The Aberdeen weekly. [volume] (Aberdeen, Miss.) 1878-1933, 1909-05-07
A Wholesome Move
nnent in Mississippi.

Something of stir has been
caused in Natchez, Miss, by dis
covery that the Adams county grand
jury. during its recent session, con-
Quoted a searching investigation of
race relations in that community.
1t is reported that several indict-
ments charging white citizens of
more or less prominence with mis-
cegenation have been made public,
and that some twenty others have
qeen returned. their publication
awaiting the service Of warrants ia
the hauds of the sheriff Naturally
there is objections in some quarters
to the publicity given this cam
paign, and no doubt the mem bers Of
the grand jury are coming in for
their share of criticism because of
the energy displayed In the investi-
CATION.
AS we see it, the grand sjury de-
serves the thanks Of the white south
for the courage and determination
with which it performed an unpleas-
ant duty-one of the most impor-
tant, by the way devolving upon it.
Miscegnation Is a crime against
both races. Its practice menances
racial integrity and dangerously
complicates a problem for the sim
pier phases of which no unsatisfac-
tory solution has yet been found.
1t is idle to talk in large terms Of
race instinct, to inveigh against
social equality, while at the same
time white men are permitted TORE
lax the color line at viii and to
practice social equality on the limit
ed scale. federation Of the evil be-
cause Of the standing of the often
ders or the inherent dislike of scan
dial is both unwise and unsafe.
It is sometimes fatuousIy argued
that a vigorous campaign against
the ofiense brings discredit and I'M
enviable notoriety upon the cOmmu-
nifty in which it is launched. On
the contrary, the community that
fearlessly attacks this vicious abuse
deserves hearty congratulations. No
one will believe that Natchez, by
reason of recent disclosures, is worse
than her sister towns and cities. Its
authorities viii be credited on the
other hand, with taking the lead in
a vital and necessary reform. Pub
licity is a corrective only less effect
Tvs 4han that to be applied by juries
and courts. Both must be employ
ed to eliminate what is conceded
ly the I gravest of abuses. The
Times Democrat has before now ex-
pressed the belief that the sentiment
against miscegnation is steadily
growing throughout the south.
Eventually the sheer force of public
opinion will compel the presentment
and punishment of offenders regard
less of their station in life or stand
ing in society The time when this
menancing practice can be winked
at or condoned by partial conceal
ment is rapidly passing.
Miscegnation is not a nice thing
to talk about in open court or in
the columns of the public press.
But Wnere gentle remedies IalI, tne'I
employment of more drastic meth
DDS Is often necessary to the public
good. Before very long we are en-
couraged to believe, the splendid
example set by the Natchez grand
jury will be followed by similar
bodies in many communities where
the evil exists. The value Ito both
races of a general and determined
cam paign against miscegnation, sup
ported by the courts, the newspa-
pers and a militant public opinion,
is past all calculation Ii the race
problem is to be solved, this revolt
ing and dangerous phase of it must
first be dealt with firmly, courage |
ously and effectively .-Times-Dem-
Ocrat.