The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-07-27
MIR. ROUNTREE ON THE AMEND
MENT.

The production of views n argu-
ments in North Carolina since March
1899. on the amendment has been pro-
digious in extent,and of great variety
and much of it of much force and abil-
ity. Unless a man was indeed "a gem
tleman of elegant leisure" and was ex-
sceedfngly hungry for matter on the
said amendment, he could hardly take
time to read the huge volume that has
grown out of h most important ques-
ton. While the press has done well
with few exceptions in spreading
needed reading before their readers,
lawyers and others-teachers, preach
ers, farmers, business men-have writ
ten no little to help inform the
Dublic mind. While some Of the
doubters and deceived have found
out the truth and registered like
men who were DESTROYS to help
save the state, others nave shown
themselves s~ingularly Indifferent to
their own welfare and the welfare of
their neighbors, community and state.
Among the many documents that
have accumulated in the discussion,
there has been little of h value and
interest of the speech of MIR. George
Rountree, of our city, before the dem
ocratic caucus We do not believe any
n legislator did so much in behalf OF
the amendment as he did. His speech
so Astounding in legal authorities as
we'll as so clear in statement, and con-
yincing in force, did very much to
cause it's adoption by the legislature.
We do not think we exaggerate at this
point, or We would not make 1t.
While the amendment will be carried
it is not yet carried. 1t is the duty or
the Messenger, therefore, to continue
TO urge the vast Importance and abso-
lutte necessity for its adoption, and the
greater the majority the better, as that
would show the resolution and purpose
of the white men of North Carolina in
a more unmistakable light. 1t would
how the comparative unanim1ty OF
views and demands of the men who
give character, prosperity and solidity
to free institutions and the great in
lSISSIS VI luc SldlC dl io1SS.
We wish Mr.. Rountree's fine, lucid,
vigorous effort had been kept mort
constantly before the public. He has
taught speakers and writer's how to
handle it. In his discussion of the lie,
gality of the Observation-Disclosures it is
not contrary to the fifteenth amend
ment of the federal constitution, he
quoted from a decision of the supreme
court of California in connection with
the restrictions or limitations imposed
upon the state by the fifteenth amend
ment. That decision was Enthusiastically
direct and lucid. 1t said:
The mere power of the state to de-
termine the class OF inhabitants who
may vote within her limits was not
curtailed by the fourteenth amend
ment. The fifteenth amendment o
away her authority to discriminate
against citizens of the United States
on account of either race, color or pre-
viouS condition of servitude, but the
power OF exclusion upon all other
grounds, including that of sex, remains
intact"
Take that in 1t is the settled opinion
of the courts AYERS Mr.. Rountree.
The states have the right to decide fol-
themselves what shall be the condl-
tons or qualifications OF electors, so
the federal constitution is not invaded
The Messenger has more han once
shown that the amendment proposed
does not intend to deprive negroes of
the right to vote because they are ne
groes Or are black or were v Mr..
Rountree is very clear just here and
we copy with pleasure what he SO well
say
But it will be said that the purpose,