The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-10-05
For the Dlspatch.I
A Stubborn Fact
WHICH SHOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN BY THE
WHITE VOTERS OF VIRGINIA.

WHICH SHOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN BY THE
WHITE VOTERS OF VIRGINIA.
No one denies that the negro, il left to
pursue the instincts OF his nature. is kind
and afiectonate in his disposition.
But it is equally true that the negro,
under the guidance and instigation OF art
full and corrupt demagogues, may be con-
yerted into the most dangerous. intOlerant,
and ferocious partisan that was ever in
trusted with the elective franchise.
To prove the truth OF this assertion, IL
is only necessary TO recall the course pur-
sued by the solid column of negro voters
on the amendments TO the Constitution OF
Virginia in 1868.
II will be remembered that the Conven-
ton which met in Richmond soon after the
close OF the war to frame a Constitution
for Virginia presented. as the result OF their
labors, an instrument which shocked the
moral sentiment OF the whole country.
Under the provisions OF that Constitu-
ton, among other enormities, it was or
dained that every white man in Virginia
should be perpctually disiranchised as Il
voter, and, also, that he should not only be
ineligible 10 any office, but be forever in
competent. even TO serve as a Juror, unless
he could take the iron-clad OATH
Under this Constitution, il 1t had been
adopted, nine tenths Of the white adult
population Of Virginia would have been
denied the privilege not only OF holding
office. but the right to vote or even to serve
on a Jury. With a refinement of malignity
1t was further provided that the Legisla-
ture should not have the power to relieve
from these penalties by any general legisla-
ton, but that its jurisdiction over the sub
ject should be limited to particular cases,
and that the name OF not more than one
person should be embraced in any bill for
relief.
In January, 1869. the Committee Of
Nine" went to Washington and explained
fully to General Grant, then President
elect Though not yet inaugurated). and TO
the Senate and House OF Representatives,
the rank injustice and hateful character OF
these clauses OF the proposed Constitution.
In response to this appeal OF the Com
mittee of Nine, General Grant, shortly
after his nauguration-viZ.. in May, 1869
in special message to Congress urged
that body to pass law by which the peo-
pie OF Virginia might be allowed to vote
separately on all these disqualifying and
test-oath sections OF the Constitution. and
thus afford them a chance TO have them
eliminated from the body OF that instru-
ment.
In compliance with General Grants
earnest recommendation Congress did pass
such law, and under its provisions and
the proclamation OF General Grant issued
in pursuance OF it, the opportunity was
afforded to the people OF Virginia to vote
separately on the question Of striking these
Objectionable sections from the body OF the
Constitution.
This was q matter OF vital interest to the
people OF Virginia. II the vote OF the ma
jorily had been in favor Of retaining them
as parts OF the Constitution the white men
Of Virginia would have been little better
than slaves, and the negroes would at once
have been the dominant race.
General Grant, as above stated, brought
all his personal and official influence in IN
vor OF having them stricken out. The
press of the North, almost without distinc-
ton OF party, seconded General Grants re-
commentator. Horace Greeley appelled
i'm trumpet tones, through the New York
Tribune, in favor Of blotting them out.
Congress, by its legislative action, cordially
seconded the patriotic recommendation OF
General Grant.
Under these circumstances it might have
been reasonable TO suppose that the pro-
posed policy OF harmony and good feeling
would have met with the ready sanction
and support OF men OF all parties and
colors.
But when tie question was presented to
them fairly and squarely at the polls, how
did the colored men vote?
NINETY THOUSAND OF THEM VOTED TO RE-
TAIN THESE DIsFRANCH IsING AND DISABLING
CLAUSES IN THE CONSTITUTION
Yes. Ninety thousand colored voters
cast their ballots in favor OF DISTINGUISHING
As voters nine tenths OF the best white peo-
pie Of Virginia!
Ninety thousand colored men voted to
prevent nine tenths Of the best white men
OF Virginia from holding any office
Ninety thousand colored voters recorded
their votes against allowing nine tenths OF
the best men OF Virginia TO SIT on Jury
l hope they did not do this of their own
free will. They were instigated TO do it
by Wells and Underwood and others of
That stamp. But they did it then under
the lead and teaching OF bad men; and
there Is no reason TO doubt that, under
similar influences, they can be led TO COM
NIT similar enormities again.
The race OF demagogues has not yet died
out. Bad men are still 70 be found in every
community, who will not hesitate at any.
th,ng necessary to advance their personal
interests. IL we had Wellses and Under
woods and Lewis Lindsays in those DAYS,
we have men who are no better at the
present time.
With the significant facts above stated,
let us not leopard everything that is dear
10 freemen by over.confdence or inactivity.
In 1869 the people Of Virginia by almost
superhuman effort rescued their State from
rum. The same danger in more in
sidIous form threatens us now. II is the
same fght renewed. Let the press keep
tnis Stubborn fact" constantly before the
people: Let the speakers from the hust-
ings thunder 1t into their ears. Let the
nills and valleys echo and reecho II until the
uay OF election. Defeat Is disgrace. II is
the deatl-knell Of all our hopes.