Birmingham age-herald., 1895-04-20

in order to uproot existing evils, men see fit to abridge the rights of man. There comes times when some man or class of> men, by miSusing the liberty of our gov- ernment, forfeits many privileges and their concomitant pleasures and enjoy ments.
 Whether or not this time has come when there must be a change in suffrage qualifications is a question we are not called upon to discuss The only duty required of us is to decide which of the two alternatives is the better.
 Speaking of the negro race he said they had come nearer forfeiting their rights to suffrage than any other race
 Referring to the grizzled veterans of the Lost Cause he said that the educa- tional qualification would disfranchise thousands of them. They were zealous in vindicating the rights and justice of
 their fellows and their noble blood once reddened the fields in defense of invaded liberties, thus proclaiming to all the world that they were people true and loyal to principles of right and justice.
 In this period, when men are bending every energy to gain sustenance for their families, they have no time for ed ucational qualifications.
 When the day comes that a man can show interest in his country then his vote will be cast for the interest of all. The property qualification will uproot many existing evils.
 In closing he said: Better that I, being poor, surrender my own rights than by demanding to allow others, in similar position, opportunities to corrupt our government and send distress throughout the land.
 MT F. Mynatt closed the debate for the negative in a fine speech defending his side of the question: He was calm and deliberate, and scored many points to- ward the coveted goal. He reviewed the entire field gone over, and said in refer ence to the question of which should dominate, wealth or education, the edu- cated citizenship was Just what every country needed and upon which rested the destiny of nations. It was education that pierced the dark cloud of ignorance and gave us America, our own fair land. Money, he said, was the root of all evil There are many instances where men be- came suddenly rich by wrong doings. The fortune is not conclusive fact that he is endowed with financial ability
 The question which commands the pro- foundest attention of every loyal citizen is how he shall contribute to maintain a offers the surest protection to life and property. What better incentive can be offered than to furnish our legislative halls with intelligent giants?
 MT. J. H. Baref1eld. while the judges were deliberating, delivered magnifi- cent OTdtiOu, tlIc SuDJecl Ol WHICH WdS Poetry; It's Influence on Literature" MT. Barefield had prepared an able paper and in the delivery showed a careful study of the subject. He reviewed the ancient poets and the modern, spoke of the blind minstrel, the bard of Avon, the Scottish poet and many others, and bore out by proofs the assertion that poetry had leading influence over literature and was a material aid to its full devel- opment. His effort was of great length and was filled throughout with beauti- full quotations. He was overwhelmingly applauded and deserved the honors &C., corded him.
 The judges of debate were Rev. Dr. B. D. Gray, Hon. John M. Martin and Hon. E. H. Cabaniss In delivering the decis- ion Mir Martin paid glowing tribute to "Old Howard and her faculty. and said it was a decision hard to render. He finally, however announced in favor of the negative. The decision was received with continued hand claping, the de- feated declaimers joining in. the winning side beautiful bust of Will liam Shakespeare, the gift of J. L. Chali- foux & Co.
 President Sneed of Franklin society, in behalf of the prize winners of the prize, thanked the donors in beftting man. ner. He also thanked all present for their attendance.
 Mrs. McPherson sang a selection, and Rev. Dr. Gray closed the ceremonies with benediction.
 The thirty-fourth anniversary of | Franklin society was brilliant one, and | will be long remembered by all who had l casion.