The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1901-12-06
WHOLE PLAN SUFFRAGE.
FACTS AND FIGURES, NORTH
AND SOUTH-CENSUS
STATISTICS
BY EX. GOVERNOR WIN. r. MERRIAM IN
DECEMBER FORUM.

BY EX. GOVERNOR wM. r. MERRIAM IN
DECEMBER FORUM.
1t is a fortunate thing that we are
able to give the actual figures con-
cerning the very interesting condi.
tions involved in the whole plan OF
suffrage at this particular time. 1t IS
well that the discussion should go on,
and that the whole country should
realize that while attempts arc being
made in certain Southern States to
limit the privilege OF exercising the
balloS, the same end has already been
obtained in some Northern common.
wealths. Another very important
fact to be gathered from the statistics
published by the census bureau is the
large number of persons that are en-.
titled to avail themselves Of their
political prIvledges and who fail to
do so. 1t is evident that the spur
should be used to induce people to
take advantage of the rights accorded
them under the Constitution.
The population Of negroes through
out the entire country has increased
practically in the same ratio as the
white population, there being $780,
7S9 as against S,4SS, 1888 in the year Of
1890. The growth is trifle over
eighteen per cent. So it can be read.
lily seen that the race question is
likely to be with us for years to come;
for there is not the slightest prOba.
bility that the negro will occupy an
unimportant place in our civilization.
What to do with him is the problem.
The training of the school Is, OF
course valuable factor so far as his
future is concerned. The data thus
far gained are sufficient evidence
that literacy among the COlOred race
has made quite an appreciable in.
crease during the last decade. For
example, in Alabama 1855. per cent Of
the colored people were iliterate in
1890 and in 1900 the number was re-
duced to sos per cent; in Virginia the
reduction as approximately a little
over IA per cent; in Mississippi it was
the same. Throughout the live States
in the South containing the largest
aggregate population the average re.
ductiOn was about thirteen per cent
showingDa hopeful gain In the number
of those who can read and write
These facts have an important bear
ing upon the question OF suffrage In
the prin, ,ipal Southern States, for the
reason that in most commonwealth
the educational qualification is 8
usual one, thus indicating that in the
decades to come the colored man, BY
reason OF his rudimentary instruction
will have more or less to say concern
the condition Of government.
The question as to just what occu'
patton seems to be the best adapted
to the negro of the future Is open t.
discussion. While the school syste NJ
gives him many advantages 10 the
way of higher standing among his
fellowmen, IL Is depateable whether
t he can put them to any practical
, use in the way Of gaining a livelihood
: save 10 so far as lie utilities his ability
, to read and write. There does mol
: appear to be much opening for him II
the field Of clerical work, social dis
o tinctions making II impossible to Civ
: him the fullest opportunities 10 thi'
: direction. The suggestion made b.
!, Booker +. Washington, that be learI
: the trNdes would apparently be tn
z m0st practical solntIQn " thia yexlp|