The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1900-11-23
NEGRO SUFFRAGE.

The last election in Maryland has
brought forcibly to the minds of the
best thinking people OF Maryland that
the time is now ripe for some decided
move on the negro question. The
negroes,up to two years ago, when the
Republican party held the reins of
government, had become more or less
subdued by Democratic victories and
were beginning 10 learn their social
status and true standing. The Re-
publican leaders also had been avoid
ing the stirring up of race prejudices,
and it was to be hoped that the evil
day, which finally must come, could
be postponed for some time. Since the
reelection of Mckinley however, it is
apparent that immediate action can
not be further put off.
The insolence of the race is daily
becoming more unbearable. Even
the little county towns, where in the
past they had been somewhat orderly
are now making complaint about the
rowdyism of negroes. 1t is almost im-
possible at times for ladies to pass
along the sidewalks without being
compelled to either be jostled or walk
in the gutter. In the cities, of course
it is much worse. The cause of this
is that the average African, set UP
with the victory hat he has accom-
plished, feels thAt it is time that
the white race b -hown the import
ant part he has * zen in the recent
victory at the polls. He has been
advised by irresponsible white orators
who make their livu g in this manner,
that he has right md should assert
them. Flushed ,5ill the red wine OF
victory he begins %. hwith if not with
absolute violence ZEN by impudeDcs
to impress the wi people with his
Importance. Me- -owdyism is get
ting worse and r,e every day, and
the cause of it ali We believe, due
their present righ f franchise. This
is conclusively pr, IN by their sub,
duSd manner ate q democratic VIC
tory, and their in. lieut. action when.
ever the Republic ns are successful.
The white Peep should not look
upon this as beini lecessarily parti,
san action, for it j. not. There is
hardly a decent "elf-respecting Re,
publican, who if he tells you what lie
truly thinks, will say but that it would
be much better for the negro if the
right of franchise was restricted. We
have taken the pains to interview
several on this subject and this seem
ed to be the unanimous opinion. OF
course the carpet baggers will rant
and tear, but that is all on account of
the little money they indirectly make
out of the political meetings held to
keep the colored brother up to the
mark.
Conceding that the right of suffrage
should be restricted, the question
arises as to the best manner in which
it could be accomplished. There has
been an effort made to have Governor
Smith call an extra session of the
Legislature to pass upon the question.
The only bill which could be passed
without an amendment 10 the Con
stitution would be one similar to the
Massachusetts, law. This requires
the ballots printed so that all candi-
dates for any particular office are
grouped together and the voter must
be able to read and write in order to
cast an intelligent ballot. There are
1aany commendable features is this
law, but we are loath to admit that it
will strike out the impending evil.
We think that the better way would
he to let matters take their course
until the next regular meeting of the
Legislature and, then, if possible,
pass all amendment 10 the Constitu-
ton similar to the North Carolina
law. This would have to be submit
ted to the voters for their fiual action
In this manner there could not be
said that a snap judgment was taken
upon the voters. The whole question
would be passed upon in a deliberate
manner, and if carried, would dispose
the right of negro suffrage for all time
to come.