The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-03-09
cy manifest, have already taken the

NlNlZ-IISnlD al " liz lilo = I
in Cuba, Porto Rico, Hawaii and the
Philippine islands. Notwithstanding, a
degree Of civilization among them that
the negro alone mas never shown in
| the history Of mankind.
Let Us distinguish between the I'M
educated. and the ignorant. About
one-hfth in 1890, of the white popula-
ton was classed, technically, among
the illiterate. But such has been
the improvement of the schools and
continually increasing interest in ed
~ucation, that the next censu will
doubtless show a marked decrease.
But the white man whether he has
book knowledge or not is a fit and
proper holder of the right to vote, be-
cause he has the inherited qualities Of
his ancestry, a personality Of his own,
and a training by his social life among
his follows, in his church, at the courts,
in all places Of public resort. He is as
patriotic and devoted to the interests
of his state, as he who has wealth and
learning.
With his strong right arm he takes
care of his household and is as truly
Independent and self reliant, and con-
scientious as any man who walks the
earth. In his hands the ballot is safe,
and he casts it for the protection of the
Anglo-Saxon civilization.
There is no need to split hairs in re-
gard to technicalities in this discus
sion. The best legal talent in our
! state, ana IN he IeutTdl SSHdlc hoS
pronounced the passage of the amend
ment as entirely compatible with the
obligations of North Carolina under
the constitution of the United states.
In the face of this, assertions to the
contrary by stump speakers, are ridic-
ulous. Any serious challenge of its
constitutionality is a matter for the
courts. 1t does not concern US, VINO
AVE only to perform our duty at the
polls.
Disappointed managers of the ne
gro vote may make a desperate effort
10 clutch OF the straw of federal inter-
ference. but the conservative action OF
the supreme court OF the United
St.Nes on such questions, forbids the
belief that the tribunal of last resort
will vary from its decisions in favor of
restrictions guarding the purity of suf-
frage in other states.
/ might enlarge not only upon the
dangers that we will forever escape,
upon the passage OF the
but also upon it's inspiring and uplift-
ing effect as a positive force for u
future welfare.
There can be no doubt hat with the
relief from the incubus that has been
upon us, either directly, or always
looming in the political horizon that
immigration will increase, manufac~
ture multiply, trade develop as never
before under legislation devoted to the
promotion of the great economical in
terests. But the farmer will perhaps
feel the benefit most of all. The col
ored hands hat have been led off to
the caucus, the croSSroad saloon and
the conventions, to waste their time
in shouting owe issues as unintelligl-
BILE to them as foreign tongues, will
be at work in the fields, making happy
homes for themselves, and building
prosperity for all the interests that
rest upon agriculture.
Moreover, with increasing means,
and the requirement that by 1908,
youths reaching twenty one must be
able to read and write. The whole
school system of the state will receive
such attention and stimulation as new
er before.
Steady increasing valuation of prop
erty will enable liberal appropriations
for the public school educations to be
made, without adding to the taxation,
or ~burdening any taXpaye Indeed
with decrease of idleness and disipa-
ton, caused by steady habits of indus
try undisturbed by political frenzy,
crime, especially in the colored race,
will naturally diminish, and it's heavy
tribute direct and indirect, upon the
honest and we'll doing. will grow less
IS the conditions improve.
These are not dreams or vain wishes.
they are logical results of good govern
ment, and must follow the great ini-
tial movement. For the sake then of
the permanent welfare of the state,
1t DenOE6S every Wn1te man, with
whom the general good is more than
temporary partisan advantage, what
ever his political views hitherto, to
cast his vote and whole influence for
the amendment.
Indulge me in one more reflection.
AS an Illustration of the great peril OF
great masses moved by unreaSoning
prejudice, see what the negro vote of
Kentucky. controlled by adroit schem-
ers, has done to tear up the bulwarks
of society, set law at defiance, plunged
a great state into risk of civil war,
and it is believed sought to ompass a
political end by an assassination that
recalls the dark ages.
Stand up every man to duty in this
hour; the day will come when it's Bit
terest opponent will have reason to
be ankfu that the true men of North
Carolina by the passage of the amend
ment, insuring intelligent suffrage,
laid the corner stone Of perpetual prog
resS and liberty.
Finally if asked why the democratic
party of North Carolina has prepared
this amendment, and good men in all
parties will vote for it upon its merits,
/ offer these solutions, every n of
which can be proven, to the satisfac-
ton of any candid mind.
1. Because it removes a great peril,
by denying any longer the possible
control of the superior race by the in
:. ferior, welded as a compact mass foI
selfish ends. by those who surrender
patriotism for gain, or Partisan vic
r tory.
.. 1t DISTINGUISHES no white man who
now votes. Any fear of it's being ma
: nipufated to that end by hostile courts
can be dissipated, if judged needful, al
: the coming session of general assem-
l bly,.
: ). 1t removes in future political di-
visions. the bitter element of social
t antagonism, and contributes to the
settlement of disputed economical
l questions upon their merits.
4. By destroying the possibility OF
I negro domination it renders property
more secure, institutions more stable,
encourages enterprises, invites immi-
/ grafton and fosters manufactures.
5. 1t brings about homogeneous leg
islative bodies, without the anomaly
, of distasteful and impossible social re-
, lations between legislators and officers
Of tho Stota