New-York tribune., 1903-04-14
THE NEGRO AND HIS RIGHTS.
He Should Be Adequately Protected By
Power of the Government

| To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: Is there an intelligent man IN the United
States who Will say that the negro has not pre-
| cisely the same rights in every respect the
| white man? Is there lawyer who will not say
| that it is the duty of the general government to
protect the negro in the exercise of these rights
| at all times and in all places. and to the fullest
| possible extent? Is there human being desper-
ately ignorant to say that he is thus protected
| Well, if he is not then why not? Does any one
| doubt that he would be protected in England
| or France or Germany Switzerland Mexico,
| or in any other first class government earth?
The question then arises, Have a government
fit to be recognized such by the intelligent senti
ment of the twentieth century? It is the bounden
business of government, and especially that Of a
republic, protect every citizen. not only in the
exercise Of his legal and constitutional rights.
IN his right to life liberty and the pursuit of
happiness" When this cannot be done is not
done, then the so-called government is a farce a
humbug, and deporably incompetent Instead of
permitting obstacles to be placed in the way Of
the negro's advancement justice and common
sense would dictate that in view Of the fact that
for ages he has been defrauded Of his earnings he
should now have extraordinary facilities for i'm
provement and success. Is there any suf-
fcently 'ornery to say that he is not in favor OF
giving the negro free-for-au field in the TO
fortune?
When ride through the Southern country from
the Sabine 10 the Potomac and the half crop
Of cotton going to waste because only black
GALS are supposed to be suitable to work the fields
while white gentlemen" spend the proceeds of
their labor At the saloon. instead Of repairing
fences, clearing away brush and repairing dilapi-
dated buildings. is it any wonder that the negro has
TO be forcbIy compelled to keep his place
all round newer Of wood and drawer of water
without any compensation to speak Of? Ride an
equal distance through the Middle States at the
same season Of the year and note the difference
the white farmer works and pays good wages to
those who work for him, while the country thrives
and everything bears evidence Of the prosperity
that from industry and attention to business
So long Southern whites think and act the
principle that the negro them living, just
long will they have 70 be contented with half a
living or none at all The very best medicine that
could possibly be given to the Southern white peo-
PIE would be for every person who can possibly be
classed ''coIored leave that country forever,
go TO Africa Mexico. If offered sufficient induce
merits. And if they want to CO. the United States
Cyoyernrnent is in honor bound under the circum-
stances. TO send them, and to aid them in getting
started in q new country. But If they choose to
stay here then they must be protected, absolutely
and on the instant. in the exercise Of every right
belonging TO an American citizen--the peer OF the
'nobIest Roman of them all" r A GIBSON.
CHI so April i. 1903