What experience did the white citizens of Wilmington have with the Republican party since 1865, and what were their expectations if that party returned to power, and stayed in power sustained by the votes of black voters? Given that the resurgent Republican party in North Carolina was once again in power in 1896 along with a Republican governor, Daniel Russell, the worst was feared. One also sees the political adversary Southern leaders were up against, and they had to resort to political tactics unknown in a free republic.
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