Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1909-05-05


Ss5f&s.sk(CA in that community Ii is reported that
E~5}SGVV' several indictments charging white citi-
zens of more or less prominence with mscegenaion have
been made public and that twenty others have been
returned their publication awaiting the service OF warrants
in the hands of the sheriff. Naturally there objection in
quarters the publicity given this campaign and no
doubt the members OF the grand coming in tor
their share OF criticism because OF the displayed
in the investigation.
AS we see it, the grand jury deserves the thanks OF the
white South for the courage and determination with
which it performed an unpleasant duty --one OF the most
important by the way. devoving it, MsceGenation
is crime against both Its practice menaces racial
integrity and dangerously complexities problem Tor the
smpersphases of which satisfactory solution has yet
been found It's idle to talk in large terms OF IN
stnc to inveigh against social equality. while at the
time white permitted TO relax the color line
will and to practice social equality on the limited SCALE
liberation of the evil because Of the standing OF the Of
lenders the inherent dislike OF scandal is both unwise
land unsafe
\ 1t is sometimes faluousy argued that vigorous cam
pagn against the ofense brings dscredt and unenvabe
nooriety upon the community in which is launched On
the contrary the community that fearessy attacks this
abuse deserves hearty congratulations NO one VIII be-
ieve that Natchez, by OF recent disclosures is
worse than its sister and cities. Its authorities will
BE- credited on the other hand with taking the lead in a
vital and necessary reform Publicity corrective only
less effective than that to be applied by jures and courts.
Both must be employed to eliminate what is concededly
the graves Of abuses. The Times-Democrat has before
now expressed the belief that the sentiment against mis-
cegenation is steadily growing throughout the South
Eventually the sheer force OF public opinion will compel
the presenment and punishment OF offenders regardless OF
their station in life standing society lifetime when
this menacng practice be whked at or condoned by
partial conceament is rapidly passing.
Mscegenation not nice thing to talk about, in open
in the columns Of the public press But where
gentle remedies fail. the employment OF more drastic
methods is often necessary to the public good Before
lono we are TO splendid
ample set by the Nachez grand jury will be followed by
similar bodies in many communities where the evil exists,
The value both Of general and determined cam
pagn against mscegenaon supported by the courts the
newspapers and militant public opinion, is past all cal
culaon. the problem is to be solved, this revolt
ing and>Aangerous phase of it FIRST be dealt with
6rmly courageuosly and effectively Times Democrat
In commenting on this Vardaman says
That miscegenstion is becoming less common in the
South observing person will deny.
That it ought to absolutely we all most heartily
agree.
The percentage Of mulato children born is growing
smaller every year.,
The line which has heretofore divided the races is
Widening.
They are drifting apart
Race antagonism better known hatred, is be-
Gaming more intense.
The sympathy and feeling of interdependence which
existed between and servant during and following
the war between the has almost passed with
out leaving trace OF its benehcent influence.
The,younger generations Of the two races occupy
i attitude Of positive hostility to each other
And that feeling Of hostility will be intensified by each
succeeding year.
1t is unfortunate that it so but there is denying
that exists.
No measure drastic can be employed which is nee
essary to prevent this pronscuous. improper comngng
OF the races
If it was not in violation Of the laws Of God. the laws
Of nature and productive of the lowest order Of morality
ought to be prevented for TIE that when white
man mIngles his blood with that Of black woman
ders him unfit to perform his duty govern in dealing
i with either the white race or the black.
He himself becomes politically bastard mongreL
| have never known who lived on terms OF Grim
ina social equality with negro woman who not OF
the opinion that there is no race problem.
It's said that The views entertained BY certain dis
ingushed urist Washington the question are
distorted by the fact that he related closely BY
guniy to fatherless mulatto In truth he is his
half brothsr.
agree with the Times Democrat that this phase OF the
race problem very pleasant to dscussit is not
very delicate thing Tor sensitive superesheca readers to
contemplate but the social disease is among Not only
in the South. but all over the republic.
And il calls for treatment
And ana in favor Of discussing the evil and presctib
ing The remedy, and forcing the patient to take the medi-
cine however, unpalatable or distaselul.
Governor Noel has paid into the state treasury the sum