WANTED
II the Negro Question Is Settled
Many Southern States Would
BE Republican.
Froa. Tho Journal Bscream, Room x5, Po.
Building, Hnshinpfon

Hastaino. iis IN WssSinoton. ] ''''' 1'''"' - : -
Washington, May 17.-Sentiment in con-
gress Is rapidly crystallizing against any
Investigation of the negro question, such
as is proposed by the Crumpacker resolu-
tion. It has been definitely agreed that
the resolution is not to come up at this
session OF congress, and while nothing is
said as to the short session next winter,
1t is evident that there will not be time
for it's consideration then, even should
the leaders of the republican party be
disposed that way. The resolution would
perhaps be turned down at this time but
Tor the unwillingnesss of anyone to offend
Judge Crumpacker, who is we'll meaning
and high minded man, perfectly sincere
In his position towards the negro ques-
tion and anxious only that the best thing
be done.
There is also strong desire in con-
gress. among thinking men, that nothing
be done to bring to the attention Of the
supreme court OF the United States, the
action of certain southern states-Virginis
is the latest eXample-in changing their
constitutions SO as to exclude the negro
from the polls. The south, it is believed
is now approaching a time Of great com
mercial and industrial, as we'll as politi-
cal, awakening. First of all, howeyeg,
must come the final settlement of the
negro question. Speaking to one of the
best known senators from the south the
other day, said: Z,
Don't you know that if the negro
question is once settled, the political con-
ditions Of the south will change, and on
national issues as at present, the ma
jority of them would be republican, or
very close, to say the least?''
THAT is true" was the reply. eve
have thought the question out very care
fully, and are prepared for the political
upheayal. We would rather give the
south over to the republican party than
to- have it continue Indefinitely under
the threat of negro domination"
What is said about the political up
heaval is true. There are thousands OF
intelligent white men in every southern
state who are now secretly in sympathy
with the republican party on all ma
tional questions. They would be glad tc
support its candidates. If that could be
done without social and business ostra-
eism. Once the negro is removed from
southern politics, these men will be able
to take their stand openly. In 1900, all
over the south, thousands of democrats
who could not support Bryan, voted for nc
presidential electors. In Virginia alone
1t has been estimated that there were
perhaps 10000 men Of this sort. It Is
the negro question that holds these meI
in the democratic party, and prevents
the south from advancing. An attempt
is being made to settle that question BY
constitutional changes, and so it is thai
sentiment in congress is crystallizing
against any investigation of the negro
question such as Judge Crumpacker has
in mind, and the hope is earnest that. nc
attempt will be made to carry the ques:
tion to the court of last resort. s '-.~
IAN adverse decision: would set thu
south back for generations said {
northern republican to-day, land to tha
extent would be a positive harm to the
entire country" '-~ --@i.a -. "F
1t should be said, Of course, that the
states In which these changes have beer
made think they have evaded the danger
of infringement on the federal constitu.
tion, but it is an open question, and the
courts might hold against them.
w. W. Jermane.