New-York tribune., 1911-02-17
BORAH REPLIES TO ROOT
Says Race Prejudice Is as Strong
in North as South.
FOR DIRECT ELECTIONS
Idaho Senator Opposes Retain
ing Supervisory Power
of Congress,

lFrom The Tribune Bureau.
Washington. Feb Ex-senator Borao,
,.onoinr 10 the rescue of his proposed
amendment to the Constitution provid'ns
for direct election Of Senators. in speech
to-day laid the race question open wider
than over by including the North as weli
as tho South in his charges.
Il do not know" he said. how long the
North is going 10 play the coward ana
rypocrite on this negro question Inc
Northern states have exhibited the same
race poculiarities and the same race hatred
that have developed i'm other parts Of the
Union Since the question has been
raised / purpose to assert the truth aoout
the negro. We burn him at the stake ana
push him to the edge Of the industrial
world. I have no doubt II we had 70 ueai
with the problem as others have dealt with
:, we would have exhibited the same guam
ties and the same weaknesses ioI "'''o"
others have been chided'
Senator Borah also inveighed against
those who had defended the Fourteenth and
Fifteenth amendments in connection with
the debate by condemning generally what
he termed the administration oI polluca'
soothing syrup 10 secure the negro vote
lie was frequently Interrupted by questions
from Senators Carter. Nelson. sutherland
and others who object TO the repeal oi inc
clause giving Congress supervisory power
over the elections. Senator Borah's chie1
argument was that the things which CON-
zrces may 10 without the clause are prac-
-ically the same as II may do with IL
Several questions. however brought forth
tho admission that there are q number OF
things which could not be done Il the
amendment were adopted and which pro
vide a reason for the strenuous 1ght whlch
e n4;nc made 70 repeal the clause.
Nir Rorah declared that II Congress had
mower under the existing provision OF the
Constitution giving Congress supervision OF
elections OF Senators IT should be exercised
re that rieht exists the North has the
greater obligation under IT, because it
makes claim 20 it," he said. we assert
the power but We admit that we haven't
had the moral courage 10 exercise it, For
himself, he denied the existence OF any such
power. and said that he resented such
position because Of the position in which
Congress was placed by II.
The race question" Mr.. Borsh sald'
had been brought into the discussion IN
the sond hope that II would do service IN
defeating the resolution as whole He
decllred that IT had been used Tor similar
purpose for the last thirty years.
The negro has been used AS q pohucai
football about as long IS our own sense
of decency and HIS developing intelligence
will permit" he said in conclusion.
we should no longer miStreat him, but
We should have the courage 10 inform h;m
s 10 the real situation. II does not peneht
him 10 make him the subject of our sopE-
omoric rhetoric. The colored race was
advanced 10 the point where we well may
dispense with the perennial distribution OF
soothing syrup and give them solid food In
the way OF facts. We should tell them the
truth and conceal nothing.
"lVreu the exigencies Of debate are over
il VIII be found that no measure will be
offered in the Senate TO protect any sup
posed right or the colored man anywhere.
Il those who are lntt rested viii turn 10 the
Constitution they Will find there the one
universal rule OF equality the only rule
70 Je applied TO the negro and the only
rule under which we can legisate. II APP
Piled IL VIII 0e proved 20 be the correct
rule. the rule for all OF U.s.
Senator YOUNG. of Iowa. complained OF
his failure TO get the Legislature of Iowa
20 submit the election In that state 90
popular vote. lie said that the progressive
element in the Republican party led by
Senator Cummins. and of which Mr.. Borah
Is a member. had directed this policy. Il
speak rs a friend Of the proposition said
Mr. Young.
II am glad To welcome another convert
replied the Idaho Senator.
u appeal 20 the Senate Mr. Young went
on. "to regulate Legislature which in
the State OF Iowa for month has de-
clineI 10 submit a senatorial election 10
The people.
Well" said Mr.. Borah. IL the Senator
from iowa cannot control MS own election,
1t is beyond the power of this body 10 do
so"
Mr.. Young attributed his failure to "the
political upl,fi." which he said had Its
hand on the lid"
Notwithstanding Mr.. Borahs notice that
he would ask the Senate 10 sit to-day until
a vote could be reached on the elections
resolution, the proceedings were confined
20 his own discussion OF II. He succeeded,
however. IN getting q concession that the
resolution should be taken ~ tomorrow
Immediately after the disposition Of the
routine business.