The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-08-06

is recognized to be absolutely necessary
and what you as citizen indirectly call
upon the legislature to do. Personally
protesting against doing what the consti-
tuition says shall be done, and what you
indirectly ask a superior power to force
you to do.
Then look at the question from a more
humane standpoint. The colored child
needs to be educated. 1t is absolutely
necessary and essential And really in the
last analysis what is the ground of oppo-
sitiOn to taxation as it relates to the col
ored people? Is it not because the colored
people own so little property? Not color,
but taxable property. If so, then the
same rule that would exclude the children
of a poor negro from the benefits Of a
fund raised for public education by gen.
eral taxation, would also exclude the
children Of a poor white man. And why
so? Evidently because it would be class
distinction and not race distinction.
Once enforced where would it end? The
Weather would again protest against
being taxed for the education Of the
poor. 1t could ultimately result only in
the total abolition of any system of edu-
cation supported in whole or in part by
general taxation.
| The colored man is here, and here to
stay. Sun and soil are pleasant for him.
The climate suits him. With us he is at
home. For him there is no fairer land, no
brighter skies, no sweeter cline. To think
Of his leaving is folly, Of sending him
away simply absurd. He is a permanent
settler here. Nature, necessity and prov
idence seem to have located him.
The constitution of the State and OF the
United States recognizes him as a citi-
zen. Under them he has every right
given, granted and guaranteed that any
other man has. He may fully and freely
may use them or abuse them.
He has redresss for his grievances and
is punished for his crimes. He is free
man. He has the right to worship God
according to the dictates of his own
conscience in his humble cabin without
fear or molestation. No one dares intrude
or interfere.
| These poole living among us are unable
| to provide suitable, schools for the edu-
cation of their children. They are indus
trious but poor. AS a rule they live from
hand to mouth. There are some excep-
tons. Some have accumulated property.
But this class is small. In thirty years
they have made wonderful progress, al
most unparalleled progress. They have
proven themselves worthy of our respect
and confidence. They are not to be dis
eliminated against on account of their
poverty. This they have in abundance,
but they came honestly by it.
The ballot is the pride of every true
man of the State and nation. We regard
it the highest blessing of free citizenship
There is something of sacredness at
tached to it.
But the ballot is dangerous power in
the hands of an ignorant man. He may
use it to corrupt and destroy the very
fabric Of government which it was exer.
cised to create and establish and intend
ed to protect and maintain. To appreciate
the ballot and to cast it intelligently is
one of the highest duties of citizenship.
But if illiteracy prevents a mans doing
this the ballot is nevertheless his. He has
right to exercise it. Don't think of
taking it from him, but teach him to ap-
preciate it, to love it, and to cast it intel
! ligently. Teach him that it may be cast
in the interest Of family, State and coun-
try. Teach him that in casting his ballot
he may protect, promote and preserve
both civil and religious liberty, or that
| he may cast it to corrupt and destroy
them.
CHARLES II. UTLEY.