Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-06

CNew Orleans Times Democrat
It is pretty well agreed that the con-
stitutional convention which meets TO-
day will take up the suffrage question
first and dispose OF il i'm advance or al!
other measures. This is to be done, be-
cause IL IL the most important section OK
the new Constitution, and TO get II out
OF the way, so as 10 avoid confusion with
other matters. II Is thought that the
suffrage can be disposed of in two weeks;
and there ought TO be little difhculty III
doing so, as the subject has already been
discussed thoroughly before the people.
The latter have outlined what they want
In the matter of suffrage, and We are
satisfied that the convention VIII try to
carry out their wishes
The question is not a difficult one, for
we have the experience Of two other
Southern States TO guide us. We know,
too, what we want, what we are driving
at and 1t is simply question or how
this can be best accomplished.
The basis OF the suffrage clause ike
that OF Mississippi, must be an educa-
tiOnal qualification. This will get rid or
the bulk of the negro vote and reduce 1t
80 greatly that II will cut no figure in
future elections, and will not be a threat
TO the State and TO white supremacy.
The problem before the convention is,
How much further shall II go than an
educational qualification? The latter Will
remove the negro efectually from our
politics, but IL will also distranchise
number of whites who have always en-
joyed the elective franchise. but who,
through their own carelessness or the
neglect OF the State. are unable to read
and write. Naturally, much sympathy is
felt for these voters, and the sentiment Is
that as many OF them should be given the
franchise as can be legally and constitu-
tionally done without letting the negroes
in. 1t has been found, for instance, that
an alternative property qualification high
enough to keep out the negroes will give
the franchise TO most Of the white voters
In Southern Louisiana (where the illite-
racy is greatest) who would otherwise be
shut out by an educational qualification.
Thus the suffrage clause might require
a voter to read and write or pay taxes
on. say. $3.50 or 800 Of property.
So far, there is no serious difference
of opinion among the whites; but there
Is some difference as 10 whether We
should go still further, and by the
OF some subterfuge or unusual
80 frame the suffrage clause as
10 let in those whites who can neither
read nor write, nor have any property,
while stu keeping up the barrier against
the negroes.
The Times-Democrat has. from the very
beginning, expressed its strong opposition
TO any trickery OF this kind. believing
that by acting fairly and honestly, with
the object in view OF getting rid OF the
negro vote. we will best assure the peace
and political prosperity Of the state.
IL Is true that Mississippi, which led off |
In the matter OF squelching the negro
vote INDUCED In a trick-the famous I'M
clause. 1t was but a tenn
porary provision. however Experience |
proved that IL failed 20 accomplish it's !
purpose; that Il was altogether unneces- |
sary; and it was the single blot on the 1
new Constitution, as Senator George adj |
mitted.
This or any similar scheme, Is unneces- |
sary In Louisiana, and. with the expe- |
rience OF Mississippi, and. indeed our |
own experience, We would do well 10 |
avoid it.
The clearer palmer. and less commit |
Gated the suffrage clause, the freer from |
every subterfuge, the more honest IL is-
the better. Let US avoid all Confusion.
and uncertainty. We want |
20 get away from the trickery which has
been necessary in the past 10 assure
white supremacy in Louisiana. We can
eliminate the negro from our politics nv n
constitutional provision thoroughly legal
and proper.
IL Is not creditabel that the whites
having the power 10 disfranchise the
negroes honestly and fairly. should in
iulge In any roundabout. unusual. or ex-
raordinary provision against them. We
hope the convention will steer clear az
all complicated and unusual propositloas
md will restrict the suffrage TO those
Who can read and write, or who possess
property. and, therefore. have an Interest
n the State. We believe II will be unwlss
o 60 beyond these limitations