Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-11-29
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 90. 1899.
WHO SHOULD VOTE.

Mississippi. South Carolina, and LouiA-
ana have solved the suffrage question by
adopting state Constitutions which dis
franchise most Of the negro voters.
There was no disguise in their purpose
ana they proceeded to execute 1t in the
most direct way possible under the eif-
cumstances.
The same question is now up in North
Carolina. and we suppose it will be solved
in the same way. II so, IN the slang Oh
the day, sit will be up TO Virginia. In
other words. II will be expected of us that
No will be the next State to take action.
Meanwhile, however there IS scarcely
any state in the South which has not al
ready acted where some sort Of change IS
not proposed.
And so II seems probable that In the
not far-distant future all Of the South
ern Sates will have requisites for suf-
rage far different from those contained in
the Constitutions framed in reconstruc-
ton times.
At the approaching session OF our Legis-
Iature several constitutional changes Will
te proposed and discussed. but we pre-
sumo that that relating to suffrage Will
have the foremost place.
Upon the general proposition, that many
who are now voters are not worthy of the
privilege there will be little disagreement;
but. when 1t comes to framing an amend
ment 10 the Constitution which will de-
nne who shall vote and who shall not
there will be room for difference of opin-
ion. While the Mississippi, South Caro-
lima. and Louisiana suffrage articles have
strong family resemblance, they differ
in details, and over these details great
controversies arose while they were un-
der consideration. When we Vrgnians
reach the point where we find ourselves
ready TO embody our determination in q
constitutional amendment. we, too, may
lind that there are various views as to
what should be the qualifications of a
voter.
Success at the polls cannot attend our
efforts unless the Democratic party OF
Virginia is united in purpose. We must
be agreed as to what we want and how
to secure It. To 90 before the people pre-
maturely, or in-advisedly, might set back
tho reform years and years.
And so IL becomes a matter of grea
moment 70 educate and crystalline party
sentiment Doubtless the discussions il
the Legislature Will DO much in that di
recuon. The power OF a legislative eau
Gus TO bind the party is nothing Ike 81
great as that of a Democratic State con
vention. but. If supported by public opin
on 1t would suffice. The advocates o
suffrage restriction, and the Democratic
party at large In this State. have a com
mon interest in not wishing To see sucl
an issue thrust before the people until
Is known that it Will be sustained by
pretty SOLID party vote. "Kickers" Their
will be, no matter what scheme is pro
posed regarding suffrage restriction, bu
we should feel confident of our ability L
depend upon the Democratic masses be
fore we invite contest upon this, or an,
other vital question. AS time passes a
the subject is discussed, as competing
schemes are proposed light will be throw
upon the subject, and We may expect pub
lilo opinion 10 grow in favor OF the
change.
Ii has been stated that, when two Legis
latures have submitted any amendment 4
tho people for adoption or rejection. II i
necessary 10 have 'two-thirds" of tn
voters vote afiirmatively 10 carry it. Tha'
is not tho fact. The State Constitution
says IF the people shall approve ant
ratify such amendment, or amendments
by majority OF the electors qualified {
vote for members OF the General Assem-
bly, voting thereon, such amendment, o
amendments, shall become part OF tn
Constitution"