davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
NO REF. RENEE TO RACE OR COLOR.

Extract from Mai VIM. A. Guthrie's
Article on the Amendment.)
Now we have already seen that the
highest court has declared that the
right to vote is not a right inherent in
or belonging to mere citizenship, but
the right to vote is one which must be
conferred upon the citizen" by legisla-
ton. And 9lere comes in the only re-
strictiye or prohibitory law ON this sub
ject to lie found in the Constitution of
the United States, and it is contained
i'll the Fifteenth Amendment:
THE right of citizens Of the United
States to vote shall not be denied or
abridged by the United States or by
any State on account of race, color or
previous condition of servitude.
Does the proposed constitutional
amendment to be submitted to the voters
Of North Carolina deny or abridge the
right of any citizen to vote on account
of his race, color or previous condition
of servitude? Certainly and clearly no.
body can read the proposed amendment
and find in the language Of it on its
face. single sentence, clause, word or
syllable which denies or abridges the
right of anybody to vote under it ION
account OF race, Color or previous cOnul-
ton Of seryitude." But, on the CON
trary, section / of the proposed amend
ment starts out with the broad provision,
that every male person born in the
United States and every male person
who has been naturalized, 81 years Of
age, and possessing the qualifications set
out in this article, shall be entitled to
vote at any election by the people in the
State, except as herein otherwise pro-
vided" And il the other sections are
read entirely through from beginning to
end, there is nowhere found the slightest
reference to race, color or previous
condition of seryitude" So much for
the language used in framing the pro-
posed amendment.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
SAMPSON.
White Men, Irrespective of Party, Are
for the Amendment.

White Men, Irrespective of Party, Are
for the Amendment.
To the Editor: Replying to the fore
going questions addressed by you to me
as chairman Of the Democratic Execu-
tive Committee Of this (Sampson) coun-
ty, | give it as my candid opinion:
/. That the white voters of this coun-
ty irrespective of their party Affiliations.
are favorable to the amendment which
viii be submitted to them in August,
1900.
z. So far as ] have been able to find
the Democrats Of this county will give
the Constitutional Amendment their
united support ut the election in 1900.
If there is single Democrat who will
oppose it / failed to find him after
careful inquiry from each of the sixteen
townships in the county.
J. | believe q majority of the Popuists
of the county will support the amend
ments. They say that the negro-as the
law now is and as the white people Of
the county have been-diyided in their
political affiliations. holds the balance of
power and therefore should be as far
as possible eliminated from our political
contests. That his habit of trading on
his franchise and his ignorance Of the
fundamental principles of our govern
ment unfit him for the sovereign duties
of a voter. Many of them say they will
not in future submit to any fusion which
embraces the negro vote as part of its
plan, and that they desire TO be for
ever rid OF him and his influence as .
political alley.
4. The Republicans are silent On the
snbiect--with few exceptions-they
will vote as their bosses direct. We
have but few white men in this county
who have ever been Republicans and
these are chiefly such as keep an eye
on the pie-counter The bulk Of the
Republican vote of this county is cast by
by the .'brother in black" and we expect
no help from him.
). / think the county can safely be
counted on for at least a majority of 800
for the amendment, and hope much
more than this majority. The Popul SITS
Of this county are not now, and never
have been, of the sort that believed a
negro rs good as a white man. They
believe in the idea that this country
belongs to the white man and he has
a right to rule it, | do not think they
will assume that they are good constitu-
tional lawyers and will try the consti-
tutionally Of the amendment, but will,
as they should do, leave this question to
be dealt with by the courts and vote for
the amendment in order that white men
may make and execute the laws of ouI
State. Yours respectfully,
JN0. ID. KERR,
Chairman Dem. Co. FIX. Com.
Clinton, n. c., July 10, 1899.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

