The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-10-19
Letters to The Editor.
THE CAUSE GROWING.
The People Will Vote for Ratifca-
 finn

tion.
 Opelika, Oct IS. 1901.
 Editor The Advertiser:
 The sentiment in favor of the ratifica- ton of the new Constitution is rapidly gaining in Lee County. As our people read it and become acquainted with its provisions, they heartily endorse it and see that there is no comparison between the old and new Constitutions Every fact and argument is in favor of the new. It is almost impossible to comprehend how any reasonable, intelligent and pa- triotic citizen and Democrat can oppose it. The reduction in the rate of taxa ton, the improved provisions for our public school system and the more eco- nomical administration of our govern ment alone entitle it to the heartiest sup port of our people, but the greatest and most glorious provision Is the disfran- chisement of the negro and his elimina- ton from politics. It is a consummation devoutly to be wished. No where in Alabama have the full effects of negro suffrage been felt more than in Lee County, from the day it was the banner county in 1874 to the contest in 1900. There have nearly always been unfortunate di- visions and dissensions in our county. In almost every election the organized De- mocracy has been opposed by some form of independentism. There are nearly 5000 negro voters in Lee County; they have held the balance of power and been the umpire between the warning factions of the white people. Almost to man these 5000 illiterate, ignorant vot- CTS have been for sale to the highest bid der. Our elections have generally been fair and this vote counted as cast. With division among the whites, there has been a scramble for this vote. The result has been demoralizing and disastrous. A poor man, no matter what his qualifica- tions, can hardly run for an office. In fact, the offices might as well be put to to the highest bidder, as the man with the most money wins. If he wins, he has to pay as much for the office as he can possibly make out of 1t for the half or more of his term, and if he is defeated he is a ruined man financially. This has been demonstrated time and again in Lee and will always be the result where the white men divide and an appeal made to the ignorant, purchasable vote to decide and that vote counted as cast. Tho only other alternative while they are allowed to vote is for the white men to remain united and count them out" Both are terrible evils and dlsfranchisement is the only remedy, This is not only a pollti- cal, but a great moral question, and how any conservative, patriotic citizen can oppose the ratification of Constitution that will remedy this great curse on our civilization is inconceivable. It is an ab- solute necessity. The white men of Ala bama should rise in their might and ma jesty. just as they did in 1874, and set tie this question beyond the possibility of resurrection and bury beneath obliv- ions waves the men who would continue this state of affairs in our glorious State. to gratify their vaulting ambition and accomplish their own self aggrandise- ment regardless of right, justice and the welfare of our own proud Commonwealth. From Madison to Mobile. let the battle cry be. disfranchise the negro and for ever establish white supremacy. x.