Des Arc weekly citizen., 1868-02-15

of the white mans government of our fathers, andthe erection of an African ized government in it's stead.
 The negro is. not the equal of the white man. In mind and body the difference are striking, numerous, and instumountable. Four thousand years ago he was sexactlyswhat he is to-day. All history demonstrates his utter in- capacity for self government, and his utter want of appreciation of free in stftutions. But beyond all this, our { own experiences and the.teachings of history inexorably pointto this dread I'ful result. The investing of aninferior race with social and political. equality is the stepping stone to miscegenation and the consequent utter deterioration and degeneracy oftthe dominant race l Ii cannot be denied that polite eqnali- i ty (particularly that equality resulting from the indiscrimfnate exercise of the elective franchise,) will result in.social equality, unless in the throes and con fiicts which will inevitably prccede the new order of things, one or the other of the races does not perish from the fcarth. So marked and odious a change can only be effected after the natural and God given prejudices of our race have ceased to exist. Peace and pros perity can never result from measures sn ,1tfa,fv yt-o,. ,,4, tI ti, o A. ,.. fears of the white people of this state. l Whilst investing -tliesnegro with the ,elective franchise is attended with SO many tha2 2els and objections, the un- dersighed cannot believe, that it will he-the means of shielding the colored nan from oppression or wrong, but viii only aggravate and increase the prejudice . race, and precipitate q civil and social war. The undersigned !, will not slandcr tie white people of Arkansas so grossly as to assert Or be- lieve, that impartial justice will not be accorded to the negro race. or thatthey. will not enjoy all the requisite sprotec- ton for person, property, and reputa- ton, unless invested with the elective Franchise. The contrary he asserts, and believes to be the truth.
 The undersigned is not influenced by hatred or i'll will to the negro popula- ton, but sincerely desires their social. intellectual, and igious Improvement If, in the course of years, they should demonstrate their fitness for the exor- ciSVo q right, tshieiasia ssisaay eivilizss cd and well governed communities is de- nied to q large class of citizens, , it will then be time enough to discuss the pro priety of putting the ballot in their hands They are now only fitted to be the faeile tools of wicked and de- signing superiors. And if permitted to embark on the stormy sea of poli- tics. it will greatly retard their pro- gress in civilization, moral, and intel- lectual improvement.
 It is therefore, .manifestly to the in- terest of the people of this state, white and black, to make no changes in it's fundamental laws touching the elective franchise.
 He therefore recommends the follow ing, as the article to be incorporated in tho constitution of this state, upon said subject;
 ARTICLE.
 SEC. l. All white male citizens of the ta1 4t ,~F one years, having resided in the state of Arkansas one year next preceding any election and three months in the county or district in which he may of fer to vote, shall be deemed q qualified eleetor; provided that no soldier or mariner in the service of the United States shall be deemed to have acquired a residence in this state by reason of being stationed on duty herein.
 SEC. 2. All elections in this state shall be by ballot and all persons pos sessing the qualifications of an elector shall be entitled to vote for all officers made elective by the constitution of the United Stafes, and by the constitu- tion of this state: Provided that no be convicted of felony, or other infa- nous crime, shall ever exercise the right to vote in this state.
 Mr. Cypert moved the adoption of the minority report and would ask the prevlous question on the motion; he wo1ld however, not press the motion if there was any desire to debate. The previous question was ordered, and the motion to adopt the minority report was lost ayes l3, noes 30. ifr, Montgomery moved that 100 copies of f the majority report be printed and that it be referred to the committee on the arrangment aud phraseology of the constitution.
 Mir. Moore moved to print both reports. which motion was not entertained, and he then moved to print 400 copies instead of 100 of the majority report. Lost.
 Mir. Mathews moved to make the report the special order for day after tomorrow. Lost. Nr. .fonlgomery's motion was aaopted White (negro.) obtained the floor and sent up n minority report from the committee on the penitentiary.
 At this juncture Mr. Brooks moved an ad- iournment and the president entertained and put the question, and the motion pre- vailed: ayes S2. noes %.
 l Acg~ W hen does a criminal resemble an old bookg When he is bound over.
 A susceptible youth says he had rather ' % 10 church to see the hers thau 70 read