Page:The leopard's spots - a romance of the white man's burden-1865-1900 (IA leopardsspotsrom00dixo).pdf/221

 "You are talking about the dead past, Gaston. I'm surprised at a man of your brain living under such a delusion. How can there be Negro supremacy when they are in a minority?"

"Supremacy under a party system is always held by a minority. The dominant faction of a party rules the party, and the successful party rules the state. If the Negro only numbered one-fifth the population and they all belonged to one party, they could dictate the policy of that party."

"You know that a few white brains really rule that black mob."

"Yes, but the black mob defines the limits within which you live and have your being."

"Gaston, the time has come to shake off this nightmare, and face the issues of our day and generation. We are going to win in this campaign, but I want you. I like you. You are the kind of man we need now to take the field and lead in this campaign."

"How are you going to win?"

"We are going to form a contract with the Farmer's Alliance and break the backbone of the Bourbon Democracy of the South. The farmers have now a compact body of 50,000 voters, thoroughly organised, and combined with the negro vote we can hold this state until Gabriel blows his trumpet."

"That's a pretty scheme. Our farmers are crazy now with all sorts of fool ideas," said Gaston thoughtfully.

"Exactly, my boy, and we've got them by the nose."

"If you can carry through that programme, you've got us in a hole."

"In a hole? I should say we've got you in the bottomless pit with the lid bolted down. You'll not even rise at the day of judgment. It won't be necessary!" laughed