the Constitutional Amendment to be Vot-
ed on in August 1900, is regulated almost
entirely by color OF the voter. II the
color of the man is black and his haf
kinky he is opposed to the amendment,
but if he is white man he faVors IL
and is determined that such battles as
we fought here last year shall he forever
a thing of the past. The few Office
hungry fellows who tried TO organize the
negroes last year are disheartened and
the negroes without renegade white men
to organize and excite them are not to be
feared.
2. The Democrats are united in support
of the amendment.
g. The most of the Populists are as
heartily in favor of the amendment as
are the old line Democrats, and only the
few who are Republicans at heart will
vote against it.
A. There are very few Republicans in
this county except the negroes. There
will be remarkably few white men
in the county who will vote against the
amendment.
,. Wilson county will give a majority
of at least eight hundred for the amend
ment, and | look for one thousand.
When the roll is called at the August
election there need be mo fear but that
Wilson county viii be found at her post,
equipped and ready for battle.
G. &C. D.A NIIGIlS.
Chairman Dem Go. Elk. Com.
Wilson, y. c., July -.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
THE BEsT FRIEND OF THE NEGRO.

Extract from a letter of Gen. A. d.
Cowles. leading Republican of Iredell
county)
DR.. solomon Angle. Member County
Republican Committee, Houstonyille,
n. c.:
My Dear Sir-I beg leave to acknowl-
edge your esteemed favor of the both
inst, and thank you for the invitation to
visit you. / have given the proposed
amendment to the constitution considera-
ton, and have discussed the question
fully with ex-senator A. G. Sharpe, who
you know is a good Republican and a
sensible man. We shall not oppose the
measure at the polls. believing that it's
ratification will lead to a solution of the
race question and ultimately prove a
blessing to the State Of North Carolina"
'The intelligent colored leaders in the
South, like Bishop Turner, admonish
their people to make friends with the
white people. The Southern white man
is n better friend than the Northern
white man. The civil war was fought
not for humanty's sake, but for com
mercial supremacy. President Lincoln
disclaimcd any intention of disturbing
slavery even in 1861. ''All slave or all
free" was the cry. l'ree labor could not
compete with slave labor, and the strug-
Gle was to the death between the two.
1t was not Il sentimental war. Free
labor triumphed, and the North soon
showed that DIT preferred white free la
bor to black free labor Now at Yerdin
and pana, Illinois, a short time ago. men
armed by the State with Winchesters,
backed by a Republican Governor, shot
men down whose only offense was black
skins and the desire to exchange the .
muscle of black free men for the money
Of white free men. Thirty-five years
ago the same men were bathing our
Southland with our blood and their own
to free these victims of their wanton
butchery. Are these the boosted friends
Of the negro? How many negroes from
the Northern States have sat in Con-
gress? ANY in the cabinet? Any in for
eign diplomatic service save Hayti and
Liberia, where only a negro will go? 1t
is time that the colored man was waking
up to the fact that the Southern people
are his friends"
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

the last campaign to view the movement
With suspicious eye have, since the
Adjournment of our wise and patriotic
legislature, decided to embrace the prin-
eaples of White Supremacy and good
honest government, and will We feel
sure support the Constitutional Amend
ment as vigorously as they fought the
democratic party in 1898.
t. As to the white Republicans in our
county they are like Angels visits-few
and far between--in fact they are so
scarce that it does not make any ma
terIal difference how they vote unless it
was in case of a tie, as they only NUM-
Der about ten when they all get to the
polls.
D. Taking a cool, deliberate and UMPIRE
Judiced view. Of the situation am per-
snaded to believe that Union county will
give two thousand majority for the
amendment and once more taSG Ter stand
as the banner Democratic county of the
State.
Yours very truly.
JAMES G.. CONVICTION,
Chairman Dem. Ex. Com.
Monroe, n. c., July Is.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
TYRREIAL.
Popnlists Will Vote With the Democrats
and the County VIII Give a Small
Majority.
-
Brevard, n. c., July II.

POpnllStS VIII vote with the DeihocfdlS
and the County Will Give a Small
Majority.
To the Editor: Yours of the 9th re-
ceiyed and in reply will say, as it is
quite while from now to the next cleo
ton, we are not able to make Il positive
prophecy at this early day, but as, hon
esty. common sense and common deem
cy should all be in favor of the COnatltd-
tional Amendment, il any change s'loa'I
take place it should be in our favor.
lae attitude now is. a strict party
vote, Democrats for, and the negroes and
their heeers against the amendment, II
we have any Republicans from prinel-
pie, they may vote with us.
The Democrats will be united.
The Populist were with us in the last
election, hence will be for the amend
ment.
lie Radicals 1--WE have but few Repub-
licans in this county, will be solid with
the colored vote.
AS you are aware our county is very
close at best, we cannot count ON over
% or so majority.
Just keep the fires burning, and whoOp-
'em-upl In due time we will be up and
doing, and will meet 'em ON the ice.
JOE A. SPRUIIL,
Chairman Dem. Co Elk. Com.
Columbia, \. c., July -.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
WARREN.

