The Chickasaw messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1880-1900, 1889-03-21
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.

In suggesting the necessity for a
Constitutional Convention. that the
political power Of the State might be
re-adjusted, with a view to theperpet-
uty Of white supremacy the abolition
OF the appointing power; the re-
organization Of our judicial system,
and the cheapening of the expenses Of
the State govcInmentwithout impair
ing its efficiency, we had no purpose
of arraying the white people of the
white counties against the white pco-
pie of the black belt We desire uni-
ty of feeling and action among our
people generally, but in order that a
proposition may be made plain and
simple, that he who runs may read. it
is often necessary to state facts, winch
may be unpleasant to parties interest
ed. I'm this regard the MESSENGER
never shirks Its duty aud hence the
high-toned organs of the State, that
undertake 10 justify n representation
IN the State conventions and Legisla-
tive bodies based upon the suffrage of
one white bulldo1er, and ten suppIcs,-
ed negro votes, As against ten white
voters and one negro ballot that f.
counted in Democratic communities
Of Mississippi. are likely to conclude
they are handling pitch or fomething
else that is hot, when they tackle this
real live, honest and outspoken Jour
nal. Our friends ia the valley should
remember that Chickasaw is negro
county. and that the proposition TO
curtail the representation Of such
counties, or TO increase the representa-
ton of the white counties affects us
as well as them. And they must
know. that the true Democracy ofthis
State doe, not intend that the councils
Of the party shall always be domiuu-
ted by representation in political bod
les based upon a colorcd Republican
vote. lt is the hit dog that yelps.
always, and whenever, we hear a
howl 90 up from newspaper in a
county where one white mans vote
is more potent than half-a-dozen in
other counties Of the State IN effect de-
manding the Status quo, we cannot
avoid the conclusion that the love Of
power, though wrongfully attained, in
that community is stronger than the
principles they advocate and the pa
triotism they possess.
Actual experiment ia this State has
proven that there Is precious little
difference between negro rule headed
by Amcs, and machine rule based up-
on suppressed negro vote. or a stuff
cd ballot box IN fact it IS the same
thing undera different name, and the
Taxpayers Of the State. ksowine that
the debt Of Mississippi h7 been doub-
led under the prescott regime, as com
pared with the le@tcy lea us by iho
carpet-bagger-. tbef have resolved.
that suclrd state of anaies shall nos
contiuuc muh longer. Thar
are Democrats almost 10 q
man, bui not such as are willing 10
endorse and defend q Constitution
framed hEsplicu ani thoy are deter
mined 10 Itpudiate allegiance 10 q
political triunviI1to having nothing
in common with Democracy. except
the name. Ggnuomon, therefore.
who are of opinion chat thcv should
control the political destiny Bf the
State on the numerical strength of the
opposition negro vote. may prepare 20
make good the threats made by some
Of their Representatives in the last
Legislature, namely "That if q Con-
stiutiOn Convention is called. thev
will take the negroes and beat It, for
large majority OF the white people
of this State and the intelligent
colored voters as well, are determined
that the organic law shall be re-
modelled SO as TO meet their wishes
and the changed condition Of affairs.