The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1906-11-16

sponsibilities. From this source alone
a source not understood by our
Northern friends-I could, were the
time mine, point out the probable
origin Of this so-called race question
and certainly many of its attendant
evils. This sense Of irresponsibility
began with his sudden emancipation
and his even more sudden enfran-
chisement. By the latter act, and more
especially by the" teachings Of the
leaders Of the race-white as we'll
as black-the negro was led to believe
that he might, in all relations of life,
do pretty much as he pleased, and he
thus willingly left all responsibility
to others.
This innate sense of responsibility
lies at the bottom of the negro 8 lack
of respect for the law-this lack Of
respect being in contradistinction to
a,certain fear of the laws penalties
which he may sometimes feel. IF
there were neither murder, arson nor
criminal assaults, it can be safely
said there would be no lynching.
These crimes do not receive anything
like their just measure of condemna-
ton from the negro race. From the
days Of slavery there has ever been
among them a tendency to protect
and shield each other in crimc-thc
old idea in slavery days being that
whatever happened in the settlement
must be kept there. The negro must
adjust himself in all respects to
changed conditions, and when he not
only violates, but outraecs the law, it
is the solemn duty Of his race to visit
their condemnation upon him.
Make the Negro Help Himeslf.
The white man must help the ne
gro, but it is absolutely necessary
that the negro must help himself.
Among the most important phases of
this subject are the civil, social and
political equities involved in this
race question. The white race is tho
predominant race, and for all that
the bounds of the social and political
questions will be determined by the
white man alone, and by the white
man s code. lie has right to en-
pect that his civil status should be
the same, in every respect, as is that
of the white man. Justice should be
even-handed. A proper understand
ing of these fundamental principles
| by the negro-and there is no rea-
son why he should not understand
would be long step and decided
step towards the solution of this ques-
ton. If he refuses to adjust himself
to these inflexible conditions, then
the negro will have to &C.
| want to say in speaking to you
that | am a friend of the negro-no
one has kindlicr feeling for him
and his race than have. On my PLAN
tation in the low country Of South
Carolina live to-day negroes whose
forefathers worked faithfully for my
| forefathers. We both know the old
place as home, and around it cling
memories and associations which we
alone can hold in common. l am not
alone in these feelings. for they are
shared by thousands and thousands
| in the SOuth-the Southern white
men are to-day, as they have always
been, the best friend the negro has
ever had, and the only ones who real
ly understand him. These men know
that the best negroes are not respon-
siblc for many of the serious short
comings of their race--they give
them full credit for what they are
and for what they do, and to them
they look in the future for assist
ancc in the betterment Of conditions.
The White Mans Burden.
Having thus briefly and imperfect
~ discussed one aspect of this ques-
ton. there is another to which I will
allude-and that is what can be done
by the white man. IF it is the duty
of the negro, as | have tried to show
to work out his own salvation, it is
equally the duty Of the white man to
lend him all possible aid. AS have
said i'll the beginning, patience, dclib-
Grafton and sound judgment on his
part will be necessary for any solu-
ton. With these must be as clear a
view as is possible Of rapidly shift
ing events in their direct bearing on
this question, especially in the en-
forccmcnt of laws and in changing
any existing law when our judgment