The Amendment VIII Command the Full
Vote of the Democrats and Many
Populists.
To The Editor: Yours received some
days ago and | have waited until now TO
inform myself as to- the situation.
The Democrats are solid for the amend
mcnt and | may say the Populist, too,
there are some few (but a very few
PUyulists that haven't the moral courage
to say they were misled who are not as
decidedly outspolSen, but they will all
vote for the amendment. There are good
many colored Republicans that have
said they would vote for it; if you do not
know it. it is so, there never was one half
dozen white Republicans, to the man
ner born III Warren county.
There is no doubt about it, Warren will
cast her full white vote for the amend
ment.
Yours very respectfully,
II. b. HUNTER, JR.,
Chairman Dem. Elk. Com.
Alton, n. c., July Is.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
If Red Flannel is in the Reach Of the
Poor the Majority Will be Great.

If Red Flannel is in the Reach of the
Poor the Majority Will be Great.
The white people of Richmond county
are enjoying Democratic government for
the first time in its history We like
il and desire to perpetute it. Scotland
county will give twelve hundred and
fifty majority for the Constitutional
Amendment Richmond county will give
seven hundred and fifty. The white
Republicans and Populists all joined us
in the last election. They are now
happy and respected. IT red flannel re-
mains within the reach of the poor,
we may increase these estimates some
If there is cause for alarm in the State
A people who had been cursed with ne
gro rule from the war rs we had been
and throw it off as we did last fall
cannot be put back under negro rule
except by an army.
CAMERON MORRISON,
Chm. Elk. Com. of White Mans IaTty
of Richmond and Scotland Counties.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
TRANSATLANTIC.

lhc County is Always Close, but There
is a Strong Favorable Sentiment.
To the Editor: Yours to hand. At this
time it is hard to tell just where ma
jority of the people of this county stand
with regard to the Constitutional Amend
ment My opinion now is that the solid
Democratic vote will be polled for the
adoption of the suffrage amendment.
There are no populists in this county
Republicans Of Pennsylvania, like unto
other counties will doubtless drift With
the tide OF that party when trumpets of
the Pritchard and Russell cohorts are
sounded to summons the hosts against
White Supremacy Many who have vot-
ed with the Republicans heretofore seem
friendly toward the amendment now, but
their attitude year hence may be differ
emf. The vote in Pennsylvania has been
Internationally close for both Democrats
and Republicans for the last six years
,ranging from / to 40 in favor of the lat
ter 10 surmise what the majority for or
against the amendment win be IN Au-
gust, 1900 would be difficult. Suffice
it to say that / think the amendment
will carry by a small ma ority. This is
the hope Of the Democratic party of
Pennsylvania. May it blossom into a
reality.
Respectfully,
WEIGH GALLOWAY,
Chairman Dem. Co. FIX. Gem.
Brevard, y. c., July II.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
RANDOLPH

Democrats are United and the Sentiment
for the Amendment is Growing
To the Editor: Our people are reading
and studying the Constitutional Amend
ment. and the sentiment in its favor is
growing every day. The Democrats are
united ON the subject ami many OF the
Populists are as anxious for white men
to rule this country as we Democrats
are. he leaders Of the Republican par
IT, will fight the amendment with false
statements, and play upon the credulity
OF the unfortunate whites who cannot
read for themselves. But | believe there
are many good and honest men in the
Republican party who would be glad to
see the negro out of politics, and will
take no part in this election.
From the present outlook we believe
that Randolph county will give hand
some majority for the amendment.
Yours truly.
r. r. ROSS,
Chairman Dem. Elk. Com.
Asheboro, " c., July Il.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
THEORETICAL JUSTICE To THE NEGRO
MAY INVOLVE PRACTICAL INJUSTICE TO
WHITE MEN.

