Caste and Ku Klux

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 21, 1871

Caste and Ku Klux.

SCENE IN A RAILROAD CAR.

A MISSIONARY sends us the following brief sketch of a scene that shows how dominant and deadly the spirit of caste still is at the South. We commend the faithfulness of our brother as we condemn the violence of the godless prejudice. When will God deliver this nation from this senseless and cruel spirit of caste?

TALLADEGA, Oct. 28, 1870.

An almost pure white, neatly dressed girl came into the first-class car, with a first-class ticket. She was ordered out, though half a dozen black girls were present holding shawls and children. As the other (smoking) car was full of drunken Southern gentlemen, who were yelling and swearing, she asked permission to stay because afraid for her life, and was refused. I remonstrated, saying that she was a teacher, and asking that as a friend she might remain. This not being granted, I said: “Then I will go with her.” We went, amid sneers and hisses, into the other car. The threats and open avowals to kill us were not few, and it required not only much faith in the Lord, but also much coolness and steadiness of nerve, to face down such a crowd of drunken, reckless men. We arrived at last, however, at Talladega, and stepped off amid threats and oaths.

These are the same Ku Klux who killed Mr. Luke.

But I shall live to praise the Lord for his care, love, and goodness. Yours truly, J. A. —Am. Missionary.