The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-02-20
IN which occurred the following par;

in which occurred inc aoato"aiis f pa' -
graph:
.For our part. VIC belivcs IN such a
reconstruction of the suffrage as shall
remove every prctcat for fraud and trick.
ery. but we would discriminate against
no man simply because of his race or
color or previous condition OF servitude.
We would prescribe a certain cuallica-
ton, whatever that may he. and then
stand squarely by the rule. We would
hold out Inducements to disfranchised ne
men, 10 qualify themselves. guarantee
Ing TO all the privilege OF voting when
ever they can show that they are quali-
iied.s under tho law. to vote. =
This paragraph was reproduced by the
Washington Times, and has attracted the
attention Of Il colored man living in that
city He clipped the paragraph from the
Washington paper and enclosed it TO u.s.
together with a communication, in which
he gives his own views concerning this
The entirely agrees with The Times IN
It's efforts for a pure ballot in Virginia
He believes that the white man will rule
In Virginia. whether the ballot be honest
or not. and he says that he has always
advocated an educational qraiitica ton for
voters. as the best and only means Of Sc
curing an honest election law, adding that
IN his opinion, the man, who cannot after
thirty years OF free schools in Virginia
comply with these terms. should not be
permitted to vote.
y am as anxious as any man. says
he IN conclusion. TO drive the ignorant
OF both races from the ballot-box. So
long as they are allowed to be voted by
other people, so long Will this class OF
voters give trouble. ! Know that the
adoption OF such laws VIII fall heaviest
upon my people. but it Will stimulate The
rising generation to prepare themselves
for the ballot
We have more than once expressed the
opinion that the intelligent negroes i'll
Virginia would be glad TO see some sort
of qualification Of the suffrage. by which
the ignorant and vicious voters Of their
race should he excluded. But this is the
first time that We have had any public
expression from Virginia Black man to
that effect. Our correspondent is Il citi-
zen of Montgomery county, Va. and he
signs his name 10 his communication.
showing that he has the coura se to speak
out. We believe that there are many
more in the State like him. Many negroes
in Virginia are acquiring property and
getting up in the world. and it is to their
interest. as much as ii is to the interest
have an honest ballot and good govern
ment. We believe that all such negroes
would cheerfully lend their aid to any
honest movement to restrict the suffrage,
As to what that restriction should be,
we do not say. That is a question for
future consideration. But whatever else
ii may be. ii should first Of all he honest
1t should not sail under false colors. II
should not pretend TO be what it is not
1t should establish rule which will ap-
ply to all. and then stand by the rule.
It should hold out inducements TO all the
dlsfranchsed, OF whatever race to qualify
themselves We do not believe in doing
anything by indrection. We do not be-
lieve in lodging. Let US nave straight
forward, honest law, and let it be honestly
administered