WEll ! WLNt
The mistakes some Republican lead
ers are making with reference to the
amendment are due to the habit they
have contracted Of looking at every
thing political from the standpoint OF
the negroes rights. They need 10 be
reminded that the white man has
rights to be considered and conserved
as well as the negro, and that theO-
retical justice to the negro may be car
ried to the point where it involves prac-
teal injustice to the white man and
the State. These Republican leaders
make a mistake III insisting that the
white people of the South must not do
anything for themselves, involving con-
certed public action without at the same
time doing as much for the negro, that
having done we'll by the negro and his
offspring in matters with respect to
which the State may owe him some
duty, they must not do better for
themselves and their children without
also doing better for the negro and his
children, and that they must not be al
lowed to advance and develop along pub
lie or quasi-public lines without should
ering the negro and carrying him along
with them.
If the pretended friends of the negro
shall continue to persist in making
them a white mans burden too grieyous
to be borne, and making more difficult
every general scheme OF reform and de-
velopment by interposing his alleged
ubiquitous constitutional rights and inn
munities, thereby circumscribing the
boundless energies and powers Of the
Anglo-SaXon within the narrow limits
of African slOth and capacity, the white
people of the South may lose their ira
ditional patience and in sefdefense be
led reluctantly to withhold from the ne
gro many benefactions which a spirit of
humanity and charity has prompted
them as a matter Of grace TO accord to
him and his.
The best interests Of the negro win
be subserved by his making himself
friendly helping mate rather Than an
incubus to the white man.
There is every reason to believe that
but for the selfish schemes and agita-
tion of his white leaders and manipua-
tors the relations between the white
man and the black man in the South
would be exceedingly friendly, and
they would be much more mutually
helpful than they are or nave been in
the recent past.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
WAKE.

VIII Do Better Than it Did in 1898,
When it Gave 700 for White SUI
premacy.
To the Editor: In reply to your in
quiry as to how Wake county will vote
upon the constitutional amendment,
write to say that in my opinion the ma
jority of 1898, when we oyercame a Fu-
sion majority of about LOO, and elected
our entire ticket by between 800 and 700,
have heard of no dissatisfaction or
break in the Democratic column, and it
is believed that most of the Fusion
PopuliSts and many Of the white Repub-
licans will vote with us for the amend
ment.
am very sure you can put Wake
county down for the amendment.
Yours very truly,
ARMISTEAD JONES.
CHI Dem. FIX Com.
Raleigh, n. c., August /, 1899.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
WASHINGTON.

Not one Democrat Will Oppose it and
Few, if any Populists are Against 1T.
To the Editor: Replying to your in
quiry of recent date. | cam state that
there is, and can be but one position for
the Democrats of Washington county on
the question of the Constitutional
Amendment to be voted on in August,
1900. That they will give it their un-
qualified support is admitted on all sides.
If there is one Democrat in the county
who will not do so he is yet to be heard
from.
And ] do not believe there is a true
Populist in the county who will permit
himself to be recorded as opposing white
supremacy.
While many Republicans, Disguised
with negro insolence, and negro domino
ton in their own party, will support the
amendment yet there are few of the
''loie at any price type, who affecting
to see nothing but crime in any attempt
of the AngIo-Saxon to rid himself of
negro rule, will as usual side with the
darkey against the men of their own
race and color. But ! cannot do myself
Tie dishonor of thinking that my county
contains many such.
SO when the campaign opens next
summer, nearly every white man within
her borders will be found doing yeoman
service for white supremacy. And when
the conflict is ended, and the victory
won-for we will n--Washington coqn-
tvs majority for the amendment will
not be less than three hundred.
Wishing the News and Observer God
speed" in the great work it is doing for
North Carolina. | am,
Yours truly,
T1HOS. w. BLOUNT,
Chairman Dem. Elk. Com.
Roper, n. c., July II.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
WATAUGA.
Democrats Favorable and Republican
Leaders Quietly Working Against it.

