The colored American., 1903-04-25
The NEW SOUTH.
Continued from Page 2.

pinckback of Washington, Col. James
Lewis of Louisiana, Col. Pledger, of
Georgia, with a large number of the
Younger race leaders, will be present
and take an active part in the deliber-
ations. | think coOl-headed, cautious,
vet earnest aggressive efforts will be
mt forth to awaken and develop a
healthy public sentiment against the
wrongs that are being done the Ne
gro by the suffrage laws in the South,
and to arouse the lethargic members
of the race to greater efforts to do
something fer themselves by way of
contributing to help push our cases.
now in court and institute others. |
think the Council will urge that all
the members of the race endeavOr to
fully qualify themselves for the du-
ties and responsibilities of citizenship
and continue to comply with the laws
of the states, vigorously putting forth
all possible efforts to gain substantial
material, as well as educational and
moral Advancement"
rs there ny likelihood of federal
Intervention in the matter of repre-
sentation of the southern states in
Congress- on account of the elimina
ton from the suffrage of a large body
of vOters?'
That depends upon circumstances
The North, the section from which
such action would be expected to or
iginate, will be wary about taking
vigorous steps in that direction, unless
1t finds it necessary to save Republi-
can majority in the National Congress,
and to protect northern interests. If
the South, however, is too aggressive
in its endeavor to nullify the amend
ments to the National Constitution,
la o.
thing done along that line. 1t will
not be done, however, solely or per-
haps mainly, in the interest of the
Negro, but because of its effect upon
the fundamental principles of our Ma
tiOnal government and Republican in
stitutions. l don't favor cutting down
the Congressional representation.
believe the National Congress ought
TO prescribe laws regulating the elec-
ton of it's members, execute those
laws by officers chosen by federal
courts, and permit electors to take
part according to laws made by Con-
gress, regardless of any laws made
by states. This could be done, and
should be done"
What do you think of President
Roosevelt and the outcome of his re-
lations with the SOuth?''
President Roosevelt has pursued
the only course that a wise, consistent
and courageous man could pursue. I
don't think that the attitude of the
South will affect him unfaVorably in
the North and West, except among
those who are jealous of him, or some
politicians who cannot use him. No
fair-minded man can do other than
admire him for his earnest and right
eOus convictions, his manly courage,
and for his fearless manner of eX-
pressing and standing by the princi-
pies which he believes to be just and
in harmony with the spirit of the gov
ernment. He is truly a president of
the whole people, and his administra-
ton will inspire every American citi-
zen to be worthy and progressive"
DO you apprehend that he will
have any difficulty in securing the
presidential nomination at the hands
of his party next year?"
Not the least. Nothing but an un-
expected upheaval in public sentiment,
or some unwise act on the part of the
President, (Which l think almost i'm
possible, considering the wisdom, skill
and dexterity with which he has
handled difficult problems thus far) 4,
can prevent his nomination and cleo
uon. There is absolutely no hope for
the Democrats next year, from the
present outlook, it matters not who
they nominate"