The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1900-07-24

ment will mark the dawn or the 06SG
dav that North Carolina ever saw;
that it's adoption will be the best
thing that could happen to the ne
groes as we'll as the whites, and we
confess absolute inability to q how
anv one can see otherwise. But
they do, and many of them have as
much sense as those who do not I'm
derstand them-some of them more
and are just as honest and con
scientious."
Such statements appeal to reason
and Judgment and, with people OF
the calibre of the average North
Carolinian, are more convincing than
abuse and villification. The Obser-
yer is right in it's condemnation OF
the doctrine that only "black and
tan sympathizers'' will vote against
the amendment. Some true white
men oppose it because they believe
they would perjure themselves in
voting for it some because they be-
1ieve any departure from manhood
suffrage is a dangerous and fatal
step some because they believe un-
educated negroes T less objection
able than educated ones some be-
cause they do not believe in an edu-
cational qualification for white vot-
ers, even after giving them ample
time to qualify themselves some
because they fear that this is but a
step in the direction of Oligarchy.
Some men, of course, will vote
against the amendment through
love of Office and some because they
wish to retain the negro as a politi-
cal factor-a position in which he
has failed to benefit himself or the
white race; men of this character,
we think, deserve condemnation, but
when any man conscientiOusly and
for the reasons outlined in the pre-
ceding sentence faces criticism and
abuse and votes his convictions, he
deserves praise rather than criticism.
Furthermore, it is a we'll known fact
that the amendment could not muster
a fourth of the number of supporters
it now has, did it not discriminate
against the negro. We know some
good men who sincerely fear that
after the grandfather clause is out
lived a property qualification will be
rushed through under pressure of
the race issue and an unfair election
law and the dollar triumph over the
man. To charge that they are
actuated only by base and unworthy
principles is, we insist, most unjust
and unfair.
So it is certain that some good and
some bad men will oppose the amend
ment it is equally certain that some
of both classes will favor it. Every
qualified voter ought to decide
whether or not the amendment
should be adopted and vote accord
ingly it is his duty to do so, and
there should be no Sinking. We
have our opinion; you have yours.
But let US have charity for those
that disagree with us let US have no
intimidation, no fraud, no corrup
ton. Let justice be done, though
the heavens fall.
"God give us men a time like this
demands,
Strong minds, strong hearts, true
faith and willing hands;
Men whom the lusts Of office cannot
kill,
Men whom the spoils Of office can
not buy
Men who possess opinions and a will,
Men who have hOnOr-win not lie"
Most of the newspapers of the
State r now receiving liberal dona-
lions from the campaign funds of
some party. This paper, having
refused to engage in the wran-
giles Of partisan politics or place
itself in a position where it could not
attack w~ickedness or wicked men in
any political party, is cut off from
this source of support. Now to the
point as we are fighting for the peo-
pie only and have to depend upon the
people for support, cash on sub
scription is always acceptable. If
your subscription has expired please
renew.
Good rains fell in some portions of
the State Sunday 22d. It is as