Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1903. AMERICA'S DANGER,

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 January 1903, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1903. AMERICA'S DANGER,

Thk United States of America which prior to the war with Spain Lad showed a marked disinclination to take part in the Council of Nations, lias [of late figured prominently. Having once elected to come forth from her exclusiveness, she must henceforth carry her portion of the " white man's burden," At the present moment she is almost bordering on ground that may bring her into conflict with some European Nations. There is no doubt but that Germany regards the Mtinro Doctrine with much disfavour ; as a German Statesman the other day expressed it " asadark cloud on the German economic horizon." It is equally clear that if Britain, which along with Germany is seeking redress from Venezuela, were of a like opinion to Germany on the Munro policy,the States would be required to defend that theory by force of arms, Baitain, however, favors the pretentions of the States, and indeed is interested in sustaining the well-rebognised pronouncement of a former president. So long, therefore, as Britain stands by America on this point, no one is likely to challenge her claim to the control of the "NewWorld." But there are other questions in which America is taking a keen interest, and to-day, she must be regarded as one of the Ureat Powers, and will have to be treated as such, Taking tip such a position she will have to so arrange her internal affairs that they may not become a source ot danger to her when in conflict with other nations. Every country has its internal troubles, but in America the danger, unless adjusted, is greater than in other countries. That danger is the racial prejudice —the color line —which at present time is at fever heat in the Southern States. President Roosevelt is doing his best to break down the distinction. To the surprise of all Americans, he recently invited a full-blooded negro to dine with him at White Bouse. Such an occurrence had never taken place before. The other day he appointed a negro to the position of Collector of Customs at Charleston, This action roused intense feeling in the Southern States, where the "colored man " is regarded as an altogether inferior being; is held in much the same estimation as he was when slavery existed. It is a fair illustration of how difficult it is to overcome prejudice, The constitution of the States —which all Americans "stand fast by"—solemnly declares that all men shall bo equal before the law, yet in the country that says so, a negro dare not enter a railroad car, an hotel, or take seats at a theatre alongside a white man, and even the Young Men's Christian Association denies the right of membership to his dark-skinned brother. This " color line" distinction, this racial hatred, will one day cause serious trouble. And if that trouble arises at a time when foreign relations are strained, it will be all the worse. In the States there are now ten million Negros, and as their increase is proportionately greater than that of the whites, the danger is yearly increasing. In ten years from 1890 to 1900, the white population increased by a litt'o over 20%, while the coloured peoplo increased 32%. This process has only to continue for a few decades to bring the black, however, equal to that of the white. It was thought that with the abolition of slavery there would be a gradual fusion of the races, but forty years has apparently failed in bringing this about. The line is as clearly drawn to-day as at the time of the rebellion. It is one of the problems of the future that will require much thought and consideration at the hands of America, if sho is to remain one of the foremost powers of the earth.