New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-28
MTSSISSTPPTS CHANGE.

The Vlcksburg Herald" takes the occasion
offered by recent remark Of The Tribune on
the contrast between Mississippi under the lead
ership Of the late Justice Lamar and Governor
Tardaman 20 say:
This reference 10 Mr.. Lamar Is intended TO
apply We INFER. 10 the 1875 Mississippi con-
-vention and the platform he supported from
the resolutions committee. II is not out Of
place 10 say that when that memorable con-
ventlOn assembled Msssspprs hand was in
me hons mouth--the bayonet was stil suspend
Cd over the Southland. IL is not strange II this
fact tempered language. But we are sure that
Mr. Lamar said nothing then, or ever. contra
cictory Of his Oft repeated devotion to the
same white supremacy creed that Governor
Narcaman was explaining; IN his own way and
words. This. however. Is all apart from the
question Of the promise Of (educatonaD privi-
leges 20 the black man." On this point 1t is
enough 20 say the state has passed no law in
fringing the 1875 pledge-the latest action bear
ing thereon Was It's reaflTmatlOn In the COnsti-
futional convention Of 1890 The Herald" has
no idea OF any repeal or diminution OF that sec
ton OF the organic law; or that any law VIII
be enacted TO justify The Tribunes assumption
&C the contrary.
Our vicksburg contemporary, by its paren-
thetical Interpolation Of ''educa tionaI" IN its
quotation, entirely misrepresents The Tribune's
point What we said was that Mr.. Lamar had
proclaimed the doctrine that moral worth,
'intelligence and industry were the proper
Foundation OF political privileges" and faith
fully promised 80 secure 10 the black man
those privileges by training him 10 fitness for
their exercise" Ii WAS political, and not
merely educational privileges which he prom
Used 10 the black man. and that is something
entirely different from the white supremacy"
fdeas Of Governor gardaman. who denies the
fitness Of Booker Washington 10 vote. At that
convention OF 1873 Mr.. Lamar declared: The
people OF Mississippi have pledged themselves
10 sustain the three amendments TO the Con-
~stitution. They confer upon the newly
-enfsnchised race the sacred rights OF free
men. and their rights are your duties,
ANY race organization which seeks 10 assert
''the exclusive management OF a country may
shave good government but cannot have lib
'eity. II is tyranny unmiKed. and lie fraught
''wirh disaster" That convention adopted a
platform saying: I'VE recognize and VIII main
stain the civil and political equality OF all men
'as established by the Constitution Of the
United States and the amendments thereto /"
Again. IN the House OF Representatives, on
August ., 1876, Mr. Lamar promised for the
South protection Of the negrog political rights,
saying:
Whatever may be the future administratl ton
az this country. freedom. citizenship and suf-
frage are established institutions. embodied in
TIE fundamental Law. recognized IN all statutes.
federal and State. enforced by courts, accepted
and acted on BY the people. You have
given the black race the most delicate the
most dangerous. well the most sacred or
ct privileges Let that privilege De maintained
intlolehly: but give him real freedom and do
TOT make him the january OF party tyranny.
Allow that race 20 learn what you have learned
~ New-i1nglano and carried with you into the
new empire Of the West which your energy has
treatfo; that moral worth. intelligence and fn-
ccetry ano wealth the true foundations q.
peoples happiness and liberty no matte
what their color.
Those promises are in absolute contradiction
- the present attitude OF leading Southern poli
s--~ns and tie workings Of several Souther1