The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-09-16
A NEGRO ON THE BALLOT
THE PEER OF LYNCH AND BRUCE
SPRINGS Up.

he Makes a Telling Speech Before
the Constitutional Convention al
Jackson-His Convictions Concerns
ing the Work Before the Delegates
A Plea for the Burial of Race Rt
valry
JACKSON, MISS, Sept. 5.-Montgomery,
negro delegate, addressed the convention
to-day in support of the committee report.
and proved himself by far the ablest man
Of his race who has achieved prominence in
this state for years, being easily equal 10
John r. Lynch and B. X. Bruce.
He said in part: Before the
trust of becoming a member
of this honorable body was conferred UPON
me by my constituents, | fully stated td
them my earnest conviction that the worH
of this convention in order to be successful,
must restrict the franchise by prescribing
such qualifications for voters as would re.
duce the negro vote considerably below the
white vote OF the state. / entertained the
same opinion then that hold now, thai
the federal congress will inter,
pose no objections, provided
such restrictions are honestly
imposed for the purpose Of beinging about
fair solution Of the great problem now
confronting the people of this state"
VALUE OF THE NEGROES.
The speaker went on TO say how much Of
the wealth and civilization Of the south was
due 10 the labor OF the colored man. He
referred TO the loyalty Of the negro race %
the southern people throughout
s branch hs Sna subisos SSaOudSd bT .Ssa shss
1T is but justice to my race that l should
recall these affecting memories upon this
floor to-day. My mission here is TO bridge
the chasm that has been widening and
deepening for generations, to divert the
maelstrom that threatens destruction Cd
you and yours, while 1t promises no endur.
ing prosperity co me and mine. The fortunes
of war tore asunder our relations as they
existed In greater or less degree for two
centuriesI
MASTER AND SLAVE.
'The master and slave OF Yesterday met
to-day upon plano of equality, possessed
OF the same rights and privileges under the
common law Of the land. Your proud nat.
ure rebelled and you turned from the scene
in disgust. At this juncture an alien ap,
peared and claimed IA confidence which the
people Of our condition at that time must
need to place in some superior
guiding hand. The alien sought and OBJ
tanned our confidence but not our affections,
That, Mr.. President, would remain With
you uuu JOuTS bu8 memories ana Cra-
ditions OF former generations shall become
obliterated.
"We are well aware that our race has not
yet attained the high plane of moral, in.
tellectual and political excellence common
to yours, but 1t is our privilege to press
onward and upward. 1t is lack of conf
dence in any adjustment of our political
economy proposed by you that keeps up race
solidity. Without the restoration OF conf
d0uca | can Eaa no gOIution 0f fhsas er,aaf
problem"
BELIEVES IN THE FRANCHISE REPORT.
The speaker then declared his belief that
tho report OF the franchise committee ia the
safest measure for the convention to adopt.
A vail comes from thousands of hearts In
mute appeal to the convention. This bill
was to restrict 124,334 negro votes and
III, $50 white, giving a net white
majority Of 4o 45l. Such is believed
to be the virtual effect Of the measures
reported by the committee. ''Mr. President,
it Is fearful sacrifice laid upon the altar Of
liberty. Many Of the mon you seek 30 dis.
franchise | know personally. Their hearts
are as true as steel. Many are soldiers who
have stood amidst the smoke OF battle on
bloody fields in defense Of the flag which
every American proudly halls as
the ensign of freedom and his
talisman Of protection in all civilized
lands. | wish to say for my people that
wei have not taken away your high prive.
lege but only lifted ID to higher place
and exalted the station of great American
birthright. It is due TO u.s." he continued,
"that there should be some expression on
the part Of this great body indicating
that the price Is correct; that the contract
Is ratified and accepted; that the race prob
lem shall become thing of the past, and
not to vex and alarm the public, and thai
the two great races shall peacefully travel
side by side, each mutually assisting tho
other 10 mount higher and higher In the
scale of human progress"