Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1907-03-22

Especial to Bystander.)
A permanent settlement of the race
problem is inevitable, but not in way
expect. Providen tial government in
human affairs has always played its
part when all else has failed. In less
than q century there will be no recog-
nized race problem in America. Ma
ture's struggle for harmony and peace
cannot long bear the treacherous strain
of an undercurrent race prejudice,
The truth of the real situation must
ultimately be acknowledged.
The Negro was brought to this coun-
try by human force and providential
sanction. He was in training over 200
years, learning the great lesson of hu-
mility, patience and long suffering,
and for forty-four years he has been an
apt student of American classics and
other finishing touches of advanced
civilization. preparatory to entering
upon still greater work. His
future is not yet determined.
Not q Fixture.
The Negro is not a fixture in Amer
lean civilization. Two propositions
must be reckoned with in the category
of the silent dactations of unseen
forces before the Negro can be assign
ed to his proper destiny.
1t DOES not remain for the Negro, to
say whether he shall or shall not re-
turngto Africa. The Jews were con-
tented in Egypt under Pharaoh's rule
for 400 years, and left because of
providential intervention. Why? Be.
cause their time had come to make
history as distinct race. The magic
finger of Jehovah points the Negro to
the sun dial Of Africa. Perpetual per-
sseeatinn " . sign I'LL Lack Of spresen-
tation III our legislative bodies is a
sign. A constant misconception of the
Negr,'s ambition for social equality,
as he is being educated, is sign. A
general misunderstanding of his aims
and object in life is sign.
There are over 25O,0OO,0OO Negroes
to be civilized in Africa. Whose work
is this? Is it the work of the white
man, or the work of the enlightened
American Negro? This work must be
done, even if God must drag every
Negro from American soil. 1t is his
work.
There are many barriers against this
proposition. Continental Europe is
about to swallow up the entire African
continent, but the hand of providence
here will play fine part in making
room for the civilization of the Negro
by those of his KIND, Racial segregs-
ton will bring results, as has been the
universal rule since the worlds incep-
ton.
Any other race but the Negro can
lay full claim to American citizenship.
II 800 years sojourn will not warrant
the rights of citizen he must confess
his pilgrimage. The Negro cannot re.
main in America an alien. lHi& pres
ent, past and future training will COM
pol him to seek full liberty elsewhere
if it is persistently denied him in his
country OF compulsory adoption, The
eiRns OF the times points to Africa.
The Other Side.
The other side of this intricate ques-
ton is Just as serious as the PROPOSE
tion discussed. There are five southern
states with a Negro population exceed
ing that of the whites. In less than
100 years there will be ratio OF in
crease of the Negro population, with
numerical strength sufficient to control
nine states south of the Mason and
Dixon line. Will the mighty band of
providence compel the haug hty south.
therner to suffer the black slain OF
mongrelization? For the sake of max
ing all mtn n brothers in fact, will Sod
humble the pride of those who claim
to worship from the same shrine as The
Negro? The future points to an anal
gamated south. If time and figures
cugnt. Not because it is desired by
either race, but because the divine in
junction, HE that humbleth himsel /
shall be exalted" and "He that exalt'
himself shall be abased," shall b.
brougt to pass. .... ,".....
All the Negro asks at this time is t.
be let alone, and treated with the INT
courtesy. when deserved, as any othe
man. He believes in the law OF inter
marriage because It protects God
| noblest purpose, not because of his de
sire to take advantage of white Chris
tians who possessed enough OF justic
and honor Of God to make such . law
Frederick Douglass made the mistak
OF doing this lawful act OF interpa'
riage, but it was not expedient. Trea
the Negro right, and watch the sign
OF providence, y n