The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-01-23
OPPOSED AMENDMENT
OF the Constitution ofNorth Carolina
in the Way Proposed.
PEACE AND WELFARE OF NATION
Democratic Party, Said MIR. Pritchard,
Should Propose tho Abrosation OF
tile Fifteenth Amendment as
the Only Method to De-
prive the Negro OF the
Right to Vote.

Right to Vote.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22.-This was an
other day of oratory in the Senate. ME-.
Pritchard of North Carolina, delivered
q long and carefully prepared address
upon the race question in the South, ms
remarks being addressed particularly
against the proposed amendment 10 the
Constitution Of North Carolina. which,
{ II enacted, he said, would disfranchise
a large class OF voters, both white and
black.
He was followed by Mr.. Turner. Of
{ Washington, in a speech on the Phi.;p-
pine question, in which he arraisned the
administrations policy.
Soon after Senate convened to-day
Joint resolution was offered by ME-
Plat, of New York. authorizing me
president to invite the government OIL
Great Britain to join in the promotion oil
an international commission to examine
and report on the diversion OF the waters
that are boundaries Of the two countries
1t was referred to the Com1nlttee OF
Foreign Relations.
Mr. Hoar. chairman of the Judiciary
Committee. reported back the resolution
of Mr.. Rawlins, of Utah, fer an inquiry
upon polysany with a recommendation
that the first and last paragraphs OF the
resolution be adopted. The report was
accepted and the resolution was adopted
as amended.
THE RESOLUT1oN.
AS nassed the resolution reads:
ITO what extent polygamy is practiced
or polyEamous marriages entered into in
the United States or in places over which
they have jurisdiction.
What, if any, steps had been taken or
measures nacted for the prevention of
polygemy in the United States and places
over which they have jusisdiction.'
Mr. Allen, of Nebraska, offered resO-
luton calling upon the Secretary of the
Treasury to furnish the Senate with all
information consisting of correspondents
and verbal communications. he may have
had with A. B. Hepburn and other Off
cials of the National City bank of New
York. concerning the transmission of the
custom house of New York to the Ma
tional City bank. II went over under OBJ
lection.
Mr.. Pritt hard OF North Carolina, called
up his resolution. His address was In the
nature of a reply TO that delivered
severa. days ago by Senator Morgan.
When he remarked that the cry OF
Negro domination was the answer.
Republicans. Mr.. Tilnnan, of South Caro-
lima, Interrupted 10 say that little else
was to be expected when tie adminis-
tratlon continually thrust negro postmas-
ters on the people Of the South.
Mr.. Pritchard. continuing: There YOU
have it. If / should read the Ten Com
ncndments he would cry Negro back
at me
Mr. Tillman: 1--WE say Niger in the
T s.yr- ~, fcx ,f,
Mr.. Pritchard: '.The Senator may use
whatever expression he likes. I'm salts
7ied 10 use .mine.''
PEACE OF THE NATION.
ar. P,itchard agreed that the question
involved the peace and welfare of the
nation and the stability OF our institl-
tions. The Constitution, in plain, manda-
tory and unequivocal language, guaran-
tecd to each State a republican form Of
government, but according TO Mr.. Nor
Ean's contention. said Mr.. PritchaId, the
Constitution could be violated If it be-
came necessary to vioateIst in order to
maintain Democratic rule in the South.
That was nulliiication, pure and simple.
Mr. Pritchard said that Louisiana was
one of the States which. by constitutional
enactment. had deprived certain of its
citizens of privileges guaranteed them
by the Federal Constitution. and he said
that the Democratic party of North Caro-
lima was attempting TO secure the adop--
tion of proposition to amend the Con-
stitutian of that State in a similar way.
II The Senator. from Alabama is right
said Mr.. Pritchard, .':l his contention
that the negro is not entitled to cxer-
else the elective franchise the Demo-8
cratic party should have the manhood to
propose the abrcEation of the Fifteenth
Amendment. This would afford the peo-
pie of the United States an opportunity
to pass upon tho questionable only law
ful method by which the colared people
can be deprived of the rights which are
now guaranteed them by said amend
ment.
MOST IMPORTANT.
.'Ihe proposed amendment is the most
important question we have been called
upon to deal With since the war The
constitution OF 1865 of North Carolina was
framed by the Republican party, ana
h,nnng other things it contained provision
which guarantees free suffrage to the rich,
the poor. the il!iterate and the educated
alike. Its adoption marked an era OF en-
conragement to the common people of The
State.
u do not wish 10 he understood as say
ing that every Democratic leader in North
Carolina has been guilty of duplicity in
dealing With our people. because there
are several honest exceptions, and notably
ng,song these was my distinguished pre-
detessor. The late Senator Vance. Wa1pn
he passed away the element of the Demo-
craaic party which his influence had held
in check assumed control Of the party
machinery.
s.lf we are 10 profit by the lessons taught
by the election methods in South Caro-
linz, louisiana and Mississippi, we are
justified IN the assumption that the adop-
tim OF the proposed amendment in North
Carolina will sound the death knell to
the aspirations Of every Zeb Vance Demo
cfat In the State. While intended to crush
but the principles Of Republicanism, It Is
likewise intended 70 eliminate those who
entertain the liberdl views OF the late ]
Hknai or. Vance. as well as hose who HraR