The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-25
4 The higher life beg lns for US xF'er,
We renounce our own VIII to bow
before a divine law. y !,
Massachusetts and Virginia.

st.at TRFa = 1870
Several days ago we spoke Of the MS NJ s.
torc associations between Massachusetts
and Virginia and took occasion to re- re-.
.,ark that a celebration OF the James
town anniversary would be incomplete
without the participation Of Mass 'p CHI Y
sets. ID M 36 i N $l83gs VI s 81 5
But historic associations are not the
only tic between these two old Com-
mon wealths. There nre present ties Of
stronger, II a less sentimental nature
the ties Of trade. b The merchants and
manufacturers Of Massachusetts have
many good customers in Virginia and
trade implies friendship. We want to
cultivate these trade relations with our
friends in the Old Bay State, as we'll as
to revive the tender associations Of Rev.
olutlonary times. Hence 1t IS that we
are pressing our invitation to take a
prominent part In our historic celetra-
ton and Industrial ositlon. sA7
Virginia was the battle-ground IN the
4 War between the States and suffered
more than any state from the rayages
s OF war. But she has reclaimed her
+ wasted fields, she has rebuilt her cities,
4 she has erected commercial and In.
\ dustrial system that Is rapidly making
( her rich and prosperous and her good
g will is worth having. She has put the
past behind her and in 1907 she will cele-
trate the now era as we'll as the three
hundredth anniversary Of her birth. Her
sister States Of the South are going to
participate and her feelings would be
& hurt If her eldest sister at the North
should pout and refuse to play. & y Al
What; can Massachusetts be thinking
Of to hegitnte? The objection that We
are not treating the negro fairly is pecu-
+ l,arly out Of place in this connection.
u for We are going to have a special ex-
Aibit at the jamestown Exposition to
show the progress and prosperity OF the
negro race In Virginia. Cur negroes are
taking an active interest in the EXPOSE
ton and are working side by side with
the whites. all pulling together in the
interest OF the exposition. Is Massachu-
4
Z in the negro race. prepared to go on re-
cord as doing her best to discourage and
injure such an enterprise, because, for
B sooth, some Of our laws and customs are
not to the liking Of her own negro cit
4 liens? What consistency!
we venture that the relationship be-
tween the races in Virginia is moro
friendly than that between the races in
Massachusetts.
1t is true that we draw the color line,
4 but that Is with us not merely time
1,onored tradition; 1t is an instinct.
Moreover. it,.is BY this means that wo
prevent race clashes and preserve the
/. friendly relationship between the whites
and blacks,
1t would be most unbecon!ng, not to
say prcsumptuous, for another State to
undertake to dictate to us how we shall
manage our private affairs, and we can
not believe that tho people OF Massa-
chusetts. who are famed for their good
manners are capable OF committing such
breach. at the dlctum Of a few NEGRO
= /. d
renonstrants.'' fE
Massachusetts cannot take neutral
groundin this matter. II she declines to
accept cur invitation for the reason
stated, It will be premedtated affront
and will necessarily be regarded by Vir-
GINA as an unfriendly act. Nations have
gone to war upon less serious provoca.
lion.
But we expect batter things of Massa,
rhusetts. Virginia Is to have birth
Gay party and wishes to make 1t TIKI
occasion OF family reunion, We fee
sure that before long she will receive
the conventional card OF Sister Massa
chusetts inscribed Acceptance. will
thanks"
Education AS Investment.