The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-10-15

under existing laws, and they VIII con ,ir,,a to nav if If does not require any one to pay tax who is no" eAe"p' from 1t.
 Negroes Do Not Willingly Pay Poll
 Tax.
 If is also we'll known that the ouik eI f; ha negroes do not pay the poii tax cui cd by existing laws, ana tne ne" makes it a felony TOT any one to pav another's poll tax in oroer .o influence his vote. and 1t IS expressiy that no process ol any nu can issue for the collection or tnis tax In other words, its payment IS voluntary, and if must be paid between october ana F. bruarv of each tax year. The purchas- ahIe clement of our citizenship VIII pc confronted with the proposition, that in- stead of being paid to vote' they must nualify themselves in advance, py naNihs raid for themselves their poll tax.
 Negro Literates.
 To the argument of the opposition that tho negroes in the Black Belt who can read ard write will outnumber the whites we renly that the only evidence they have of the number of "literates among the ne groes in that section is the feo- eral census report, based upon statements made by the negroes to the census taker: The latter asks the negro if he couio read and write, and the negro said yes. No test was made to ascertain. Ahu oe- ing able to write ones name Is very different proposition from being apie 10 write "any article or elauSe of the Con stitution." Besides this, those best in- formed believe that these provisions or the new Constitution will have the ef- feet of diminishing the negro vote 1n the black Belt, as well as elsewhere
 White Supremacy Secured
 Those who. from prejudiced and inter- ested motives, are so vigorously declaim- ing against the operation of the perma- nent plan and its effect in the negro coun- ties, overlook the important fact that un- der the temporary plan white supremacy is absolutely secured and If the eViis which these prophets of ill-omen preoict will occur should present themselves there is still left. by the terms or the n- W Constitution, the right of amendins 1t. and the amendment would be Voteu on by the then qualified electors rms IS a white mans government ana IL VIII continue to be SO White men will see to if that they will continue in the ascend ancy. They have always been equal to the d mands of government and it's main tcnance, and they will not be less vigllant in the future than in the past.
 Negroes Have Organized.
 The negroes have organized against the new Constitution. The "literates' among the m have read the hand writing on the wall They fear it's operation. They have app int q tn ir committees to raise mon- ey to def al it. Protestations of the op- posi-. ion campaign management of no vmpathy with the negroes will not avail. ! h y are fighting on the side where the n' 2 'oos, who are already threatening the Democratic party with the esFederal Su- TT me Court, are found to be. We have heard of Federal interference before and we are not to be daunted now. Brave men and good lawyers framed the new organic law and we have no doubt it will withstand all assaults.
 Suffrage Committee Supporting Con-
 stitution.
 The Committee of the Constitutional Conven ion who were charged with the duty of framing the Suffrage Article in the new Constitution, was composed of twen:y fiva members from all sections of ths State and includ d some of our best ] wy, rs. two of them having been Su- preme Court Judges. This Committee, and indeed the whole membership of the Conv ntion. were acting under the sanc- tity of the oath of offica, they had each taken when tho Convention was organ l.; cd. to support and maintain the Con- .tilu;ion and laws of the United States. .. his Committed. after the most careful Judy, r. porttd the plan which is incor- p9rated in the new Constitution. Five IT nb-r r. of this Committee joined in a r ilority report. based upon one clause Clly in the plan, namely, that clause in t.e temporary plan, which authorizes the gistration of the lawful descendants of !d g" On the balance of the plan, the Cor'0- +0c vas agreed. The Conven- tion haNin heard the discussion upon th co rcpo-' -. adopted the majority re- port. The distinguished gentlemen who pr. posed the minority of that Commit pro W, to a man, supporting the "cw Cons i-Ction. We peat, We believe n c ;n:..i-f " took cure ground. Mis- ?i ipp, Loui ana Nor h and South Car ohna have fir cd themselves from the in- cubug of the ignorant gro vote. Ala Lama can and will do the same.
 Motto.
 Catching the spirit and the purpose o1 the new constitution, this committee has adopted as it's motto: White Supremacy Honest Elections and the New Consti- tItion. One and Inseparable.' Under this banner, we will fight the battle oi the Democratic party, and under it, we urge all white men to align themselves.
 Product of Democratic Party.
 The new constitution is the product oi the labor and thought of the Democratic party. in calling the convention and elect. ing a great majority of delegates to seats in it. Whatever of good is found in it is the result of the work of Democrats That party, ever watchful of the interests of the white people of this State, decided should haVn
 Party Has Kept Faith.
 To hold the convention, 1t fought the good fight. Towards its pledges made in that fight it has kept the faith. And whether or not there is, henceforth laid up for it crown of righteousness. it is for the white people of this State to de- eide. By and with them, it proposes tc stand or fall. It has always stood fol white supremacy. which has been oul protection, and will continue to be oul slogan and shield.
 Honest Elections.
 Honest elections are as sure to follow the adoption of the new constitution, a. that the day follows the night. It may not all come at once, but the Democratic party has set it's face towards honest. in elections and it's policies will obtain.
 Legislature Must Act.
 The new constitution requires the leg islature to pass laws, not inconsisten with the constitution, to regulate anC govern elections. It requires the legis lature to make provisions. by laws. fo purging the registration list of any name which may have been fradulently entered thereon.
 Some More New Provisions.
 It expressly excludes from the right t, register or vote or hold office, any persol