The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-11-25
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TO DISFRANCHISE IGNORANCE.

According to Major Hearsey, the editor of
the New Orleans States, the people Of Lou
isiana are going to settle the question of
the negro In politics In that State In thor
| oughly practical and legal and decidedly e.
fcctive way--by virtual disfranchlement
through educational and property qualfica-
tions.
The reasons frankly stated by Major
Hearsey. In an interview In the East the
other day, are worth noticing. 1T is sim
ply question:" he says, "of continuing
the present system OF ballot boz stufflng
and election frauds, or OF legally restricting
the suffrage in such a. manner that the ne
gro would no longer hold the balance OF
power la State politics" Another control-
Ing reason is that the black vote can not
be divided. but continues to be cast as the
black vote against the white. thus contin-
uaily drawing the line between whites and
blacks and forcing the issue OF white or
black supremacy. resort TO heroic meas
ures by the whites under such clrcum-
stances Is natural In the presence of such q
large and threatening negro population
TO note infayorable comment here and there
In the North upon such frankly expressed
views on such a subject 1t is. however.
encouraging to see that many journals in
the East are broad enough to appreciate the
TACT that such action by Southern State,
as that indicated as the purpose Of Louisi
ana, is only in line with the efforts else
where to prevent the unedlcated or vicious
classes from dominating our politics and
controlling elections. The Syracuse Post.
for example, says:
The only safeguard OF the colored man
III this case. as In every other similar
IN Louisiana or In any other State 10 le-
galiy disfranch1se a man because OF the
color OF his skin. IL he can qualify at the
REGISTRATION BOOTH no earthly power can
ioht Keep frsin htn his rights as a citi-
zen The honest Use OF the Australian
benot system and OF educational qualitl-
catsons ~ no more a. crime In the South
than IN ahe North, and the proposed
chaiisc In the voting system In Louisiana
Is In tho same direction with similar
moNeirtrts THAT are beginning 10 be d.
rected against uneducated masses In other
States.
AS a matter OF fact the disfranchse-
ment of the negro on the grounds above in
Dictated would really work to his benefit In
the South. Today he Is but the catspaw Of
designing politicians in the republican
party. He knows nothing OF politics except
what no learns, us a parrot and yet he Is a
Politician all the year round devoting more
thought to the gains to be made out OF elec-
lions or candidates for office than to any
other matter affecting his general welfare.
Booker T. Washington is trying to impress
upon his race that material development Is
their first object. that skill in the trades
and tho acquisition OF learning and property
must precede political influence or social
successes, but his teaching has had only
limited effects. by forcing the negro out
OF politics, In word. until he has become
an Intelligent citizen with an interest in
the soil and good government the southern
States Will do him an invaluable service.
Tho Syracuse Posts general remark that
movements against the influence OF the ln
educated masses In State affairs are making
Roadway In various sections of the coun-
try is not only true, but matter for gratl-
fieation everywhere, 1t is reaching point
throughout tho Nation where the purity and
stability OF American institutions depend
upon the elimination OF the ignorant and
vicious vote and oehsr States than Louisl-
ana can we'll take measures to limit or i'm
prove the franchise.