Leaders Quietly Working Against it.
To the Editor: Replying to questions
contained in your favor of recent date
relative to attitude of the voters of Wa
tauga county with reference TO the pro-
posed constitutional amendment, | beg
to say:
/. The mass of the intelligent voters
of all aprties are anxious for information
as to the true meaning and intended ef-
feet of the amendment and the result
here depends in a very great measure
upon thorough education of the people ON
the subject before the election.
2 / may safely say that the Demo
Gratis of the county will be solidly united
in support of the amendment, as / hear
Of no opposition within the ranks of the
party.
3. We have only a very few Populists
in the county. / will say, however, that
every Populist who has honestly and
faithfully held to the principles of his
party will support the amendment.
4. The Republican leaders are quietly
working to arouse feeling against the
amendment, and to array the party
against it by asserting generally
that if adopted many white men will
be deprived of the right to vote. We
have in this county, however, class of
honest, intelligent citizens, who, al
though Republicans in politics, earnestly
desire the welfare of the great State of
North Carolina and her people. | sin
cerely believe that when informed on
the subject, and as to conditions that
have existed and might occur again in
our eastern and middle counties, many
Of this class will vote for the amend
ment.
>. Watauga county is very close poll
tically, and while we confidently expect
to carry the county for the amendment,
the vote will be close and the majority
very small. If on the other hand the
county should 90 to the opposition the
majority viii be insignificant.
Very truly yours,
]. C. HORTON.
Chr. Dem Elk Com.
Horton, n. c., July "a, 1899.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
POLK
Democrats Solid and Many Republicans
VIII Support the Amendment.

aN'' e'riAe oiiN' -AshS isNpubhlNdhS
VIII Support the Amendment.
nc the Editor. In answer TO your in
quiry of the 9th inst, will say everything
in my county tends favorable toward the
Constitutional Amendment
While Polk usually gives 4 Republican
majority Of about 100, / find that the
prevailing Anglo-Saxon blood loathes
the conditions which have existed in east
ern North Carolina the past two years.
Within my knowledge. there is but one
white man in Polk county who is in
favor Of negro domination. and he has
not been here long it's thought he'll soon
leave.
Democrats are solid for the amend
ment. There are no Populists here at ALL
Republicans will vote for it;
Republican said to me the
other day, one w no holds one
of the most important Offices in the
county and good man: Il won't accept
the nomination from any party the next
year unless it allows me to run on a plat
form declaring for the Constitutional
Amendment, and a number of us are for
it. too
GEO. C. JUSTICE.
Chairman Dem. Elk. Com.
Columbus, y. c., July II.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
UNION

Will Give at a Conservative Estimate
1000 Majority for 1t.
TO the Editor: Yours of the 10th inst.
received, and below / gladly give you
the desired information and sincerely
trust it will reach you in time.
/. The voters of old Union are enthu-
siastic over the prospects of the coming
election and are most heartily in favor
of the Constitutional Amendment to be
voted on in August 1900.
2. The Democrats will be united in
their support and will vote almost solidly
for IFS adoption and ratification.
3. The Populists while inclined during
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
PERSON

Democrats are all for the Amendment
and Favorable majority is Expected
To the Editor: In reply to yours of
the 9th inst. will say that | think the
Democrats are all in favor Of the Consti-
tutional Amendment which will be voted
on in August 1900.
Some of the Populists viii vote for it,
but majority of them will vote against
it.
The Republicans viii vote against it.
/ think it will be carried by small
majority in this county.
Very truly yours
w. e. WEBB,
Chairman Co. Dem. Elk. Com.
Roxboro, n. c., July II.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
ROWAN.
Will Give an Old Time Majority Of
from 1000 Upwards.

IfOm -,OOO 0pNdIuS.
Replying to your favor of the 9th
inst. beg leave to say that the attitude
of the yeomanry of Rowan county with
reference to the constitutional amend
ment is as it has always been when
questions involving the supremacy of in
telligence, honesty and white mans gov
eminent administered by white men
We're paramount.
Not only will the amendment receive
the cordial and undivided support of
the Democratic voters of Rowan coun-
ty. but there are known to me person
ally many Populists and Republicans
who will support it. There is no doubt
in my mind but that the amendment will
receive majority ranging anywhere
from 1000 to $500 in this county. The
invincible Democracy of Rowan is now
as ever ready to contribute her share
towards an Overwhelming victory.
Yours very truly,
JOHN NJ. JULIAN,
Chm. Dem. Elk. Com.
Salisbury, n. c., July II, 1890