Question

Legislation is powerless to [eliminate] racial instincts or to abolish distinctions based upon physical differences.... If the civil and political rights of both races be equal, one cannot be inferior to the other civilly or politically. If one race be inferior to the other socially, the Constitution of the United States cannot put them upon the same plane.

What is the main purpose of this passage?

To criticize Louisiana for its segregation of railroad cars
To argue against those who oppose segregation
To defend segregation as an acceptable practice
To deny that legal segregation is necessary

Answer 1

To defend segregation as an acceptable practice.

The passage argues that legislation cannot change racial instincts or social distinctions and that the Constitution can make civil and political rights equal but cannot force social equality—thereby justifying segregation.