Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-05-12
THE NEGRO PROBLEM.

The decision Of the Supreme court OF
the United States, In the case OF the col
ored man who endeavored by manda-
mus to compel the registrar of bis
county in Alabama to place his name
on the list, Notwithstanding the amend
ment 10 the Constitution OF that state
which barred him out, is viewed win
much dissatisfaction by many colored
people and the advocates OF their pollti-
cal privileges. There are two sides 10
the question. however, and in view OF
all the circumstances attending the sit
uation. II is rather difficult for many
TO determine the right and the proper
policy 10 pursue.
The white people Of the South natur-
ally dread the menace Of negro domin-
alton In political affairs. While submit
tlng--as they must--to the fortunes
OF war" and as most Of them do Will
ingly to the emancipation OF the color
ed people, they cannot brook the force
that pushes an inferior element into
attempted social and political equality
with the culture and ehiyalry OF cau-
casian blood.
The means that have been employed
70 evade or ciroumvent the provisions
OF the Fifteenth Amendment to the
Constitution OF the United States, may
appear unjust and revolutionary TO peo-
pie In the North. who have not been
reared in the atmosphere and surround
ings where slavery once prevailed, and
where II is held that the suppression
OF the colored race is absolutely neces-
sary TO the safety and progress OF the
states, where its numbers are great
and It's influence is threatening. But
the very best people of the South have
;oined in the measures that have been
adopted and their position Is to be con-
sldered In fair view Of the question
involved.
The decision Of the court OF last re-
sort In the case referred TO. very prop
eriy upholds the true doctrine OF States
rights. We use the word true" adyis-
eddy. For while there has been much
error attached to It and which has
brought great woe and misery, the
foundations Of our government are laid
upon the principle Of State sovereignty
and popular rights Each State has is
own autonomy, and possesses all polit-
cal power within It's own borders that
has not been yielded TO the Federal au-
thorlty The Nation IS supreme in Its
sphere. It's power extends to every foot
Of It's domain. But that Is limited by
the national Constitution, which Sc
cures to every State in the Union all
rights and prerogatiyes that are not BY
that instrument vested In the national
government. The court recognizes that
principle. and so the case goes back to
Alabama where it properly belongs.
Zach State regulates Its own affairs
and 30 provides for the exercise OF the
elective franchise. subject. Of course.
TO the provisions Of the Constitution OF
our country, The negro in Alabama
who was not allowed to register, was
not denied the privilege on account Of
race color or previous condition Of
servitudeY but because he was not
qualified under the laws OF the State
made applicable to all OF her citizens.
white and colored The design was un-
Goubtedly 10 limit the negro vote, and
thst is claimed to be a necessity, and
whether Just or unjust to the colored
man appears to be so framed as 10
stand the constitutional test.
In view OF the discussion Of the negro
question. which is one Of the problems
YET before the country. We quote some
pertinent remarks made by one OF the
captains Of Industry in the South ard