The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-06-11
---------------- - SUFFRAGE REFORM.
Make a Combination of Various
 Remedies.

Editor The Advertiser:
 The two subjects most prominent in the Constitutional Convention are suf- frage and education. largely because of the problems presented by the presence of the negro race.
 All fair-minded men must agree that white supremacy is essential to the welfare of our people, white and black. How to ensure it is the problem. It now exists, but under conditions which have served tlSeir time. The problem is not of easy solution, and happy must we be if success crown the efforts of those who favor wisdom, justice and moderation. Many solutions are of fered. Some would prohibit negroes from holding office, except in their own schools. It is a foregone conclu- sion that our officials will be white, but Is this enough? Such provision, un- supported by restrictions on the suf- frage, would leave us a numerous and dangerous citizenship which might through corruption and demagoguery hold the balance of power and be a standing menace to the State.
 Others would delegate or relegate the problem to boards of registrars. This might ensure white supremacy, but what have we gained by such plan over the existing lamentable condi- tions?
 Others would disfranchise the negro in direct terms and-take the conse- quences. but that would be folly.
 Others suggest limited or qualified suffrage based on the qualification of voters, and this plan must ultimately prevail. But what qualifications? The best answer can come only from a consideration of broader principles.
 One of our wisest men has said that we are now~on the threshold of an era of great harmnoy and prosperity Or of great discord and diversity the Convention will determine which. Certainly, then, there is need for wis dom, justice and moderation. Rome was not built in day. We may not leap by single bound into that happy state which may come from wise plans, founded on justice and executed in moderation. It would involve us in lit- igation and test in the Federal Suf preme Court when the way is open to reach the goal without it.
 White supremacy we must and will have. not because we have the power but because it is for the best inter- ests of both races. But is that the only desideratum? Why not make the suffrage a mighty engine for the eleva- tion of the people? Why not use 1t as dl Impetus lO
 patriotic citizenship? Why shall not the Convention leap up and plant it's banners on higher plane and So or dain that the integrity of the state may be assured forever?
 Alabama boasts of unbounded riches of nature, but "the State has no mate rial resources at all comparable with it's citizens. and no hope of perpetuitS excent in the intelligence and integrity of its people," The great desideratun is intelligence and integrity-the well fare of the State must follow.
 If a suffrage plan can be devised which will at once ensure white su pemacy and make for the intelligence and integrity of the citizen and tho perpetuity of the State, why not adop it? If it come by combining suffrage and education, or suffrage and prop erty ownership, or suffrage and pol tax, if the great ends of the State b. thus observed. why not?
 Above all things else, Alabama need | men. F. s. B.