Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1911-02-11
Senator Root DragS Race Issue
Into Debatei Accused of De-
sire to Arouse Southern 0p-
position,
FINDS NO MERIT IN
GENERAL PROPOSITION
Proper Selection Of Legisla-
tive Members Would Remedy
All Evils at Present Com
planned Of, Says New Yorker,

Try Morning Journal Special Leased wireJ
Washington. Feb. 10.--Through the
injection OF the race question into the
comparatively commonplace
discussion In the senate of the resolu-
tlon providing for the election Of
senators by direct vote. Senator Root
of New York and Senator Bacon OF
Georgia. today lifted that controversy
to plane OF almost sensational inter-
est.
The Incident arose in connection
with extended remarks by Senator
Root in opposition to the Borah reso-
luton. The New York senator's said
the national government could not af-
ford to barter away the privilege OF
supervising senatorial elections In
the south II need should arise for such
supervision.
Also In speaking of the observance
OF the fourteenth and fifteen amend
ments to the constitution. he said that
from time to time things happen" in
the southern states which should not
be permitted by the states and which
should be carried. If not by the
states themselves. then by the national
government.
The declaration caused visible stir
ber. II at once became manifest that
Iif anything was lacking to insure OPP
position by the southern senator's to
the resolution It had been supplied
| by MrsnRaet.
Senator Borah who has charge OF
| the measure. charged that the race
question had been dragged into the
case for the purpose Of alternating the
minority.
When Mr.. Root concluded his speech
about o'clock he left the chamber.
Mr.. Bacon Immediately expressed
desire for specifications regarding the
things which the New York senator
had said happened In the south
which ought to call for federal inter-
ventlon but the demand did not reach
Mr.. Root until after Senator Bever-
idge had made q formal reply to the
New York senator's speech and tho
senate was prepared TO adjourn.
Just before o'clock Mr.. Bacon re-
vivcd the southern question. Repeat
ing the remarks of the New Yorker.
Mr.. Bacon addressed himself direct
ly to Mr.. Root and asked
what are the things TO which the
senator refers?"
Mr.. Roots response was In nowse
evasiye or indirect. Recalling the
substance OF his previous remarks he
said that he had had reference to tho
voluntary surrender by the govern
ment of the power to enforce the pro-
lection OF the suffrage privileges OF
the southern negroes Facing Senator
Bacon and speaking with great delib-
Grafton. Mr.. Root enumerated the
peonage system, the lynching of me-
groes and the dlsfranchlsement pro-
visions. such as the grandfather"
southern states as some of the things
calculated to deprive the black man
Of that equal protection which the
constitution guarantees.
"rhe people OF the United States
are willing to fold their hands and
wish the southern people god-speed In
working out their delicate problem
30 long as they do SO in kindness; but
II there should be such oppression as
to call for the exercise OF the power
of the United States to enforce the
that power will be exer-
csed and It ought TO be-" he said.
Mr.. Bacon replied that such ques-
tIons as lynching and peonage were
in nowise cognate to the subject under
consideration He accounted for
lynchings on the ground OF severe
which he said deprived
men of their reasofrand made demons
OF them. He found one cause for them
IN the scarcity of population and to
show that this crime Is confined to no
one part OF the country said there
had been lynchings In New York in
which the victim was burned to death.
As for the charge OF peonage he de-
clarcd there was no practice In the
south worthy Of that name.
Indicating doubt as to Mr.. Root
having had such offenses In mind
Mr.. Bacon said he was sure the New
York senator was really inveighing
against supposed offenses against the
franchise.
"Am oorreot?" questioned Mr.. Da-
con.
Perfectly responded Mr.. Root.
Then he added.
"If the constitution should be so
amended as 70 provide for the election
of senators by direct vote. the ma
tlonal government must retain the
power to make those elections free
and unhampered. without this privl.
lege the government of the United
States surrcnders the power OF Its own
Does the senator contend for the
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