The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1869-04-08
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI,

whereas 1t has been represented, by pre-
tended testimony, before a committee ap-
pointed by the late Constitutional ConVen-
ton of Mississippi, that f. Barksdale, among
others, resorted to intimidation and used
other improper influences to induce perso ms
to vote against the Constitution submitted
by said Convention; therefore, we the un-
dersigned freedmen, who resided on the
premises of the said +. Barksdale, In Rankin
county, or were in his employ, as An act Of
justice TO him and to all whom it may con-
Germ, do make under oath the following
statement:
In the spring of 1867, after the passage of
the reconstruction acts by our solicitation.
Mr.. Barksdale delivered to us and 9TH
ers there assembled on his premises
speech in explanation of the said
laws of Congress. He stated that by
the enactment of those laws Congress had
conferred the privilege to vote on persons of
color; told US that il was our duty to quail
fy ourselves for its intelligent exercise. and
explained the regulations prescribed for Sc
curing the right. He counseled US to vote
'.for the Convention" Atlantis further tes-
tify that in accordance with this advice they
did so vote in the September election fol-
lowing: A.
They further depose, that after the said
Convention submitted a form of constitu-
ton for ratification or rejection. they were
again addressed by the said 4. Barksdale,
ION the 10th of June. 1862 in reference TO
it; that he explained its Objectionable fea-
!
the reason that it imposed restrictions on the
right of voting and holding office, not en-
braced in the act of Congress, which he said,
ought to have been the guide of the Con-
vention, and that it would be unwise as well
as unjust forthe freedmen to commence their
career as voters, by taking suffrage from the
whites. He also opposed the ratification OF
the constitution for the additional reasons
that il contemplated the establishment of
mixed schools, which are repugnant 90 the
II hai Yaor of hOrh and that II nrOvid-
ed for an expensive system OF government,
referring especially to the schemes proposed
to be established under the head of militia"
and Public Works." He dwelt particular
lv upon the prohigate conduct Of the Con-
Vention as evidenced by its protr2cted ses-
sion, and the enormous pay which the men,
beers voted themselves and their employees
Atlantis testify that they attended the
election at Staen's Creek, Rankin county, on
the AID of June, 1868, and listened attentive
ly to a speech delivered by the said Barks-
dale, and that it was of the same tenor as
the one last described, viz: an exposition of
the obnoxious features of the Constitution
which had been submitted. He made no
threats TO turn any person out OF employ
ment if they did not vote as he advised
did not say that persons would lose employ
ment by voting for the Convention as Is al
legged in the pretended testimony above re-
ferred to. Nor did he exhibit any weapon,
or make any hostile demonstrations what
bearing were kind and conciliatory. He In
yited free discussion by those who took
different view, and especially did he request
John Brinson, a colored delegate TO the Con-
vention, who was presumed to understand
the provisions of the proposed Constitution,
to reply to him, or correct any statement of
its provisions which he (Brinson) might be-
lieve to be erroneous.
Deponents further state that freely and of
our own accord, we voted against the Con-
stitution" from a sense of duty, and a con-
yiction that the best interest of both races
required US so to act. While claiming for
ourselves the privilege of suffrage, We do
not wish to deprive others Of It, whose
rights are equally dear to them. Besides
we did not desire Constitution encountered
with the objections attached to the one sub
mitted, apart from the questions OF suffrage:
WIN. MANNERRY,
HENRY NEAL.
VIM. MANNERY. JR.
HENRY OLDFIELD.
JOSEPH MAGEERRY.
TYNE PERKINS.
SAM'L MANNERY,
HENRY JONES
The undersigned, (freedman,) heard the
speeches Of Mr.. Barksdale, above referred
to. and testifies 70 the correctness Of the re-
port Of VIM. Mannerry and others.
MARSH 9. CLARK.
| The undersigned freedmen had not attain
ed their majority at the Tins of the election,
| and could not vote. but they heard the
| speech of the said Barksdale on the 29d Of
| June, 1868, and testify to the accuracy Of
statement of VIM. ManAerry and others, m
| every particular. There was no threat or
! attempt at compulsien Of any kind used, 70
their best knowledge and belief
GEORGE RANDOLPH.
CHARLES JOHNSON.
sworn 10 and subscribed this 18th March,
1869. J. 5. COLLINS up.