The Brookhaven leader., 1890-09-18
JUDGE CHRISMAN rs RIGHT.
"rHE sUN-cRowNED MAN OF WHOM
IRE POET sANG.n

we Lnlnk tne misslsslppl SOustlLu-
tional Convention would do we'll to
heed the voice of Judge Chrisman.
He has spoken sensibly and to the
point, and the advice he gives is such
as recommends itself to all unbiased
observers.
There is no need for q new consti-
tuition, or to be more specific, for new
regulation of the suffrage, unless it
provides thoroughly against the rule
of the illiterate and irresponsible.
That is what it is intended for; that is
what the Constitutional Convention
was called for and what it is expected
to accomplish.
1t is idle to beat the devil about the
bush. 1t would be a waste of time
and an imposition on the people to
adopt subterfuge. What this con-
vention will do is not for today.
Other States of the South are looking
to it for a precedent, and the entire
Union expects it to solve trouble
some problem. A makeshift would
not only be an imposition on posteri-
ty, but cOwardly lodging of the is
sue for which the convention was call
ed.
The best way is the most direct
way, and what is needed in MISSISSIPPI
pts case is so very plain that he who
runs may read. The object is to get
rid of the illiterate and irresponsible
voters, and the means to do that end
is property and educational qualifi-
cation for suffrage. Why dodge it
1t will effect the cure needed, and
that is what the country expects the
convention to do. 1t would be per-
fectly constitutional and regular, and
even the Republican carpers could
have nothing rational to say against
| it.
The only reason in the world for
avoiding this issue is to save the fran
chise to few white illiterates, and to
do that it seems that some of the best
men in the convention are willing to
resort to cranky experiments that will
jeopardize the great interest the new
constitution is expected to guard, and
! probably leave matters in no better
fix than the convention found them.
These few white illiterates should
by no means be allowed to stand in
the way of the States only hope of
salvation. 1t is short-sighted and
demagogic view that would think of
allowing them to do so, and one that
should not be cOantenanced by the pa
triOt and statesman.
According to the census of 1880,
Mississippi had white voting popu-
lation of los, 344; of these, only about
10000 were unable to write. 1t had a
negro voting population of 139, 27S,
with 3d. $50 unable to write. If illit-
crates had then been DISTINGUISHED,
there would have been white major
ity in the State of 32,015. 1t is not
probable that there has been any ma
terial change in the ratio of illiteracy
within the past ten years. If so, the
advantage has been with the whites.
The great bulk of the property in
the State is owned by the whites and
a very moderate property qualifica-
ton would cut off negro voters by the
thousands, while comparatively few
whites would be made to suffer.
The convention should be above
demagoguery and brave enough to face
the duty that devOlves upon it. Cut
off the illiterates and irresponsibles.
That is the only thing needed. Away
with Judge Campbells plan, Senator
Georges plan, or any other mans plan
that involves only a cranky subter-
fuge. The simplest and most direct
way is the best way, and everybody
knows what is needed. Provide an
educational and property qualification
for suffrage, and Mississippi is safe;
fail to do so, and the fate of Hayti will
hang like pail on its energies and re-
sources.
Judge Chrisman has spoken words
of wisdOm-brave words-and the
convention should heed what he had
to say. There is no time for palter-
ing in Mississippi now. The sun
crowned man of whom the poet sang
is needed there to damn the dema-
gOgue and coward, and it seems that
Judge Chrisman is filling the position
excellently well.-Birmingham (Ala.)
Age Herald, Sept. 10th.