The White Pine news. [volume] (Ely, Nev.) 1906-1910, 1909-03-05


and 1t never ought to be repealed. II
1t had never been passed. It might be
difficult now to adopt it: but with il
in our fundamental law, the policy OF
southern legislation must and will
tend to obey it. and SO long as the
statutes of the state meet the test of
this amendment and are not other
wise in conflict with the constitution
and laws of the United States, 1t Is
not the disposition or within the
province of the federal government
to interfere with the regulation by
southern states of their domestic af-
fairs. There is in the south a
stronger feeling than ever among the
intelligent. well-to-do and influential
element in favor of the industrial
education of the negro and the en-
enlargement of the race to make
themselves useful members of the
community. The progress which the
negro has made in the last fifty years
from slavery, when its statistics are
reviewed. is marvellous, and IL furn-
ishes every reason to hope that in the
next twenty-five years a still greater
Improvement in his condition as
productive member of society, on the
farm, and in the shop and in other
occupations, may come. The negroes
are now Americans. Their ancestors
came here years ago against their
will, and this is their only country
and their only flag. They have shown
themselves anxious to live for II and
to die for IT, Encountering the race
I'M e1ahiarfaH
times TO cruel injustice growing out
of It. they may we'll have our pro-
found sympathy and aid in the
struggle they are making. We are
charged with the sacred duty of max
ing their path as smooth and easy as
We can Any recognition of their
distinguished men, any appointment
to office from among their number.
is properly taken as an encourage
ment, and an appreciation of their
progress. and this just policy snan
be pursued.
But Il may well admit of doubt
whether, in the case of any race, an
appointment of one of their number
to local Office in a community In
which the race feeling is so wide
the ease and facility with which the
local government business can be
done by the appointee, is of sufficient
benefit by way of announcement to
the race to outweigh the recurrence
and increase OF race feeling which
such an appointment is likely TO en-
gender. Therefore. the executive, in
recognizing the negro race by APP
pointment must exercise careful dis
erection not thereby to do IL more
harm than good On the other hand
we must be careful not TO encourage
the mere pretense of race feeling
manufactured In the interest of in-
dividual political ambition.
Personally ! have not the slightest
race prejudice or feeling, and reeog-
milton of its existance only awakens
In my heart a deep sympathy Tor
those who have to bear 1t or suner
from II. and | question the wisdom
of policy which is likely TO increase
IL. Meantime If nothing Is done 10
prevent, a better feeling between the
negroes and the whites in the south
will continue to grow, and more ana
more of the white people Will come
TO realize that the future OF the south
Is To he much benefited by the in
dnstrial and intellectual progress OF
the negro The exercise of political
franchises by those of his race who
are intelligent and well-to-do will be
acquieseed in, and the right TO vote
will be withheld only from the
ignorant and irresponsible of both
races.
There is one other matter To when
| shall refer. II was made the sub
ject OF great controversy during the
election. and calls for a least a pass
ing reference now. My distinguished
predecessor has given much attention
10 the cause of labor, with whose
struggle for better. things he has
shown the sineerest sympathy. Al
his instance, congress has passed the
bill fixing the libality of interstate
carriers To their employees for injury
sustained in the course OF employ
ment. abolishing the rule OF fellow-
servant and the common law rule as
10 contributory negligence, and sub
.tuting therefor the so-called rule oil
comparative negligence. II has also
passed law hAfiS NhN N'hi G~'''''>'
of government employees for injuries
sustained in the employ OF the gov
eminent through the negligence OF
the superior. II also passed a model
child labor law for the District OF
Columbia. In previous administra-
tions an arbitration law for inter-
state commerce railroads and their
employees, and laws for the appliea-
ton of salty devices to save the lives
and limbs of employees of Interstate
railroads has been passed. Addition
al legislation of this kind was passed
bv the outgoing congress.
wish to say that in so far as can,
hope TO promote the enactment oil
further legislation of this character.
am strongly convinced that the gov
eminent should make Itself as res
ponsible to employees injured In It's